Is there an easy way to change subframe bushes?

[Colesy]

I've found the source of a knocking from the front end which is due to a loose subframe mounting.

So it's time for the alloy subframe bushes to go on but don't really have the time to take the full subframe off, plus I'm doped up on painkillers so probably shouldn't be doing too much.

So is there an easy way to change subframe bushes?

I'd guess getting the old bushes out in situ would be the hardest part.

Plus what parts will I need to fit them, so far I have 8 x M12 (N 905 808 01) bolts on the shopping list.

[willg54]

they arent the easiest things to get out.

Several methods exist...burning them out but not a good idea if they're on the car. Hole saw drill works i think, or lots of hitting and shouting. may come out easy if they're completely shot.

You couple probably take the subframe off fairly easily if you support the gearbox? Someone correct me if im wrong....

[irishs2]

Just looking at the amount of rubber you have to squeeze through the hole, you will need a very good puller to pull that off. It will be very difficult to get the bush out while the subframe is still on the car.

For me, I pushed out the centre, cut the rounded side off with a hacksaw, and then hammered the bush out by aiming at the bush 'can' (the bush is inside a metal body within the subframe.

New bushes are easy to fit, either alloy or poly. They are a hand press fit. I think you could change from alloy to poly with the subframe still on the car. If you do go alloy make sure they are anodised, and may I recommend bambridge here on the forums for the bushes. They are perfect.

[mcandmar]

Thats spot on, cut the bulgy rubber bit off and hammer them through. It's not worth attempting this on the car, by the time you have the four bolts out and a jack under the gearbox your halfway there, two gearbox mount bolts, two a-arms to strut bolts, and the roll bar links are the only thing left to get it out. You might as well throw some paint at it when its out too..

[Fat Audi 80]

If all the bolts come undone you can get the front subframe down in an hour or two.

The best method for removing the rubber oem bushes is to cut the large side of rubber off with a knife or saw and then hammer out. Also a hole saw works really well if you can get the correct size...

Good luck.

Cheers,

Steve

[Colesy]

Cheers for the tips, I can confirm that there is no easy way!

Getting the subframe off wasn't too hard at all, the bushes were a different matter. Managed to get two of them out using a ball joint separator, the other two were right b******s though. Sawing and hammering with a bit of burning thrown in eventually paid off!

Tomorrow brings painting and refitting!

[Phil Payne]

Alloy bushes are now becoming one of the most common things found on garage shelves.