Changing the front subframe bushes -easy or big job?

Modus · 24-09-19, 10:50 AM

The Front Subframe bushes are reportedly perished (the 2 main bushes that hold the front subframe in place) and we believe that is the likely source of a clunk when driving.

Does anyone know how you go about changing these bushes? i.e. is it a major job engine out or can you drop the subframe in some way to get at them? Any tips or info would be appreciated before we embark on what may be a big old job.

This is the bush:
431399151D
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291825450393

and here's a diagram of where it sits:
https://audi.7zap.com/en/rdw/audi+20.../399-36000/#12
[item 12 on the diagram]

https://7zap.com/en/part/VAG/431399151D/

moonwatcher · 24-09-19, 04:50 PM

done in situ,
take the weight of the sub-frame on a trolley jack, loosen the bolt, slightly lower the jack to remove the bolt and the upper half of the bush, replace the bolt, jack the sub-frame back up, remove the fixing bolt and replace the lower half of the bush, refit the bolt.......and do the same on the other side
that should do it

John. · 24-09-19, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Modus

(the 2 main bushes that hold the front subframe in place)

431399151D
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291825450393

and here's a diagram of where it sits:
https://audi.7zap.com/en/rdw/audi+20.../399-36000/#12
[item 12 on the diagram]

https://7zap.com/en/part/VAG/431399151D/

There's 4 bushes holding the subframe on??

Items 2 and 3 on the diagram?

Not sure how you'd go about doing them in place.

tractor Dave · 24-09-19, 05:54 PM

They are a PITA to remove. Most burn them out. The OE bushes are also a pain to press back in without damaging. Poly bush are much easier to fit.

Groundhog · 24-09-19, 06:09 PM

Just to clarify, the ‘bushes’ you link to on e-bay and in the schematic diagram is an engine mount not a sub frame bush! Which is it that you are replacing?

Duffy3074 · 24-09-19, 06:56 PM

I did all 4 of mine but did it on the bench with a vice, under those circumstances it’s straightforward

Removing the subframe is essentially just 6 bolts (once the cars up on stands and the wheels are off) plus whatever ARB links you have

Edit: your engine mounts off of yours, disregard all that I said!

Groundhog · 24-09-19, 07:53 PM

...........sorry meant gearbox mounts not engine mounts.

Adam G · 26-09-19, 08:03 PM

I have done front and rear Subframe bushes recently, the biggest pain was having a bolt snap on both during removal. A nightmare to drill out.

It might be worth pulling the rubber grommets out of the body just above the bushes and squinting some release fluid down there onto the threads and the lock nut. If you have freeze spray try that on the bolts too.

Sent from my F5121 using Tapatalk

Modus · 01-10-19, 04:44 PM

Thanks v much for all the advice which is a Massive help.

The car is indeed an Audi 200 Quattro

Can anyone confirm off the Exploded Parts Diagram which item is actually the subframe bush, please?:
https://audi.7zap.com/en/rdw/audi+20...3/3/399-36000/

tractor Dave · 01-10-19, 05:11 PM

2 and 3. Front/rear are different.

12 is the gearbox bushes.

24-09-19, 04:50 PM	#2
moonwatcher 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Barrow in Furness, Cumbria Posts: 2,049	done in situ, take the weight of the sub-frame on a trolley jack, loosen the bolt, slightly lower the jack to remove the bolt and the upper half of the bush, replace the bolt, jack the sub-frame back up, remove the fixing bolt and replace the lower half of the bush, refit the bolt.......and do the same on the other side that should do it __________________ Coupe Quattro 1985

01-10-19, 05:11 PM	#10
tractor Dave Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Wales Posts: 1,174	2 and 3. Front/rear are different. 12 is the gearbox bushes. Last edited by tractor Dave; 01-10-19 at 05:14 PM.

24-09-19, 05:54 PM	#4
tractor Dave Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Wales Posts: 1,174	They are a PITA to remove. Most burn them out. The OE bushes are also a pain to press back in without damaging. Poly bush are much easier to fit.

24-09-19, 06:09 PM	#5
Groundhog Grown up member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 143	Just to clarify, the ‘bushes’ you link to on e-bay and in the schematic diagram is an engine mount not a sub frame bush! Which is it that you are replacing?

24-09-19, 06:56 PM	#6
Duffy3074 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Dalgety Bay, Fife Posts: 2,142	I did all 4 of mine but did it on the bench with a vice, under those circumstances it’s straightforward Removing the subframe is essentially just 6 bolts (once the cars up on stands and the wheels are off) plus whatever ARB links you have Edit: your engine mounts off of yours, disregard all that I said!

24-09-19, 07:53 PM	#7
Groundhog Grown up member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 143	...........sorry meant gearbox mounts not engine mounts.

26-09-19, 08:03 PM	#8
Adam G Grown up member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 26	I have done front and rear Subframe bushes recently, the biggest pain was having a bolt snap on both during removal. A nightmare to drill out. It might be worth pulling the rubber grommets out of the body just above the bushes and squinting some release fluid down there onto the threads and the lock nut. If you have freeze spray try that on the bolts too. Sent from my F5121 using Tapatalk

01-10-19, 04:44 PM	#9
Modus Grown up member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 53	Thanks v much for all the advice which is a Massive help. The car is indeed an Audi 200 Quattro Can anyone confirm off the Exploded Parts Diagram which item is actually the subframe bush, please?: https://audi.7zap.com/en/rdw/audi+20...3/3/399-36000/