Replacing steering column bushes

[Graham IOW]

I have got my steering column on the bench to replace the bushes but the manual says to remove the inner column but i cant get it passed the original bushes because of the enlarged bit that the steering lock goes in to this is off of a 1976 spitfire 1500 is there a  way to get the bushes out without any damage to the outer column thanks Graham.

[Colin Lindsay]

I have never tried the column lock version, but have done a number of Herald versions. If you can't get the old bushes out one solution is to press new bushes down / up in on top of the old, the new ones will push the old out of place and seat themselves in the column as the side lugs meet up with the holes. Drill off the fitting lugs from the old ones first, that will make them easier to move especially if you can get grease round them too - spray grease works for me. 

[Graham IOW]

Thanks Colin sounds like a plan and will save potential damage to the outer Graham