Accessories · Review

BGS 6890 Review

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Intro

Working on your own car can save you hundreds of euros in garage labour costs, but some jobs feel out of reach without the right equipment. Suspension work — especially replacing worn bushings in control arms and swing arms — is one of those tasks that sits right on the edge of what a home mechanic can tackle. The parts themselves are often inexpensive, yet the labour quoted by workshops can be eye-watering because of the time and special tools involved. What makes the difference between a frustrating weekend on axle stands and a smooth, satisfying repair is having a tool that is actually built for the job. A purpose-made bushing press designed for your specific vehicle takes the guesswork out of alignment, protects surrounding components like brake lines and sensor cables, and lets you do the work without dropping the entire subframe or suspension arm off the car. For anyone who does their own maintenance on an older Honda or Acura, investing in the right tool means the difference between struggling with a generic press that barely fits and getting the job done cleanly in an afternoon.

Generalities

When you are shopping for a suspension bushing tool, the first thing to check is whether it is designed for your exact make and model. Generic bushing press kits exist, but they often require improvisation with spacers, adapters, and a lot of trial-and-error to get the bushing to seat properly. A vehicle-specific tool removes all of that uncertainty — the cups, receivers, and threaded rods are sized precisely for the bushings you are replacing. BGS is a German tool brand known for producing workshop-grade automotive equipment, and their suspension arm tool falls into this specialised category. It is built for Honda and Acura models from the late 1980s through early 2000s, a generation of vehicles where rear trailing arm bushings are a known wear item. If you own one of these cars and have been quoted a four-figure repair bill, this is the category of tool that lets you do it yourself.

In this review, we will walk through exactly what the BGS 6890 suspension arm tool offers — from its build quality and design to how it actually feels to use on the vehicle. We will cover the Honda and Acura models it fits, what makes the hanging-foot design particularly clever for on-car bushing replacement, and whether the build quality lives up to the BGS reputation. We will also look at what is included in the case, what is missing, and whether this tool represents good value for the home mechanic or small workshop.

Description

The BGS 6890 is a suspension arm bushing tool purpose-built for replacing the rear trailing arm bushings on a specific range of Honda and Acura models. It is a mechanical press tool — no hydraulics, no power source needed — that uses a threaded spindle and a set of precision-machined pressing cups to push the old bushing out and draw the new one in. The tool is made from heavy-gauge steel with a robust black finish, weighing in at 5.82 kg in its carry case. The package dimensions are 38.4 cm × 29.5 cm × 11 cm, making it compact enough to store on a shelf but heavy enough to feel substantial in your hands. It is designed for on-car use, meaning you do not need to remove the entire rear trailing arm from the vehicle — a huge time saver.

What sets this tool apart from a generic bushing press is the hanging-foot design. The tool hooks onto the swing arm itself using two adjustable feet, securing it firmly in position while you operate the press. Because the tool hangs from the arm rather than needing to be clamped from below or braced against the floor, it stays stable and aligned even when you are working under the car on axle stands. The hook feet are adjustable for distance, which lets you fine-tune the fit to ensure the pressing cups are perfectly centred over the bushing. This design also keeps the tool away from the ABS sensor cable, the brake lines, and other delicate components near the bushing housing — you can replace the bushing without risking accidental damage to the wiring or hydraulics around it.

Using the BGS 6890 is straightforward once it is positioned. You hang the tool on the trailing arm, adjust the feet so everything lines up, place the correct pressing cup against the bushing, and then turn the threaded spindle with a ratchet or spanner. The spindle applies steady, controlled pressure to extract the old bushing, and the same process in reverse installs the new one. Because the tool is rigid and well-machined, the bushing goes in straight — there is no risk of it cocking sideways and binding in the bore, which is a common frustration with universal press kits. The entire operation can be completed without dropping the subframe or removing the trailing arm from the car, which on these Honda models would otherwise add hours of additional disassembly.

The tool comes as a single unit with all necessary pressing adapters included — there is one item in the package. It ships in a sturdy blow-moulded plastic case with cut-out foam that holds every component securely in place, which is useful for keeping everything organised between jobs. No additional accessories or attachments are needed for the supported vehicle range, though it is worth noting that the tool is not adjustable for other makes or models — it is a single-purpose instrument for the Honda and Acura fitment listed. The manufacturer warranty is the legal warranty applicable at the point of sale, and BGS does not currently provide spare parts or replacement components for this tool.

