Subframe bushing replacement
Subframe mounts absorb vibration and locate the subframe relative to the body.
Symptoms
- A dull knock when pulling away or braking, vibration felt through the wheel.
What's included
- When the rubber deteriorates, the subframe can move: a dull knock appears when moving off and braking, vibration reaches the steering wheel and wheel alignment no longer holds its settings. The defect is easy to miss because symptoms are attributed to the suspension generally. We inspect the mounts on a lift under load and check clearance at mounting points. Replacement includes supporting the subframe and treating seized bolts, almost always a separate job in our climate. Wheel alignment is mandatory after repair.
Additional checks
- Inspecting subframe mounts on a lift under load
- Checking clearance at subframe mounting points
- Treating seized mounting bolts
Why it matters
The defect is easy to miss, since the symptoms get blamed on the suspension in general, though the real cause is subframe play from worn mounts. An alignment is mandatory afterward.
More details
Subframe mounts dampen vibration and hold the subframe in position relative to the body. When the rubber breaks down, the subframe gains freedom of movement: a dull knock appears on setting off and braking, the steering wheel starts transmitting vibration, and the wheel angles stop holding their setting. This fault is easy to miss because the symptoms get blamed on the suspension in general. We inspect the mounts on the lift under load and check the clearance at the mounting points. Replacement is done with the subframe supported on a jack, and involves freeing seized bolts — in our climate that's almost always a separate job in itself. A wheel alignment after the repair is mandatory.
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