Rear subframe Bush replacement

[ChrisD]

Hi

I never got around to replacing bushes on the rear suspension and subfame, due to the current lockdown I don't have access to a press for the trailing arm bushes. Is it possible to change the rear subfame bushes in situ? If so is are there any tips or thinks to watch out for?

Thanks

Chris

[sujitroy]

I was able to remove the bushes by feeding a long threaded bar through both bushes. I then put nuts on either end and tighten a nut on one side. . one bush comes through. then use large washer and to hold the bad in place then tighten other but. I think I used a 5/16 inch bar.

[PJM Stag]

You can use an appropriate size socket if you dont have washers

[JOHNS]

I just did mine off the car using the method described above but I just couldn't move some of the bushes. They were the original rubber original bushes from 1977 and they had almost bonded to the swinging arm. I ended up hacksawing through the steel internal bush and the rubber bush in two locations opposite each other. In some case I was able to drive the steel sleeve out. I then cut up the bush using a Stanley pad saw which is designed for cutting holes in plasterboard. Very rough teeth which just rip through the rubber. The whole job was difficult even off the car but I know people have done them on the car. Good luck. Here is link to Grampian Stags website which has an article in the technical section describing the process.

http://www.grampianstags.net/

[JOHNS]

On the front lower wishbones I had the same problem removing the bushes. I ended up drilling loads of holes in the rubber bush until they practically fell apart.

[ChrisD]

Thanks for the replies, I'm not going to risk changing the trailing arm bushes at this time, it is the rear subframe bushes I'm asking about.

Looking at the antivibration straps on the rear subframe bushes, the N/S looks almost flat while the O/S has a definitate step in it, is this normal. Looking pictures of the straps on Robsports website it lloks as if I have a problem with the N/S strap.

TIA

Regards

Chris

[DJT]

It looks like you have one a bit straight and one with too much offset. I believe this drawing may have been downloaded from Chris Witor's website many moons ago:

rearsuspension.jpg

[JOHNS]

I see no reason why you cannot change out the sub-frame mount in situ. I would think the following sequence would work. It is easier if you have help to remove/tighten mounting bush bolts.

• Support car on axle stand and remove rear wheel.
• Place jack under sub-frame arm near mount and raise to take the weight of the sub-frame and slightly compress spring..
• Undo bolt that goes through mounting. The head of the bolt is under the rear seat.Remove vibration strap
• Lower jack enough to remove mounting bush. The two bolts that attach the mount to the sub-frame will probably be badly corroded. I recommend you buy all new bolts.
• Fit new bush to sub-frame and fit new bolt through rear seat. Re-fit strap. You should put some sealant under the big washers inside the car to prevent water ingress.
• Jack up subframe and tighten bolts
• Remove jack and re-fit wheel then jack up car and remove axle stand.

Anyone disagree or and comments?

[Goldstar]

Got rear suspension off the car at the moment to clean everything up, change quill shaft bearing and diff input bearings and seals (reasonably easy job if yours are leaking diff oil as mine were). Parting the trailing arms from the subframe was ok ish (ended up taking the brackets off) but one of the 4 bolts through the bushes is still in there I cut the head off it in the end to get the subframe bracket off. They were obviously put through dry so I’ll be putting a bit of copper slip on the shanks of the new ones in case I need them off again.

[Davem62]

As John said above ,did both of mine as described, not a long job if the bolts come away ok , just replace with new

david

[rwdstag]

The hardest part will be getting the exhausts off absolute pig all the rest is pretty straight forward

[taroz]

Hi Chris,

A couple of years back I followed the same procedure that John listed above when one of my relatively new subframe bushes packed up before the other. An extra pair of hands is useful but pretty straight forward to do in situ.

Cheers,
Tariq

[ChrisD]

Thanks everyone for your replies, all very useful especially John's detailed instructions. I attempted changing the bushes before I saw all your replies. I followed a similar procedure to John, but I didn't put the car on axle stands, I placed 2 x 8 planks under the rear wheel to give me sufficient clearance for air gun and drill. I had put a 6mm drill through the head of two of bolts which hold the mounting bushes and then chisel the heads off. I already have the replacement bolts/nuts but need to order replacement anti vibration straps to finish the job off. DJT you were right the O/S strap offset was bigger than it should have been due to a dent in the floor.

One thing to watch out for, don't catch your socket on the edge of the access hole for the long damping bolt when withdrawing it.

Chris

[sujitroy]

sorry jumped ahead and didn't answer the original question. . i did change one side mount on the frame a year back by lowering the frame on a Jack. The mount collapsed. I plan to change both soon

[staggering]

Got rear suspension off the car at the moment to clean everything up, change quill shaft bearing and diff input bearings and seals (reasonably easy job if yours are leaking diff oil as mine were). Parting the trailing arms from the subframe was ok ish (ended up taking the brackets off) but one of the 4 bolts through the bushes is still in there I cut the head off it in the end to get the subframe bracket off. They were obviously put through dry so I’ll be putting a bit of copper slip on the shanks of the new ones in case I need them off again.

Hi, whenever I see someone doing this job (and as a general recommendation), I always advise to fit a reinforced diff nose extension as well (if u haven't already) - mine cracked/collapsed at about 40mph - nightmare, luckily the car behind didn't hit me (the car comes to an abrupt stop with no brake lights) good luck

Cheers Ian