sub-frame "pop" after a/c shim removal

[Liquid_force]

I have new front end components - BJ's, in/out tie rods, even new front tires.

I've never had any front end problems/noises to speak of.

A couple months ago I messed with the sub frame to get a/c access in order to get the shim out. At one point I had the sub frame basically just hanging there. The bushings appeared to be in decent condition.

I was not aware of any specific procedure for re-tightening the subframe so I simply tightened it back up.

Ever since then I've had a "pop" (sometimes a "pop", "pop"..."pop") in the area of the driver's side floor board mainly during braking/accelerating.

So naturally I'm guessing not knowing how to properly re-install the subframe has caused one or more sub frame bushings not to work properly.

Is there a procedure I need to follow to get the bushings to "seat" properly, or whatever it is that's causing this "popping" noise.

 

[three50one]

They're probably just worn. It happens to the old rubber bushings. Mine went around 90K. There are holes up by the front you can stick a 3/8 extension to help line it back up, but there aren't really any tricks to reinstalling. I have the aluminum bushings I got from Shosource. No more popping and the only drawback is you feel more in your steering wheel. If you consider that a drawback.

 

[Liquid_force]

weird.

No noises.

Loosen them, tighten them back up and now noises at every stop/go.

 

[three50one]

As long as they're torqued down and seated, which if you'd had it out you would make sure of it I'm sure, there is nothing you can do really. People use the rears for the front as well as an upgrade, or the other option is aluminum, as I said.

I hammered on mine once and the steering wheel jumped out of my hands and cocked they were so bad. That was the beginning of it. Only drove it like that a day as I had planned to change them and just had to get the time.

 

[stephen newberg]

Solid bushings is to my mind the best answer, plus it helps your handling a good deal as it takes flex out of the front box.

pax, smn

 

[Liquid_force]

Had some time to mess with the SF today.
I loosened all 4 corners.
Checked the alignment holes.
I took the bolt out of the left rear and took the bottom half of the bushing off for inspection. There was nothing obviously wrong with it.
I rotated it 180 degrees when I reinstalled it.
Retorqued everything to 75 lb-ft.

Test drove it around the block doing all kinds of swerving, accelerating, hard braking.

No pops.

Free repairs FTW.

 

[three50one]

I'd spend the ~100 for the aluminum bushings, but that's just me. That and you've at least hurt the rubber by driving it how it was.