Automatic Linkage Bushing tough installation

[cospinner]

On my 1970 280SL, I had the common problem of the automatic transmission bushing falling apart on the lower end.  I order replacement bushings from Mercedes Classic Center, part number 112-268-01-50. 

I followed all the advice of previous posts, and got them installed on the linkage rod with the flat end toward the post/shaft/transmission.  The problem I am having now is that when pressed with much effort onto the shaft, it pops off immediatly and will not stay on. If the bushing is installed the other way with the smaller hole facing out, it goes on very easily but will probably pop off quickly and no room for a retaining clip ordered from MercedesSource.

I have not tried the suggestion I saw about soaking in hot water, but thought that was for installation into the linkage arm, not pressing onto the shaft.

Any ideas?  Thanks.

[NZ230]

Hello by no means an expert but having some experience in this matter of late once the small hole of the bushing is applied to either the linkage at transmission end or the shifter end it generally won’t come off easily? I used a C clamp and small amount of grease to get them on as don’t have a vice and didn’t need hot water or anything and once they had clicked on were fairly robust