Remove lower mount + fork without removing driveshaft?

[soundguy 13]

I want to get some new bushes pressed into the fork and lower engine mount, but I don't want to take the driveshaft out of the diff if I can avoid it (damaged a new seal last time I fitted new shafts, want to avoid this, plus refilling the gearbox). Is it possible to unbolt the mount + fork, separate them and somehow slide them off the hub end of the shaft if I take the hub off?

[Tom Fenton 1,524]

Fork can be removed, engine mount can not.

[soundguy 13]

OK, thanks. Any advice for getting the driveshaft back in without damaging the seal?

[joris_andriesse 8]

Gently and with a lot of lubrication.


If someone heard me saying that, without knowing the context..... :p

 

[welshpug 1,621]

never had an issue damaging seals, very light bit of grease or oil on the end is as much as I ever do with them.

[soundguy 13]

Thanks, will take care this time - I was a bit forceful last time.

[SRDT 146]

With the right tools you can change it on the car but I don't know if it's worth it when you're not a pro.

[soundguy 13]

I'm happy taking the fork and mount off etc and getting someone else to press the new bushes in but I can imagine getting the OEM-type bush in while under the car will eventually lead to me taking it off anyway and wishing I had just done that sooner.

 

Those split polybushes look a piece of piss to fit but it seems they're just too hard, too much NVH so I'm happy to take the mounts off (+shafts out etc) for someone else to deal with.