Struggling with fitting oem subframe bushes

[Gazmitchell]

Ordered a set of rear subframe bushes and trying to get em fitted, smaller front rear first and I've fooked it as it wouldn't go in straight ffs

Used the threaded rod / socket approach and the rubber has come away from the sleeve, so I'm well p$ssed off . Tried it numerous times slowly and careful and no joy. Daren't try any of the other three and don't know which way to go now.

Ordered another new one . Should have gone powerflex for ease I guess.

Maybe try Audi .? Is there a special tool they have for this job ..?

[Christophski]

When I asked Audi to do my avant ones they wanted a fortune and said I would have to sign an agreement saying they took no responsibility of the subframe got twisted or damaged when they tried to fit them which apparently is a common thing for them. Obviously I didn't get them to do it. I struggled and suffered and eventually the persistence paid off and between myself and my brother we got them in.

It was a right mission and I feel your pain.

Get a big threaded bar, washers etc as you already are doing. We also used a piece of large pipe and a hammer... Don't ask... It worked a treat though. Oh and plenty of slip!

[AndyP]

Lube is the key, washing up liquid works well

[Gazmitchell]

I used loads of washing up liquid , and grease seemed which ever way I turned the bush the lip just wouldn't compress in straight ,.

[AndyP]

Where did you get the bush from? I tried to get some from Audi recently and was told they were NLA and no UK dealer had an stock

[Christophski]

Pete at Quattro corner sorted mine out. Avant though.

[Gazmitchell]

Where did you get the bush from? I tried to get some from Audi recently and was told they were NLA and no UK dealer had an stock

Audi tradition . not cheap though, why I'm cheesed off !,

[steve briance]

This is exactly why i went for Superflex bushes recently!

I last tried a good few years ago and destroyed 2 bushes, i had got 5 so had one i n reserve but due to the **** up i ended up with a subframe with one old bush left in place.

Superflex push in and out by hand. Nice.

Good luck!

[Mikes2]

there's been a few problems with some of the bushes being too big and they get destroyed when you try and fit them.

you have to shave about 3-4 mm from the edge before trying to fit.

I'm guessing this is the smaller type of rear bush you're having trouble with ?

[Trankelstein]

I Aldo had two New front subframebushes destoyed When trying to fint them, that was however due to having repainted the subframe without masking the inside of the Holes. Removing the paint solved IT for me

[Gazmitchell]

Exactly Mike. I did think about shaving the top lip a little. Even tried cleaning out the hole back to metal to remove the POR15 on it ...

[piotr]

Same thing happened to me,I used everything in my workshop and i was super carefull and still didn't manage to push it in without damaging the rubber lip-fitted superflex-no issues

[Gazmitchell]

Same thing happened to me,I used everything in my workshop and i was super carefull and still didn't manage to push it in without damaging the rubber lip-fitted superflex-no issues

Yup. At the price they are I'll try shaving the lip off a little on the front small ones , but don't know how the rear larger ones will go. I'm sure. Thing is don't wanna end up will one or two knackered else they're all useless .. Hindsight eh ? If I waste approx 200 euros on em and still have to but powerflex I will be proper p$ssed off for sure !!

[steve briance]

it makes you wonder how big the tool is at the factory where the subframes were put together in the first place!

I bet it involves hydraulics...

[Vorsprung durch Technik]

I bet it involves hydraulics...

Definitely!