I’m in the process of changing the stock front coil springs in my ‘55 Mercury to Aerostar springs. The idea is firm up the ride and retain the same amount of lowering. So, the spring pocket spacers on the lower control arms have to go. But, the old coil spring rubber isolators have hardened over the yaers and are seamingly bonded to the upper spring pocket. I really don’t want to attempt burning them out with a torch. Maybe try to soften them with a heat gun? Has anyone else run into this problem and have a non leathal solution?
I'd guess a sharp cold chisel and hammer would get things going. Break some away and I'd expect the remainder to pick out with some persuasion. Rock hard and brittle. Chris
Screw some self tapping screws into it, long enough to contact the top of the pocket and it should pop out If it doesn't pop out it will fracture and you can pick it out. Good luck!
Spring rubbers are not oil resistant, so keep them wet with engine oil and they will soften after a few days.
Thanks for the inputs, eveyone. I found a flat tip for my soldering iron that I didn’t know I had! I think I’ll sharpen the tip and try to loosen a section with soldering iron heat. Hopefully, the rest will come out with pliers. Well, it’s a plan, anyway!
Just an update - my soldering iron scraper worked great! The hot tip cut through the old rubber without effort. Once I was able to get under the rubber isolator, it peeled off the spring pocket easily. Turned out to be a zero effort job!
Winner! I'd suggest posting this in the tricks and tips so it will be more visible once this post drops down the page. Keep this too, for the people that use the search function.
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