Replacing front bushing on upper and lower control arms. I purchased the Energy Suspension kit. The kit require reusing the steel sleeves. One problem how do remove the rubber coating. Tried everything wire wheels, razor knifes and heat. Anyone with previous experience have any suggestions?

 

The kit I purchased had instructions but they were always to apply heat. Like MAP gas heat. Eventually the rubber releases and it comes out but it needs to be really hot.

 

I've had the set for awhile and must of lost the directions. I give the heat another try but it seems to make more of a mess

 

It's coming back to me. Heat up the sleeve with a MAP or propane torch while pushing it with something (screwdriver). Eventually the glue will release and it will slip out of the rubber bushing pretty cleanly. The glue is nasty stuff.

 

Got it figured out. The trick is heat the metal sleeve as Adax stated but I let the steel sleeve get hot enough to let the rubber catch on fire. Not something I recommend you do inside. It produces a thick black smoke, but once it finished burning the rubber is easier removed from the steel sleeve with a wire brush. Even the thin rubber coating bonded to the steel.