There are numerous threads on replacing the compression rod bushing on our cars but not much on installing the factory bushings. Aftermarket bushings such as whiteline are straight forward to install but the factory bushings are a PITA. I have a 12 ton press at home and some press cups but the factory bushing won't press in evenly. It starts to tilt to the side every time. There is a pdf out there with instructions on how to do this but still I'm having no success. The instructions say to turn the bushing until the middle marker on the rubber points towards the center of the ball joint. Also the bushing should be pressed in on the side with the right-angled edge or chamfer (ball joint pointing upward).

The compression rods I have are original factory on my '05 G35 sedan but the factory bushings I'm trying to install are the revised version 54570-AC70A. The bushing hole in the compression rod isn't perfectly round while the bushing casing looks round. Could it be that the revised bushings require a revised compression rod? Any ideas would be much appreciated.

 

It's easiest to press in on the side with the beveled edge (chamfer?). Basically the side that looks like a little funnel. Make sure the rod is perfectly level when pressing in the bushing. It may tilt to one side a little bit when first getting started but should straiten out as you continue to press it in. Important part is to keep the rod level and the press cups flat, maybe even press on the "high" side with the press rod directly then go back to the cup.