Replace rear subframe bushings - worth it?

DaveD · Post by **DaveD** » Wed Mar 21, 2018 9:00 pm

Hi guys

I’m getting my rtabs replaced before replacing dampers, lca etc. My indi suggested also replacing the 4 rear subframe bushings. A big job it seems - 4.5hrs and a big bill.

Who has had this done? Do they wear out that quick?

Car is 2007 3.0si coupe with 73k miles

Ducklakeview · Post by **Ducklakeview** » Wed Mar 21, 2018 9:18 pm

Subframe bushes? Not worth doing in my opinion..

You'd benefit more from the 8 bushes, well 6 bushes and 2 rose joint type bearings that the rear hubs/suspension hang from. I replaced all of mine myself.

Yes, it DID make a massive difference to my car (at circa 60k) BUT I also fitted the LSD at the same time

Mike

Ewazix · Post by **Ewazix** » Wed Mar 21, 2018 9:23 pm

It depends on whether they need replacing or not. Unfortunately a visual inspection of any bush can be misleading both ways, I've seen tatty looking bushes which after huge struggle probably didn't need doing and others that looked OK but were baggy as hell.
I'd want to see the movement in the bushes when manipulated with a bar and the visual condition before shelling out as it's not really a quick and cheap 'whilst you're at it' job.

DaveD · Post by **DaveD** » Wed Mar 21, 2018 9:31 pm

Thanks guys. Sounds like new rtabs with limiters is the way to go. They’ll have to convince me on any of the others!!!

Ducklakeview · Post by **Ducklakeview** » Wed Mar 21, 2018 11:02 pm

Bear in mind, there are quite a few bushes back there, and a "bit" of play in a few, soon starts to stack up.

These are the ones I replaced on mine..

: 27858475_402004160248732_2805909638561115252_n.jpg (52.37 KiB) Viewed 718 times

Mike

DaveD · Post by **DaveD** » Thu Mar 22, 2018 7:48 am

Other than the rtabs, are the others relatively easy to replace? might save that for a future DIY session.

Ducklakeview wrote: ↑Wed Mar 21, 2018 11:02 pm Bear in mind, there are quite a few bushes back there, and a "bit" of play in a few, soon starts to stack up.

These are the ones I replaced on mine..

27858475_402004160248732_2805909638561115252_n.jpg

Mike

GuidoK · Post by **GuidoK** » Thu Mar 22, 2018 8:20 am

I also replaced all rear bushings. I dropped the rear axle for that. Thats also a great time to refurbish the rear axle, diff, etc
All painted, glass beaded etc etc:

As far as the easy ones, they're the rtab's and the outer control arm bushings (and the rear arb bushings are also easy if you have the car in the air).
As far as importance, the rear diff bushing is a known wear point, but the diff has to come out to replace that one.

DaveD · Post by **DaveD** » Thu Mar 22, 2018 3:26 pm

Thx guidoK

If all goes to plan and I get an LSD fitted, I’ll get them to replace that bushing too then. Appreciate the tip!

GuidoK wrote: ↑Thu Mar 22, 2018 8:20 am I also replaced all rear bushings. I dropped the rear axle for that. Thats also a great time to refurbish the rear axle, diff, etc
All painted, glass beaded etc etc:

As far as the easy ones, they're the rtab's and the outer control arm bushings (and the rear arb bushings are also easy if you have the car in the air).
As far as importance, the rear diff bushing is a known wear point, but the diff has to come out to replace that one.

jpvd · Post by **jpvd** » Mon Mar 26, 2018 3:51 pm

GuidoK wrote: ↑Thu Mar 22, 2018 8:20 am I also replaced all rear bushings. I dropped the rear axle for that. Thats also a great time to refurbish the rear axle, diff, etc
All painted, glass beaded etc etc:

As far as the easy ones, they're the rtab's and the outer control arm bushings (and the rear arb bushings are also easy if you have the car in the air).
As far as importance, the rear diff bushing is a known wear point, but the diff has to come out to replace that one.

looks great!

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