I’ve just had some new lower control arms and front arb bushes delivered for the freelander. I thought it was a case of removing the u clamp bolts, u clamp plate and prise off the old rubber bush, then fit in a reverse fashion. The new bushes are bearmach and like cast iron, I can’t seem to split the bush to fit over the arb as the rubber is too strong. I did try a screwdriver and the bush did open up but then stayed open, almost as if there was metal inside it. I squeezed it shut again. Should they be threaded on from the end of the arb or is it normal to force these open and then rely on the clamp to close it up again? Thanks in advance.

Have you got a photo? Landrover - turning owners into mechanics since 1948

2014 Orkney grey Freelander SD4 GS.
2004 Zambezi silver Discovery 2 Td5 (Gone)
1963 Surf blue Morris Mini Minor Super de Luxe (my little toy)

Two photos of the bushes.