Subframe bushing question

[fallout]

I need a step by step on how to change the ones that go under the floorboards. Is it just the one bolt? And do they just drop out or do they need pressed in? Because the ones I have have the main hole for the main bolt but then the one plate has 4 bolts mounted into the surface. What is that for? I just want to know before I go tearing into this thing

 

[Ian Macoomb]

Sounds like you've got the front bushings. The rear is a two piece design. No need for any press. BTW you can use the rear bushings in the front too.

 

[fallout]

dammit I knew something was wrong.

 

[avocadoman1]

i currently have aluminum bushings but did have the stock rears in all fours for a short time and actually prefer that.

 

[stephen newberg]

i currently have aluminum bushings but did have the stock rears in all fours for a short time and actually prefer that.

I tried that also, but like the all aluminium. The ride is a bit harsher, but the frame stiffness is considerably improved. When you add a front strut tower brace, you actually end up with an overall stiff frame box.

pax, smn

 

[SHOZ123]

All I know is if you use the aluminum ones be sure to put plenty of anti seize on them everywhere they contact the steel subframe and the bolts. Otherwise they will be almost impossible to separate from the subframe.......

 

[Silvapain]

All I know is if you use the aluminum ones be sure to put plenty of anti seize on them everywhere they contact the steel subframe and the bolts. Otherwise they will be almost impossible to separate from the subframe.......

+1. I had a bear of a time getting a set of aluminum bushings out of a subframe because of bad electrolysis.

 

[Ian Macoomb]

And mine were stuck in the subframe the last time I changed the front swaybar bushings.

 

[stephen newberg]

I suspect mine are too, though I have not looked. Until I have to drop the subframe for some reason, I suppose it really does not matter.

pax, smn

 

[SHOZ123]

Well it really isn't an issue unless you want to remove them from the subframe. Most of the binding appears to be between the two aluminum parts where the corrosion makes it one piece.

 

[stephen newberg]

Probably meaningless for me then. I like them and would not be replacing them by going back to the OEM versions, even if all rears.

Do have squeaking again, though, so I guess time to replace the front sway bar bushings again.

pax, smn

 

[fallout]

Do I have to drop the whole subframe to do the rears or do they drop out?

 

[Ian Macoomb]

You'll have to drop one half of the subframe at a time (ie. front, then rear). It's not a big deal.

 

[fallout]

It looks as if the only bad part is the lower half, can I just change that? This is going to be really hard otherwise in my driveway.

 

[Ian Macoomb]

You could but why not do both and get it done right the first time. I did this in my gravel driveway about 4 years ago and I was a complete newbie to car repairs,

 

[SHOZ123]

All you need to do is jack the front end of the car up and support the body on jack stands. Then put the floor jack under the oil pan with a piece of wood. Then take the rear subframe bushings bolts out. And lower the motor and rear of the subframe with the floor jack.