Subframe Bushing

Replace worn rear subframe bushings to restore suspension alignment and eliminate clunking noises, involving subframe lowering and bushing press-out/press-in procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear subframe bushing kit (4 bushings) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Subframe mounting bolts × 4 — Replace if corroded or stretched
• Control arm bolts (if removed) × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins for ball joints × 4 — Various sizes as needed

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise vehicle and support on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points on chassis frame
4. Remove both rear wheels completely
5. Spray all suspension bolts and subframe mounting points with penetrating lubricant and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
6. Inspect exhaust routing and determine if rear exhaust section requires removal for subframe clearance
7. Mark subframe position relative to chassis using paint pen or marker on both sides for reinstallation reference
8. Position hydraulic transmission jack under center of rear subframe

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar links
   Locate sway bar end links connecting sway bar to lower control arms on both sides. Hold the ball joint shaft with Allen key to prevent spinning and remove the upper nuts. Disconnect both end links from control arms and secure sway bar up and out of work area using wire or bungee cord.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect lower control arm ball joints
   Remove cotter pins from lower ball joint castle nuts at both rear knuckles. Loosen but do not fully remove the ball joint nuts. Use ball joint separator tool to break taper between ball joint and knuckle. Once separated, remove nuts completely and allow control arms to hang down. Mark orientation of any eccentric washers or adjustment hardware.
   ⚠Ball joint may separate suddenly when using separator tool. Keep hands and body clear of pinch points.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut92 Nm (68 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Support rear suspension components
   Place additional jack stands or wooden blocks under each rear lower control arm to prevent excessive drooping when subframe is lowered. Ensure strut/shock assemblies are not overextended which could damage internal components or brake lines.
4. 4

   Disconnect rear differential mounting
   If equipped with AWD, remove rear driveshaft connection at differential flange. Support differential with additional jack if not integrated into subframe. For RWD models, identify and disconnect any differential mounting points to subframe. Remove exhaust hangers or heat shields that may interfere with subframe lowering.
5. 5

   Remove control arm subframe mounting bolts
   Locate control arm pivot bolts that attach to subframe on both sides (typically 2 bolts per control arm - front and rear positions). Use breaker bar to loosen these bolts. Do not remove completely yet. These are critical alignment components - ensure you maintain reference marks for reinstallation.
   ℹ️Control arm bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels at ride height. Do not fully torque at this stage.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove subframe mounting bolts
   Locate the 4-6 main subframe mounting bolts that attach subframe to chassis (typically 2 front and 2-4 rear positions). Ensure transmission jack is securely supporting subframe weight. Remove all subframe mounting bolts while carefully controlling descent with jack. Lower subframe 10-15cm to access bushing mounting points. If full removal is needed for press work, disconnect any remaining brake lines, sensors, or wiring harnesses and lower subframe completely.
   ⚠️Subframe will shift when bolts are removed. Maintain constant control with hydraulic jack and have assistant help guide subframe if possible.
7. 7

   Remove old bushings
   With subframe lowered or removed, locate the 4 bushing mounting locations (typically front and rear positions on each side). Old bushings are pressed into subframe brackets. Use bushing press kit with appropriate sized adapters to press old bushings out of mounting points. If bushings are severely deteriorated, use cutting tool or sawzall to cut through outer shell (avoid damaging subframe metal). Clean all bushing bore areas with wire brush and inspect for cracks or damage.
   ⚠Do not use heat or flame to remove bushings as this will damage subframe metal tempering and protective coatings.
8. 8

   Install new bushings
   Apply light coat of supplied bushing installation lubricant or soapy water to new bushing outer diameter and bore. Align bushing orientation marks per manufacturer instructions (some bushings have directional voids). Use bushing press with proper sized adapters to press new bushings fully into subframe brackets until seated against shoulder. Ensure bushings are installed square and fully seated. Repeat for all 4 positions.
   ℹ️New bushings may have alignment marks or voids that must face specific direction. Consult bushing kit instructions before pressing.
9. 9

   Reinstall subframe to chassis
   Raise subframe into position using transmission jack, aligning with reference marks made during removal. Insert alignment pins or long guide bolts through front mounting holes first to maintain position. Install all subframe mounting bolts hand-tight initially. Once all bolts are inserted, torque mounting bolts to specification in cross-pattern from front to rear. Verify subframe is properly seated against chassis mounting surfaces.
   ⚠Subframe must align within 2-3mm of original position marks. Misalignment will cause premature bushing wear and suspension geometry issues.
10. 10

    Reconnect control arms to subframe
    Position control arms to subframe mounting points ensuring any eccentric washers or shims are in original positions. Insert control arm bolts and tighten to snug position only - do NOT torque to final specification yet. Control arm bolts must be torqued at ride height with vehicle weight on wheels.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect ball joints and sway bar
    Raise control arms to knuckles and insert ball joint tapers into knuckle mounting holes. Install castle nuts and torque to specification. Install new cotter pins through castle nut and ball joint stud, bending pin ends to secure. Reconnect sway bar end links to control arms, holding shaft with Allen key and torquing upper nuts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut92 Nm (68 lb-ft)

    Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect differential and exhaust
    Reinstall differential mounting bolts if disconnected. Reconnect driveshaft to differential flange if removed. Reinstall exhaust hangers and heat shields. Verify all exhaust components have proper clearance from subframe and suspension components.
13. 13

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both rear wheels and thread lug nuts hand-tight. Lower vehicle until tires just contact ground but suspension is not fully loaded. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle to ground so full weight is on suspension.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque control arm bolts at ride height
    With vehicle at normal ride height and full weight on wheels, torque all control arm pivot bolts to final specification. This is critical - control arm bushings must be torqued in their installed/loaded position to prevent premature wear and binding.
    ⚠Control arm bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels. Failure to do so will cause premature bushing failure within 5000-10000 km.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Final inspection and test drive
    Bounce rear of vehicle several times to settle suspension components. Re-check all fastener torque values. Inspect for any interference between exhaust, driveshaft, and suspension components through full travel. Test drive vehicle at low speed checking for abnormal noises or handling issues. Schedule 4-wheel alignment immediately as subframe bushing replacement affects suspension geometry.

Reassembly

1. All torque specifications must be followed exactly as listed, particularly control arm bolts which require vehicle weight on wheels
2. New cotter pins must be installed on all ball joint castle nuts
3. Professional 4-wheel alignment is mandatory after subframe bushing replacement
4. Re-torque all subframe and suspension fasteners after 100-200 km of driving

Verification

• All suspension and subframe bolts are torqued to specification with no loose hardware
• New cotter pins are installed and properly bent on all ball joint castle nuts
• Test drive confirms no clunking, rattling, or abnormal handling characteristics
• Visual inspection shows proper clearance between exhaust, driveshaft, and suspension components
• 4-wheel alignment has been performed and thrust angle is within specification
• Rear ride height is equal side-to-side and matches front-to-rear rake specification

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