Removing bushings from lower control arm on the W124

When you go to replace your control arms, you have two options:
- Replace the entire assembly
- Remove the ball joint and bushings and press in new ones
Removing the ball joints is straightforward. There are a lot of press tools. However, it's not so easy to remove the bushings. I tried a lot of things and this seems to be the best method that I could find. The video shows the entire unedited process of getting one out. Usually, the one next to it comes out quicker since it's already at temp.
There's an important follow up step! I am unable to edit this video, unfortunately. But please watch this quick 1 minute follow up here:
• Follow up for removing...
Please be aware that you need a special tool to press the NEW bushings in. I do not have that tool and will be trying to find a shop that can help me locally.
If you want to see the whole process for removing and replacing the control arms on a W124, please see these videos:
- part 1 • Removing and replacing...
- part 2 • Removing and replacing...

[@bsclifton]

IMPORTANT FOLLOW UP VIDEO:
ua-cam.com/video/6wmisf0mCzo/v-deo.html
There are rings you need to remove too - those are part of the bushing. I mistakenly thought they were part of the control arm. You can take them out after you take the rubber out.

[@shaazy]

Great tips. I had a question. What orientation do the bushings go in? I was looking at the factory service manual and apparently there are some flat spots on the bushings that either have to be oriented horizontal (front bushing) or vertical (rear bushing). And that translates to a better ride apparently. Any thoughts on that?

[@bsclifton]

I replied to your other comment - but please see the links to photos in the video description for ua-cam.com/video/6wmisf0mCzo/v-deo.html