A couple of tips from this photo. I use a spark plug wrench to slide over the threaded rod and a deep drive socket on the other end. There is tremendous force required to press a properly fitting bearing into a strut. You can use two heavy duty washers with the smooth sides facing each other. Most all washers have a smooth side and a rough side.


Between these two washers I apply some wheel grease so they rotate on each other easily. This prevents the washer from wanting to turn on the face of the cutlass bearing and really makes it much easier to tighten and press the cutlass into the strut. If you can find a bronze washer you can sandwich it in between two steel washers and make a nice lubed bronze thrust washer.


Please do yourself a favor and use thick washers, and multiples if you need to. Cheap washers can bend or dish and can destroy the cutlass bearing by flaring the end. Also remember to use at least 1/2" threaded rod. 1/2" should be the minimum size not maximum.. This is not a job for wimpy threaded rod and 3/4" would be a better option.


It should be noted that the pressure of pressing this bearing in destroyed the threads on this threaded rod. A bearing with a true press fit will ideally require 3/4" or more diameter threaded rod..