Any subframe bushing install tips?

darylrobert · Post by **darylrobert** » 28 Sep 2021, 06:55

Ive got 4 Volvo blue subframe bushing and bolts to install. I have the subframe lowered so have access to top and bottom.

Big thanks to Oragex for a removal video, however not much on installation?.

I see people welding up complicated tools or buying special tools and also a few good suggestions of using small sockets or a stack of nuts one person even used dowel wood, im guessing the hard part is removal and the new bushing will just slide in?

I was going to use the large washer but i suppose that the rubber feet will just compress..

Post by **Blacklab467** » 28 Sep 2021, 07:31

Here's the link to a post I did last year. No special tools required! Don't compress the feet, I have a picture of something I rigged up so that you don't compress the feet. Let me know if you have any questions. It's a nice easy job with rewarding results!viewtopic.php?f=9&t=96106

Post by **xHeart** » 28 Sep 2021, 08:20

darylrobert wrote: ↑28 Sep 2021, 06:55 I see people welding up complicated tools or buying special tools and also a few good suggestions of using small sockets or a stack of nuts one person even used dowel wood, im guessing the hard part is removal and the new bushing will just slide in?

I was going to use the large washer but i suppose that the rubber feet will just compress..

It is recommended to remove and insert one bushing at time.
- secure the car on 4 ramps
- freeze the bushing to be inserted
- mount back the 3 other subframe points to the undercarriage, hand tightened evenly
- look to make sure the nipple is in relative center in the vacant mount (the new bushing location)
- heat up the outer lip of vacant mount for 30 sec, use propane torch
- position the new frozen bushing carefully, the nipple is aligning guide, and press up with bottle jack - use wood block as buffer
- it may start lifting the car, STOP, apply heat around the vacant mount till bushing snaps in place -- the nipple is your friend

^ rehearse few times - improve it with your tools and techniques.

COOL DOWN before installing the new bolt.

Post by **vtl** » 28 Sep 2021, 09:59

Lubricate the bushing and subframe, press in with the old bolt, then install a new bolt.

Post by **Blacklab467** » 28 Sep 2021, 10:02

I would avoid using heat, not really necessary and if you use too much you may melt the plastic bushing casing.

darylrobert · Post by **darylrobert** » 30 Sep 2021, 04:47

Thanks for the suggestions, ive got three done and doing the third oval shaped one, the bushings are marked "00" year 2000 original bushings and they still have life left in them.

I broke 2 drill bits and bend the large washer using fig 1 setup, the pressing force was too much on the washer just using a bolt. fig 2 setup proved much better and no bent washer

: figure 1

: figure 2; figure 2.jpg (157.77 KiB) Viewed 3378 times