The tool measures 38.4 cm × 29.5 cm × 11 cm in its case and weighs 5.82 kg — heavy enough to confirm solid steel construction but light enough to handle comfortably under a vehicle. It is covered by the standard legal warranty. On Amazon.fr, this product ranks 370,610 in DIY & Tools overall and 224 in the Multitool Accessories sub-category. It does not yet have any customer star ratings, which is not unusual for a niche specialist tool. The compatible vehicle list covers the Honda Civic (1988–2000), Honda Del Sol (1993–1997), Honda CR-V (1997–2002), and Acura Integra (1994–2001) — a useful range spanning over a decade of production.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Designed specifically for Honda and Acura rear trailing arm bushings — no guesswork with adapters or spacers, the pressing cups fit perfectly out of the box
  • On-car operation means you can replace the bushing without removing the trailing arm, saving hours of disassembly compared to taking the whole suspension apart
  • The hanging-foot mounting system keeps the tool stable and centred on the swing arm, preventing the misalignment issues that plague universal press kits
  • Adjustable hook feet let you fine-tune the attachment distance, ensuring a secure fit across the full range of supported models
  • Thoughtful clearance around the ABS sensor cable, brake lines, and nearby components means you can work confidently without risking damage to expensive wiring or hydraulics
  • Heavy-duty steel construction weighing 5.82 kg gives the rigidity needed to press bushings straight without flexing, and the black-coated finish resists corrosion in a workshop environment
  • Comes in a blow-moulded carry case with shaped foam cut-outs, so all components stay organised, protected, and easy to find when you need the tool again
  • Covers four popular Honda and Acura models spanning 1988 to 2002 — a wide enough range to justify the investment for a DIY mechanic or small independent workshop

Cons

  • Limited to a specific set of Honda and Acura models — if you change vehicles or work on other brands, this tool offers no adaptability
  • At 5.82 kg and with no hydraulic assist, the tool relies entirely on manual force via a ratchet or spanner, which can be physically demanding when dealing with severely corroded bushings
  • No spare parts or replacement components are available from the manufacturer — if a pressing cup gets lost or damaged, you may need to replace the entire tool
  • The product currently has no customer ratings or reviews on Amazon, making it harder to gauge long-term durability from other users' experiences
  • The legal warranty is standard rather than an extended manufacturer guarantee, which may feel short for a tool at this price point

Use cases

This tool is best suited for DIY mechanics and small independent workshops that regularly service 1988–2002 Honda and Acura models with rear trailing arm bushing wear.

DIY Honda Restoration and Maintenance

If you own a Honda Civic, CR-V, or Del Sol from the 1990s and do your own maintenance, this tool pays for itself the first time you skip a garage bill for rear bushing replacement. The job can be done on axle stands in a driveway or garage without removing the trailing arm, making it a realistic weekend project for a competent home mechanic.

Small Independent Workshop Specialising in Japanese Cars

For a workshop that sees a steady stream of older Hondas and Acuras, having this press on the shelf turns a 3-hour job into a 45-minute one. It removes the trial-and-error of universal kits and lets the technician quote competitive prices while still making good margin on the labour.

Track Day and Motorsport Preparation

Honda Civics and Integras are popular platforms for track builds, where worn suspension bushings cause unwanted geometry changes under load. This tool lets you refresh the rear trailing arm bushings as part of a suspension overhaul without pulling the entire arm, keeping alignment settings intact.

Preventative Maintenance on High-Mileage Vehicles

Rear trailing arm bushings on these Honda models often start to degrade after 150,000 km, leading to vague handling and uneven tyre wear. Catching them early with this tool lets you replace the bushings before they cause secondary damage to tyres or other suspension components.

Mobile Mechanic or Van-Based Repair Service

The compact carry case and on-car operation make this tool practical for a mobile mechanic who works at the customer's location. No need for a hydraulic press or bench — everything fits in the van, and the job can be done kerbside with basic hand tools and a jack.