Replace worn subframe bushings on the front crossmember/subframe assembly to restore proper suspension alignment and reduce noise, vibration, and harshness.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front subframe bushing set (4 bushings) × 1 — Use OEM Mopar specification
• Subframe mounting bolt set (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands at frame rails behind subframe mounting points
5. Remove both front wheels
6. Spray all subframe mounting bolts, control arm bolts, and ball joint nuts with penetrating oil
7. Document or photograph routing of brake lines, ABS sensors, and steering linkage
8. Mark subframe position relative to frame with paint pen for reinstallation reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect steering linkage and sway bar
   Disconnect the steering linkage from the pitman arm or center link at the subframe. Remove sway bar end links from lower control arms by holding the shaft with Allen key while loosening nuts. Support sway bar to prevent strain on frame bushings.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Separate ball joints from knuckles
   Remove cotter pins and loosen ball joint castle nuts but do not remove completely. Use ball joint separator or pickle fork to break taper between ball joint studs and steering knuckles. Once separated, remove castle nuts completely and support knuckles with wire or bungee cords to prevent strain on brake hoses and ABS wiring.
   ⚠Do not allow knuckles to hang freely as this can damage brake hoses and ABS sensor wiring.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut119 Nm (88 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect front differential and drivetrain
   For 4WD models, disconnect front driveshaft from front differential. Support front differential with a separate jack or secure with straps, as it is mounted to the subframe and will lower with it. Disconnect any electrical connectors to differential or components mounted on subframe.
   ⚠Front differential weighs approximately 100 lbs and must be supported independently during subframe removal.
4. 4

   Disconnect brake lines and ABS wiring
   Carefully disconnect any brake hard lines or flexible hoses that run through or are mounted to the subframe. Cap all open brake fittings immediately to prevent fluid loss and contamination. Unclip ABS sensor wiring from subframe routing brackets. Mark all connections for proper reassembly.
   ℹ️Brake fluid will need to be topped off and system may require bleeding after reassembly if lines were disconnected.
5. 5

   Support subframe assembly
   Position hydraulic transmission jack or subframe support fixture under the center of the subframe. Raise slightly to take tension off mounting bolts. Ensure support is stable and centered to prevent tipping during removal. Place additional jack stands as backup support if available.
   ⚠️Subframe assembly with control arms and differential weighs over 300 lbs. Ensure jack or support fixture is properly rated and stable.
6. 6

   Remove subframe mounting bolts
   Locate all subframe-to-frame mounting bolts (typically 4-6 bolts). Using breaker bar, loosen all mounting bolts evenly, working in a cross pattern. Remove bolts completely while supporting subframe weight with transmission jack. Verify no additional brackets, lines, or wiring are still attached before lowering.
   ⚠Loosen bolts gradually in cross pattern to prevent binding or distortion of subframe.
7. 7

   Lower and remove subframe assembly
   Slowly and evenly lower the transmission jack to bring subframe down. Guide the assembly as it lowers, watching for any components that may catch. Once fully lowered, carefully roll the subframe assembly out from under vehicle to a clean workspace. Keep front differential and control arms attached to subframe during bushing replacement.
   ⚠Lower subframe slowly and check clearances frequently to avoid damaging brake lines, wiring, or other components.
8. 8

   Remove old subframe bushings
   Clean the bushing mounting areas on subframe with wire brush and brake cleaner. Using bushing press tool or hydraulic press, press out old bushings from subframe mounting locations. Note orientation and depth of original bushings before removal. Inspect subframe mounting holes for damage, cracks, or elongation that would indicate structural problems.
   ℹ️Some bushings may have alignment flats or offset centers. Note orientation before removal.
9. 9

   Install new subframe bushings
   Clean bushing bores thoroughly with brake cleaner. Apply light coat of dish soap or bushing installation lubricant (not petroleum-based) to new bushings. Using bushing press tool, carefully press new bushings into subframe mounting locations, ensuring proper orientation and alignment. Press bushings to same depth as originals, typically flush with outer surface. Verify bushings are seated completely and evenly.
   ⚠Do not use petroleum-based lubricants on rubber bushings as this will cause premature deterioration.
10. 10

    Reinstall subframe assembly
    Roll subframe assembly back under vehicle on transmission jack. Align with previously made reference marks on frame. Raise subframe slowly into position, guiding differential and control arms past any obstacles. Thread all subframe mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment before tightening. Tighten mounting bolts to specification per service manual (typically 135-170 Nm) in cross pattern.
    ℹ️Reference marks made during disassembly will help maintain original alignment and minimize impact on wheel alignment.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect drivetrain and differential
    Remove differential support jack or straps. Reconnect front driveshaft to front differential using factory fasteners and torque specifications. Reconnect all electrical connectors to differential and other subframe-mounted components. Verify connections are secure.
    ℹ️Ensure driveshaft U-joint or CV joint has proper clearance and is not binding.
12. 12

    Reconnect steering and suspension components
    Reconnect ball joints to steering knuckles. Install castle nuts and torque to specification. Install new cotter pins through castle nuts. Reconnect steering linkage to pitman arm or center link. Install sway bar end links to control arms, holding shaft with Allen key while torquing nuts to specification.
    ⚠Always use new cotter pins on castle nuts. Never reuse old cotter pins or attempt to tighten beyond specification to align castle nut slots.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut119 Nm (88 lb-ft)

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect brake lines and bleed system
    Reconnect all brake hard lines and flexible hoses to proper locations using reference photos. Ensure all fittings are properly threaded and torqued to specification. Fill brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with Mopar DOT 4 brake fluid. Bleed brake system starting with wheel furthest from master cylinder if lines were disconnected. Test brake pedal firmness before lowering vehicle.
    ⚠️Brake system must be properly bled and tested before driving. Verify firm brake pedal before moving vehicle.
14. 14

    Install wheels and perform final checks
    Reinstall front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. With vehicle weight on wheels, torque control arm bolts to specification as they must be tightened at ride height.
    ⚠Control arm bolts must be torqued with vehicle at normal ride height to prevent premature bushing failure.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners have been properly torqued per specifications
2. Check that all electrical connectors and ABS wiring are properly routed and secured
3. Verify brake fluid level is at MAX line in reservoir
4. Check for any fluid leaks from brake lines or differential
5. Test brake pedal firmness before attempting to move vehicle

Verification

• Start engine and verify power steering operates normally with no unusual noises
• Test brake pedal multiple times - should be firm with no excessive travel
• Perform slow-speed test drive in safe area, checking for unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• Verify steering returns to center properly and there is no pulling to either side
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around brake lines, differential, and steering components
• Schedule professional wheel alignment within 100 miles of completion
• Re-torque all critical fasteners after first 50 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle