Trouble installing subframe bushings

[Andante147]

Hi,forum - noob here. I started my LCA and subframe bushings yesterday. Discovered that both sway bar links had wedges completely missing out of the rubber, which might have been my clunk problem all along - so I'm doing those too.)

 

Soo... I'm stuck - I can manage to compress the subframe bushings on. I've loosened the front ones some and dropped and supported the rear maybe 3 or 4". the top and bottom nest together around the subframe. I just can't get them to press together. They nest fine when they're off the car.

 

In a bit of trouble, as the weather's getting bad soon and I need to go to work.

 

Anyone every dealt with these?

 

Thanks!

[White93z34]

What year/model do you have?

[Andante147]

Sorry - I forgot I haven't done a whole profile on this forum.. '03 Grand Prix GTP (3.8 SC) with 150K.

 

A shop said these were the cause of a clunk so I bought the bushings and have one of them off... so I can't turn back now.

 

When I got it taken apart both sides of the sway bar links had chunks out of the rubber (these are about a year old) so that might have been the cause of the clunk. But too late now -- On bushing is out and I can't compress the new one back on to the subframe so I can jack it up to the chassis and bolt it.

[White93z34]

is it because there may be too much rust buildup on the retainers? I've never had much trouble with them myself. you might have to wire-wheel or brush them some if they are rusty a bit of oil can help them slide together too.

[Andante147]

thanks for replying... these are an assembly made of of two large piece plus hardware. one on top of the subframe and one on the bottom. They nest together when compressed (which I can make them do when they not installed on the frame.) BUt when I slide the top piece in and try to push the bottom piece I cant get them to go together. I tried it with a jack, and the bottom piece slips sideways. The bolt goes through the two large bushings into the chassis and then the subframe would pull into place. the bolt is not quite long enough to reach when the bushings aren't compressed together, otherwise, I think the bolt itself would pull everything up tight.

[Schurkey]

First guess: They'd pull together if you could lift the subframe evenly front-to-rear and side-to-side. The problem is that the frame is angled so the pieces don't align.

 

If a longer bolt would squeeze the bushings together...buy a longer bolt or four. Get the subframe in place, then remove the temporary bolts and install the originals.

[Andante147]

I (thought I) booked a mobile mechanic from Craigslist, but it's been 4 hours since he was supposed to have left Chicago and he's not answering my texts. We are in the middle of a huge snowstorm so who knows.

 

If I can convince myself to go lie on the ground again I was thinking of trying to nest the things with a big C clamp

[Andante147]

This ideas are worth a try... of course no car to go buy bolts. But I might try placing the jack differently under the subframe. I've got the front bolts loosened but I'm afraid of loesening them too much, as I don't want them all the way out. Not doing the front ones.

[Andante147]

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQMxis6Zmhe1o4Y-HgxlYV-FOk1cH6mGMLfbiwRs9UNOOLEppWpaA

 

might try this

[Crazy K]

are the old bushings the same as the new bushings?

[Andante147]

Yes they were the same. I got them both on finally! Used silicone lube and put a jack with piece of wood under them and compressed them. Lowered the jack and then put the bolt in. Phew.