Subframe Bushes

[MrWindsurf]

Ok, so the subframe bushes are on the way out on my gtr, I have been doing a lot of searching and reading on here. I'm just not sure what sort of bush I should be buying. Thinking of getting the Noltec/Whiteline ones. If you have changed your bushes what have you changed too and what are your thoughts on the brand you have chosen.

Also are the nismo ones any good?

Thanks

Andrew

[Beer Baron]

the noltec ones are great but it' a big job to change them. whole subframe out and then holesaw/cut/oxy torch to get the old bushes out then a press to get the new ones in. it's a great idea but be aware of what your getting yourself into and if getting it done at a shop get a quote first as the hours add up...

the other cheap option is the collars that just clamp down on the worn out factory bushes. but the full replacements are the best idea.

[wlspn]

Yeah I have the Noltec subframe bushes & they are good but as Beer Baron mentioned, EPIC job!

I fitted mine at trade-school & even with all the right equipment it was a prick of a job...

Would be easier to do another set now but still...

If you're not doing it yourself try to go to a workshop thats done it before.

& yeah, be sure to get a firm quote

[MrWindsurf]

Hmm I was thinking of going to chasers eastside divistion, They recon 4 1/2 hours labour so thats like $450 or something + Parts not sure if thats a good quote or not, having heard from other people that its like a $1000 job :S

[Duncan]

absolutely. jump at that if it is a fixed price quote

[BLITZ-26]

I put in the super pro rings in mine pretty happy and was easy

[Beer Baron]

absolutely. jump at that if it is a fixed price quote

agreed. if they will agree to take on the job for $450 and that's it then do it for sure. people who've told you it costs $1000 are not far off. I's expect most competent places would take 8-10 hours @ $100 an hour and you get $800+ for the work. it has to be done though sooner or later.

[MrWindsurf]

Lucky for me the gtr isn't my daily so I can wait and save up a bit more cash just incase, the quote is incorrect.

[robbo_rb180]

i used the whitelines in my car. one of the best things i did.

i did it with some mates took about 6.5hrs all up (including removing & installing rear cradle). all you need is a hammer, a good chisel, benzo torch & a drill with a few wire wheels.

don't be afraid to do it yourself. a few drinks while doing it also helps.

[MrWindsurf]

Also do you have to drop the diff to do it, because I was thinking it might be worth doing the diff bushes too while the subframes off. Would this be worth doing?

[Dave R31]

I used the superpro subframe collars in my 26 powered gts4, I cut the top rings so I only had to drop the subframe an inch or so to get them in, was very easy to do and only took about 30 mins. It made a huge improvement and a year on they havent budged.

Dave

[bigmikespec]

Also do you have to drop the diff to do it, because I was thinking it might be worth doing the diff bushes too while the subframes off. Would this be worth doing?

Yes and yes! Do it all while you have it out.

[Beer Baron]

yep, agree with bigmike. yes diff has to come out and yes do them too.

[Birds]

lol I got Centreline to replace EVERY bush in my suspension/chassis with a polyurethane bush, mostly SuperPro stuff. With me supplying all the bushes/parts, the labour bill came in around $1300. I thought this was expensive, but they reckon they gave me a few hours labour free...and I'm starting to believe it after reading this thread. That also included corner weighting, fitting of a hicas lock bar and an allignment. Car handles supremely well now, with ALOT of driver feedback and a sore ass to boot

So yeah, replace the bushes in the area while the subframe is dropped, and jump on that quote!

[yogi000]

Hey

i did my subframe bushes 2 weeks ago in my garage, epic job. Never again.

I used an air hacksaw, 20T press, hammer & chisel, drill, rattle gun. I stripped the entire subframe, diff out, brakes, shafts, shocks and arms. Made handling the frame on the press so much easier. It took me 9 hours to drop the frame, strip the frame, replace bushes and install. Never again, i was sore for 3 days after that. I also put the new bushes in the freezer the night before to help with the pressing stage.

I was quoted $1000 for the entire job which is about right i think. Considering you'd have 2 blokes on the job and should take about 4-6 hours so the $1000 is about right.

[bigmikespec]

lol I got Centreline to replace EVERY bush in my suspension/chassis with a polyurethane bush, mostly SuperPro stuff. With me supplying all the bushes/parts, the labour bill came in around $1300. I thought this was expensive, but they reckon they gave me a few hours labour free...and I'm starting to believe it after reading this thread. That also included corner weighting, fitting of a hicas lock bar and an allignment. Car handles supremely well now, with ALOT of driver feedback and a sore ass to boot

So yeah, replace the bushes in the area while the subframe is dropped, and jump on that quote!

It cost me $0, only $50 (beer money) to get the subframe and diff bushes in. But, it was a c**t, and I still have sort hands and still use all the swear words I invented since!

[PaulosECR33]

i did mine at work a while back, mind you we have hoists n 80ton press and stuff making it a lot easier and it was about 4 hours, if you can someone with a hoist and press to help you, ull be laughing it makes it a breeze for removal and installation and you can sit the subframe on stands to strip it, new bushes do make a huge difference too

Edited February 7, 2011 by PaulosECR33

[MrWindsurf]

Awesome, well after reading everyones input, I think I'm going to buy and supply whiteline subframe bushes and nolathane diff bushes and get someone to do it for me, as i really can't be bothered with 10hrs of pain in the ass at home like everyone has said. I'll let you all know how it goes after it's done.

thanks again,

Andrew

[lowbro]

Word of advise Andrew, as you are having the rear subframe main bushings replaced (whitelines are excellent value for money and will ehance your ride) consider having your rear diff mount bushings replaced at the same time.

I have installed Solid Diff bushings front/rear and I am very happy with the result, would not even know that they are not poly, no vibrations, no extra noise, never have to change them again!

OEM's tend to tear easily.

[Nee-san]

How do people usually get their cars off the ground for this sort of exercise, hoist job ?