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Rear Subframe Bushes - Flow-Flex

2K views 15 replies 9 participants last post by  GhiaX Chas 
#1 ·
We currently have the Subframe removed, and old bushes out. With a bit of brute force, we have the Polybushes in place, but cant fit the metal pins into the bushes. We have 1 that is partially in, but wont go anymore.

The hole doesnt look big enough, and no matter what force (i.e. hammer and wood) we put onto it will make it go in.

Ive contacted Flow-Flex but no response as of yet, nor they dont answer the phone.

Any tips?

I think were going to the scrappy to get another subframe (£40) and fit that, and may end up getting rid of this one.

I could remove the polybush (if possible) and try to remove more of the old metal bush, but its pretty clean already.

Unsure if this is the norm and we need to be firmer, or we freeze the pins, heat the bush etc.
 

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#3 ·
Not done it myself, but it's the norm to press them in using lots of lube and a press, G clamp or whatever you can improvise. Or ask at your local garage, as they will have a press and may be willing to do it for a small fee.
 
#4 · (Edited by Moderator)
#6 ·
The ad for the bushes States not to do that for some reason, maybe they'd be too tight of a fit.
I'd be tempted to ever so slightly smooth the edge of the insert spacer so the edges arnt making it more difficult and already that has been stated to use something like washing up liquid. Grease is not supposed to be used to insert these.
 
#7 ·
As above, I did mine while the subframe was on the car. Plenty of washing-up liquid and eased the poly in with the trolley jack, then again the metal bushes.

The hardest part of the entire job was releasing two of the old bushes!
 
#8 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hi all,

I suspect we did not remove all the corrosion from around the old bush, the metal cups were clear of glue/rubber and we gave it a good wire brushing (on the drill). Once the polybushes are fitted, you cannot get them out...we will need to destroy them to remove.

We did follow the instructions, however it wasnt very clear. The old cups need to be spotless, and be silky smooth inside. We have elected to get another subframe from a scrapyard, and fit that. We need the vehicle on the road today/now, and not up in the air for 3-4 days whilst a new set arrives. We shall try later this year i guess.

The sad news is that were £25 (Polybush), £38 (Tools), £38 (Replacement Subframe) to be in the same position before we started, lets hope the new subframe is aright.
 
#12 ·
Only problem with using poly bushes is that the OE ford bushes are what they call active bushes.

That's why there is a gap between the subframe and the chassis, because do something like reverse car on Ramps and you will notice on 1 edge subframe will be almost touching chassis whereas opposite side there is a gap, then on flat ground there is an even gap all the way around.

So subframe moves about and tries to level itself when car is on inclines.

Probably done for a reason and part of handling characteristics and way suspension works,

By fitting poly I'd guess you are eliminating this feature.

There's also a tool to get the bushes out without brute force, impact driver on the tool and bush is out in seconds.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#13 ·
Thanks for the reply,

The scrappy subframe is on the car, a noise is there at the rear. I think its O/S/R indicating maybe a noisy strutt, or top bearing. Vehicle is on 208,000 miles therefore possibly it.

Ended up hacking the polybushes out, the inside of the cones were clean. I gave them a tap with a screwdriver and it wet through the side indicating how close it was.

Just looking at putting together a "Get well package"...
 
#14 · (Edited by Moderator)
did remember after that i took a file to the poly inserts, just a quick flick over by hand just to blunt the edge.

but anyway if knock sounds to be comming from the boot suspect links or anti roll bush, if a creaking knock from the outer rear suspect a broken spring top.

also note the best way to check links is to remove the top bolt and pull it out then wiggle the joints. caught me out before as the play was tiny and couldnt feel any while it was under load on the car.

less than 1mm play will sound up through the car.
 
#16 ·
They were Flo-Flex. That is your issue.

They've given issues on BMW E46s and Ford Escort RSTs regarding longevity and even basic principles like play removal.
 
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