Access Front Subframe Bushings

[Marccus]

How do you gain access to the front subframe bushings from above. I want to install the recall kits, which have instructions on how to install the rear bushings.

I was trying to feel with my hand where there is access to the front subframe bushings from above and couldn't find one.

Do you need access from above?

The kits contain the same # of items - washer, bolt, rubber seal, retaining plate (that's what I'm calling it) that the bolt screws iinto.

I would imagine that you don't need the rubber seals for the front bushings since there is no floor to cut through.

And if you don't have to install a retaining plate from above then you don't need the plate also.

Can anyone clear up what is needed for the front subframe bushings and how to gain access from above if necessarY.

 

[Power Surge]

For the fronts, you just use the new bolts. You can also use the thick metal plates if you like. There's nothing to change out on the fronts like on the rears other than the bolts.

 

[Phoenix]

the front plates are in the frame rail , accessible underhood by a hole on the side.

Without any engine , it's ok , with engine , hav'nt tried but if it passes , it must be very tight.

 

[Mikey]

Can anyone clear up what is needed for the front subframe bushings and how to gain access from above if necessarY.

The nuts on the top are prone to cracking. The right front is not so bad, but you may spend some time on the drivers side. Change one at a time. The subframe will hang with the remaining three. Unscrew the bolt underneath first, then bend the litlle tabs that hold the OE nut and work it out, the annoying part. I like to put a wrench on the new nuts have a buddy hold it, if N/A let the wrench hang it will tense up against the unibody.

 

[93rev2sev]

Like this...
Cut a hole in the frame rail...I drew in a tire iron to show you how to get the nut to hold still...just cut the old bolt and pull the remnants out of the hole you cut since you have new bolts/platenuts.


Or remove the battery tray(pass) airbox(drv)...there's already a hole there.

 

[Marccus]

Thanks!!! :wave:

 

[Marccus]

Like this...
Cut a hole in the frame rail...I drew in a tire iron to show you how to get the nut to hold still...just cut the old bolt and pull the remnants out of the hole you cut since you have new bolts/platenuts.


Or remove the battery tray(pass) airbox(drv)...there's already a hole there.

Well it looks like I have to cut a hole like you did to gain access to the nut. But isn't this a poor design? I mean, what does the dealership mechanic do if he has to replace the nut or add the nut plate?

You mentmion access by removeing the battery tray, but I see a hole b ut you sitll hav to cut an newon

 

[SHOZ123]

Don't be cutting holes in the frame. You can gain access to the front nuts though a hole in the side of the subframe on the inside edge of the frame.

PITA but if the bolts come out then there is no reason to replace the nuts.

 

[Marccus]

OK. Thanks. I didn't want to do that!!

I guess the only time you would need access if the nuts inside were stripped - some gorrilla overtightened the bolt or you just want to put the nut plate or new nuts in.

 

[SHOZ123]

I was lucky on my '93. Passenger side came out but the drivers side I had to break the bolt and fish the nut out of the small access hole. Took a couple of weeks to change the SFBs that winter......

 

[Marccus]

So I really don't have to install the kit nut plates for the rear bushings by cutting the hole and installing the plate.

As long as I use the bolt with the washer on all four aluminum bushings and all the nuts are good, I should be OK.

Right?!

 

[SHOZ123]

Yes as long as the nuts hold you are OK. And the washer that comes with the kit really doesn't fit well.

 

[93rev2sev]

That's crazy.

Aluminum SFB and 15 year old stamped stamped steel platenuts?!?!

Oh, and you will never get it tight enough.

 

[Marccus]

Well, I'll just do it the right way.

Problem is I'm on a LONG term work assignment and I don't have a drill or grinder with me, just my tools.

So I'll have to buy a battery operated drill (I hate them, too bulky and an electric one always has more torque).

Even better - buy a deep cycle optima and a DC to AC converter!!

It's only money and you can't take it with you!

But still, how do you install the front bushings plate nuts?

The only way seems like you have to cut a hole in the subframe rails.

The recall kits are only for the rear bushings, so the dealer never had to worry about this problem on recalls.

If the front nut broke when the dealer mechanic was insalling new rubber bushings after the current ones needed replacement, he would only have to "wiggle" a new nut into position through the small hole (looks like a PITA) since he doesn't install the plate nuts in the front.

The plate nut won't go through this small hole.

How did you guys do it??? Cut a hole in the rails???

 

[Marccus]

OK. I installed the aluminum bushings this weekend. Everything went smoothly. It took me Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon to do it. The steering and handling are much improved and the NVH not much more noticeable.

One tip:

Don't leave a can of PB Blaster in the trunk with the cap off and then throw something on top of it.

When you look again, you'll see that the article of clothing you threw in the trunk, landed on the spray button and the entire contents of the can is emptied out on the trunk's fabric floor. :banghd:

The odor is still there and I've gone through two cans of rug cleaner so far.

 

[thorrinn123]

my tabs on broken off on the passenger side front nut had to cut the bolt to get the subframe off. i have the recall kit but not the captive nut that comes with the kit will just spin in place how can i keep it from spinning now?

 

[AREA 91]

my tabs on broken off on the passenger side front nut had to cut the bolt to get the subframe off. i have the recall kit but not the captive nut that comes with the kit will just spin in place how can i keep it from spinning now?

Jam a pry bar through the hole. If it's spinning, use a new nut.

 

[thorrinn123]

sorry i wasn't clearer i had to cut the bolt off to get it off....now i have the recall kit my question is how do i keep the nut from spinning when i go to reinstall the subframe is there enought room to put a wrench in there or i have taken off the front bumper there is a hole in the front can i put a socket from that way?

 

[93rev2sev]

Ignore the hole in the frame. If you are lucky, you can get a combo wrench in the hole I drew a tire iron going through

 

[thorrinn123]

yes the nut is 22mm so i am going to look for a wrench that might work on the way home tonight....