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.

tractor Dave · 24-09-19, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groundhog

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

Phew!
Fairly easy job then

Modus · 24-09-19, 09:33 PM

It's the front subframe mounts that we need -it may be that I ordered the wrong items!

jimh · 25-09-19, 05:19 PM

If it's subframe mounts:-

http://www.sealtd.net/quattro/subframe.html

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

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.

24-09-19, 09:33 PM	#9
Modus Grown up member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 53	It's the front subframe mounts that we need -it may be that I ordered the wrong items!

25-09-19, 05:19 PM	#10
jimh Grown up member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 122	If it's subframe mounts:- http://www.sealtd.net/quattro/subframe.html