When should a breaker bushing be replaced?
Bushings guide the tool. A worn bushing lets the tool work at an angle, and the tool, piston and front head wear early.
Clearance between tool and bushing
As a bushing wears, the clearance between tool and bushing grows. The largest allowed clearance is in the breaker’s manual. Measure between the tool shank and the bushing bore; past the limit, replace the bushing.
Signs of wear
Too much side play of the tool, an oval or scored bore, burn marks, and wear on one side of the tool shank show a worn bushing.
When you change a bushing
Check the front and the thrust bushing together; on some breakers they are one part. Check the tool too, as a worn tool soon ruins a new bushing. Make sure the bushing seat in the front head is sound.
To make bushings last
Grease regularly, avoid blank firing, never pry with the tool and keep the breaker square to the surface it strikes.