Ecgs bushing install - in progress question

Does the bushing HAVE to be flush? I have hit a point it doesnt seem to be going any further. Maybe 1/32 or 1/24 outside from flush. Is that close enough?

I tried calling ecgs, no answer

Edit - see post 55 for resolution. For those just reading this, a few pointers from my perspective.

1 - make sure the bushing fits over the axle before you install it.
2 - dont use the ecgs removal tool, you can get a far superior collet style “inside blind bearing puller” for basically the same price on Amazon. I used the kit linked below to remove the actual ecgs bushing, which broke the ecgs removal tool. This kit is FAR easier to use. I did not use the slide hammmer tool, but the puller style tool.
3 - you probably shouldnt use a socket to drive the bushing. While I do not believe this causes my issue, it may have contributed

$54 8MILELAKE Blind Inner Bearing Puller, Hole Remover Extractor Set, 16pcs Blind Hole Collet Bearing Race and Seal Puller Extractor Kit, Slide Hammer Tool Set

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0798GS916/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I couldn’t get it quite flush, either.
It’s been ~23k since install with no issues.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-diff-vibes-ecgs-bushing-fix.464941/

look here / i made mine flush
there is a bunch of photos
but that is close to good

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=40&v=8P68OCu_ZeI

 

Chase from ECGS has stated, up to 1/4" sticking out is permissible. Most get an 1/8" or less.

 

Should be close to flush, make sure your driver or socket is not hitting anything? You are close enough I think.

 

You are close enough. Good job.

 

perfect. run it

 

I got mine to about 1/8" from flush. I kept driving it in until it touched the groove, so about the same position as the oem needle bearing. I could have gotten it flush but I wanted to leave a little space since the removal tool needs to sit in that groove and I wanted to leave a little space for it in case I ever need to pull it.

 

Thanks everyone.

Ran into a serious problem. The bushing will not accept the half shaft, its not even close. Even without the c-clip the half shaft will not even pass the entrance of the bushing.

The ecgs tool broke trying to remove the ecgs bushing, sending metal everywhere inside the diff.

The only thought I have is that the bushing has to have been out of spec to not accept the axle with no c clip in it. At this point the bushing is ruined and I have no way to remove it. Thoughts?

 

Before the bushing install, did you slide the bushing on the CV axle to check its fit and tolerances?

What did you use to install the bushing?

I used several sockets with the removal tool to improvise as a bushing driver to install the ECGS bushing in mine.

This video explains it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WhZg9fQzj4

Tons of helpful videos on youtube.

 

I doubt the bushing was out of spec and am wondering how did you break the simple removal tool?

 

Followed their instructions exactly. very carefully driving the bushing in with sockets. I spent a long time doing this to make sure it was right.

I did not slide the bushing over the axle before installing the bushing. I didnt even think to do this, honestly. The bushing went in easily enough, until the end when it I posted because I didnt want to hit it hard.

The tool broke trying to remove their bushing, worked on the needle bearing like a champ. When trying to remove the EGCS bushing their bushing was spinning, and not pulling out. The “nut” part broke in half and the threaded rod is a little bent now. It was lined up and straight as an arrow on the outside end.

 

You didn’t happen to put the bushing in backwards?

 

I was thinking the same thing...

 

No - i cant imagine anyone actually manages that

 

I can when i get back home. I went out to eat and clear my head.

 

You’d be surprised...

 

How did you drive the bushing in? Its possible the bushing was deformed when you drove it in. Especially if it stopped and you kept trying. Best bet would be to purchase another tool. Another alternative is to go to you local auto zone and rent a slide hammer with a hook and slowly hammer it out, working your way around the bushing in small increments. Careful, though, because you dont want to mar any of the surfaces in there.

 

Time to regear, and send that one back as a core and see if they can get it. Problem solved lol

 

Two real quick pictures. The edges feel very smooth and sharp with no inconsistencies.

The c clip is not on axle, since I wanted to see id it would fit without the clip I removed it and havent put it back on. No burrs or misasligned grooves.




Edit - appreciate all the help. Im not nearly new to working on cars, and the guy who was with me is a former tech too. Between us, weve got a whole lot more experience than this entire project should have required.