Those who have changed front subframe bushings

[gprix1]

Since I will be doing the Prothane total kit I figured now is a good time to do my front and rear subfram bushings as well. I already had the rears and I'm ordering front subframe bushings this week.
Now I've never removed the front subframe before but it looks like a PITA! Mainly bcause it looks like I'll be removing the power steering and that just sucks. I know it's a long shot but for those that have done the subframe bushings in the front, is it possible to just let one side at a time hang and do the swap?

 

[DSM_PWR]

I dont see it happening

Getting the stock rubber bushings out were a pain in the a$$ by itself.... i replaced them with solid aluminum ones and putting them back in was just as hard (without a press)

 

[MY1GDSM]

Nope, Not gonna Happen.

I did it on my 1g and I didn't find it that hard...

Getting the whole subframe back in and lined up with the steering rack was probably the hardest part(Not that bad)Though it was probably more work putting the rack back in that and putting the new bushings on the sway bar(Mainly bolting them down)...

It was worth it Though... .

My cars is a bit older but you can notice the difference in ride(I did ALL the bushings up front) Though.

 

[black_gst]

you might be able to do it with an air hammer but you would be spending way more time just to get them out... then i dont know how you would get the new ones in. if you really want to try it this way i could make your set of subframe bushings almost "slip fit" so they will go in easier but my concern would be that they would loosen up over time

 

[Sp1kE]

nope, drop the whole thing.
Get it blasted and painted while your at it.
I used a combination of Large sockets+hammer or sockets+steering wheel puller for the bushings.
Piece of cake!

 

[gprix1]

No, black_gst. No slip fit please. I would rather do it the correct way. I'll just have to man-up and pull it all apart. I guess I'm just getting a bit tired of working on it. I think I knew deep-down there were no shortcuts but was just hoping.. maybe. Oh well, at least I'll get to clean it all up and paint it.

I think I'll get my camera out and do a how-to since I've yet to see one for the 2G front subframe bushings.

you might be able to do it with an air hammer but you would be spending way more time just to get them out... then i dont know how you would get the new ones in. if you really want to try it this way i could make your set of subframe bushings almost "slip fit" so they will go in easier but my concern would be that they would loosen up over time

 

[bmoha7321]

Don't make more work for yourself while attempting to do it an easier way. Getting old ones out I used a drill and a big screwdriver. Not that hard. But there would be no clearance to do it with half the subframe hanging. I installed a set of Black_gst's aluminum front subframe bushings. It took two people and a press to put them in. I'm sure poly ones would be a lot easier to put in but would still be a pita without a press. Using a hammer with rubber ones I know I'd windup hitting myself in the face with a hammer or some other flying part.
I think it's a very worthwhile upgrade. Really tightens up the front of the car.

 

[black_gst]

No, black_gst. No slip fit please. I would rather do it the correct way. I'll just have to man-up and pull it all apart. I guess I'm just getting a bit tired of working on it. I think I knew deep-down there were no shortcuts but was just hoping.. maybe. Oh well, at least I'll get to clean it all up and paint it.

I think I'll get my camera out and do a how-to since I've yet to see one for the 2G front subframe bushings.

i was just pointing out thats its not really a good idea, I always say "Do it right or do it twice"

Don't make more work for yourself while attempting to do it an easier way. Getting old ones out I used a drill and a big screwdriver. Not that hard. But there would be no clearance to do it with half the subframe hanging. I installed a set of Black_gst's aluminum front subframe bushings. It took two people and a press to put them in. I'm sure poly ones would be a lot easier to put in but would still be a pita without a press. Using a hammer with rubber ones I know I'd windup hitting myself in the face with a hammer or some other flying part.
I think it's a very worthwhile upgrade. Really tightens up the front of the car.

Thanks for chiming in with the good tips and comment on the improvement they made on your car!

 

[FIBA M - EC17PSE]

is there any pics for this or reviews on what they really do for us.

and i am assuming as im fwd i can only run the fronts unless he makes a rear set for fwd aswell, ive only just started the search for the info so thought i would post here to find info and help

 

[black_gst]

is there any pics for this or reviews on what they really do for us.

and i am assuming as im fwd i can only run the fronts unless he makes a rear set for fwd aswell, ive only just started the search for the info so thought i would post here to find info and help

heres a quote from Andrew Brilliant i i took off the DSMLink forums

One thing, we did test chassis torsional stiffness. Results were notable improvement of 16% which is marked since we are talking about a car with an existing roll cage.

if you havent heard of Andrew heres what a quick google search turned up
NSFabrication | Projects | Andrew Brilliant's Time Attack GST