Subframe Bushings?

[Grifter]

My car has a horrible cracking noise when I take a turn fast. I showed it to my mehcanic and let him take a ride in it. We took it back to the shop and put it on the lift, he checked all the sway bar end links, tie rod ends and wheels. He came to the conclusion that it's the Subframe Bushings. He showed me where there is metal to metal conntact, creating the noise. I called up a Ford dealership to see if the Recall had been done, and he said that the car has had all the recalls done to it. So, I was wondering what kind of subframe bushings I should get, or if there's more to the problem. The bushings look extremly worn out, and it seems to be right where the noise is coming from. You can actually kind of feel it under your feet sometimes. I was looking the Al. SFB.

Any help would be great.

Thanks.

<small>[ December 27, 2003, 12:13 AM: Message edited by: Grifter ]</small>

 

[Bryan C. King]

I would definately get the Aluminum Subframe bushings.......

 

[Grifter]

Ok, thanks Bryan.

 

[cyanmauve]

The way I see it, you have a few options…

1) Go with stock- If you had wanted to do that, you'd have posted in another section.

2) Police subframe bushings- This is what I have. They are higher density rubber than stock. I am pleased with them, but cannot do a direct compare/contrast with stock becuase by the time I got my car, they were worn to basically nothing.

3) AL SFBs- These are by far the most popular upgrade, and most who own them seem to really like them. However, I have a few concerns. A) Excessive noise, vibration, harshness transmitted into the exterior. B) The engine subframe was not engineered with the idea of being rigidly bolted to the "frame" of our unibody cars. Much like replacing the stock torque limiters that are on the side of the engine with rigid links, I believe that undue stress is placed on a point not designed to take that kind of stress.

These are just my thoughts, and I would like to emphasize that many, many people have purchased these items and are pleased witht he results.

 

[93redATX]

Personally, I'd recommend the aluminum bushings. If anything, you'll never have to replace them, because they'll outlive your car.

cyanmauve:
3) AL SFBs- These are by far the most popular upgrade, and most who own them seem to really like them. However, I have a few concerns. A) Excessive noise, vibration, harshness transmitted into the exterior. B) The engine subframe was not engineered with the idea of being rigidly bolted to the "frame" of our unibody cars. Much like replacing the stock torque limiters that are on the side of the engine with rigid links, I believe that undue stress is placed on a point not designed to take that kind of stress.

I'd just like to touch on one point real quick here. This is a good point, and I've seen cars fall victim to other items breaking after an install of aluminum SFB's. However, this was on a car with upwards of 150k, and had all stock engine mounts, tranny mounts, suspension, etc. FWIW, I don't think the stress would cause a problem on a "healthy" car, that is, one with new(er) mounts or EXTREME mounts.

Just my $.02 shrug

 

[MO-KAN SHO]

Just for the record, I had the ford dealer run my vin number to see if the recall had been done since I was there anyway. They said it had been.

But when shonut91 (who's helping me with repairs/upgrades) pulled the carpetting back, there was not plug where the floorpan was drilled indicating to us that the recall was never done.

Long story short: don't take the dealer's word as final. Check yourself...

 

[Bizzy]

If you want AL SFB's I should have another batch of them Monday/Tuesday. I'll have a new classified ad up round then too. But as always there is a link in my sig to see the past ad.

I've got them at the best price, no-one beats my pricing as of yet. And the vendor feedback I have gotten on them has been awesome.

Many many ppl don't notice any additional noise or vibrations from them. They are prolly 10 times quieter than what you may be used to in your car because of the old worn out ones. Plus for the $20-$30 more than OEM bushings (stock, police, or gen3) these will NEVER wear out.

Shoot me a PM or email if your are in need of a set, I should be picking up 5 sets on Monday or Tuesday. Was supposed to have them again last week but with Christmas and all I think they got delayed.

Read some feedback here

 

[Grifter]

MO-KAN SHO: I am thinking the exact same thing, I just dont trust them. Which leads me to my next question; how do I check if it's been done or not. Where do I look, what do I look for? I have an idea of where it is, but I'm not sure.

My car has 126,000 miles and I believe has the stock motor mounts, etc. Should I be hesitant to get the AL. SFB's? All of cyanmauve's points seem valid, but wouldnt we hear more problems with them. Not everyone who gets them has a heavly modded car.

netviper: I think I'm interested in a set. How much are they, and what types of payments do you accept. The link in your sig doesnt work for me, so that's why I'm asking.

Thanks again

<small>[ December 28, 2003, 12:21 PM: Message edited by: Grifter ]</small>

 

[DHMag]

the additional noise and vibration is very minimal in my SHO. the added noise, vibration, and harshness actually makes me, personally, feel more connected to the car. im in total agreement with another member that the added NVH compliments the Yamahammer. instead of hearing secondaries open, i FEEL them open.

Netviper is very good with customer relations, id buy from him again. MidwestSHO also sells the Al SFBs but my personal buying attempts from them have equaled my thoughts of SHOShop.

 

[Bizzy]

Grifter:
MO-KAN SHO: I am thinking the exact same thing, I just dont trust them. Which leads me to my next question; how do I check if it's been done or not. Where do I look, what do I look for? I have an idea of where it is, but I'm not sure.

My car has 126,000 miles and I believe has the stock motor mounts, etc. Should I be hesitant to get the AL. SFB's? All of cyanmauve's points seem valid, but wouldnt we hear more problems with them. Not everyone who gets them has a heavly modded car.

netviper: I think I'm interested in a set. How much are they, and what types of payments do you accept. The link in your sig doesnt work for me, so that's why I'm asking.

Thanks again

I wouldn't worry about your motor mounts, If they aren't shot already they should be fine. I know of loads of cars with OEM motormounts and AL SFB's and they don't have any problems.

Sorry bout the link...looks like someone went ad deleted the thread for the classified ad. I'm getting pretty pissec off with this constant deletion of my classified threads. I should have a new classified ad up shortly once I find out why the old closed one was deleted. Here's what was contained in the previous ad...


I'm offering up my Aluminum Subframe Bushings at a little better of a price than what I've got up for sale on eBay. Many of people on the SHOforum, people on superhighoutput.com and eBay have bought bushings from me in the past. There was also a group buy a while back when I made my first few sets, which since those sets a minor change to the bushings were made, in regards to having a counterbored hole for the shoulder on the recall washers added. (See pics)

Shipping is included in the pricing via FedEx home or ground service (for work addresses). I can also add recall kits that I can pick up at my local Ford dealer. They give me a good price on them since they were curious about why I was buying so many of them, but then I took one of thier parts guys for a spin in my SHO. I get the recall kits at $14 each after the increased shipping weight is factored in.
http://home.nycap.rr.com/netviper576/sfb/SFB1.JPG
http://home.nycap.rr.com/netviper576/sfb/SFB2.JPG
http://home.nycap.rr.com/netviper576/sfb/SFB3.JPG
http://home.nycap.rr.com/netviper576/sfb/SFB4.JPG

Pricing:
US
1 Set of AL SFB $100(shipped)
1 AL SFB set + 1 recall kit $114(shipped)
1 AL SFB set + 2 recall kits $128(shipped)

Canada - sorry I have to pass the added shipping costs on to ya
1 Set of AL SFB $108(shipped)
1 AL SFB set + 1 recall kit $122(shipped)
1 AL SFB set + 2 recall kits $136(shipped)

vendor feedback...
http://www.shoforum.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=8;t=000296
http://www.shoforum.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=8;t=000290
http://www.shoforum.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=8;t=000288

 

[Grifter]

Thanks for all the help guys.

netviper: I am very interested in your AL. Bushings. Can you PM me when you get some sets?

 

[Bizzy]

Grifter:
Thanks for all the help guys.

netviper: I am very interested in your AL. Bushings. Can you PM me when you get some sets?

shoot me a PM to remind me, I won't read it and it will be there blinkingin my face everyday. I'll respond to the PM from you as soon as I have some in hand

 

[Grifter]

Ok, I'll PM you tomorrow sometime.

 

[Grifter]

I checked to see if I had the recall done. Are you guys talking about 2 little black disk things. They have small slits in them. One's by the Gas Pedal the other's by the clutch? I think I'm actually missing one, would that make a difference. Are these the "plugs" you're talking about?

 

[fricker66]

If you are unsure "if" the recall was done, then there's no telling "when" the recall was done either. I'd recommend ordering a pair of the recall kits to obtain 4 new bolts to use when upgrading to new subframe bushings. The black plugs are rubber seals underneath the floor carpet/insulation. It seals the interior from the access hole where the subframe nuts are located.

 

[Grifter]

Then I'm sure the recall was done. The Plugs are exactly where I was told they'd be.

 

[Grifter]

Well, nevermind now I'm sure the recall hasnt been done. I'm going to buy the Recall Kit from SHO Nut.

 

[Bizzy]

Grifter - If you need recall kits I can get them for you along with your bushing order if you want them. You should take your car to a Ford dealer and have the recall done for FREE if it hasn't been done on the car already. All Taurus cars up to 97 (i think) are covered by this free recall if you live in a "rust belt" where they use salt on the roads. I know NJ is covered by that.

I can include a recall kit or 2 with a bushing order and save you some shipping. But if I were you I'd set up an appointment at a Ford dealer and have them do the recall on your car, why pay for something that they will do for you for free?

 

[SHODWN]

lemme ask a dumb question.

Why the larger counter bore for the washer? ITS AL I would not worry about the bolt.

 

[Grifter]

netviper: I called 2 Dealerships and they said it was done, but I checked for those Plugs and I cant find any. How far back do you have to pull the carpet? There isnt any time limit on recalls are there? The last guy at the dealership that I talked to made it sound like my car wasnt involved in the Recall and that it was "over." That's how he made it sound at least.

And I still would like to purchase your Al. SFB's too.