Subframe bushing help

passatouareg · Nov 29, 2005

geez~

replaced upper and lower control arms with HD units from ECStuning, new Bilsteins, HD tie rods and still have a lumpy thump/looseness when going over small bumps in the frontend.

After doing some searches, I found a couple of products called the Chasbar, Andybar, one from Neuspeed (?)etc...which tie together the open end of the subframe...which seems to be associated with this type of low speed looseness. But since my car has tiptronic, it looks like the Neuspeed won't fit, and I can't find any links to Andy or Chas, LOL...

I will most likely be installing or fabricating such a bar but only after I replace the subframe bushings...is there an upgraded subframe bushing material that someone/place offers? I really hate re-installing OE stuff, that has already proved itself to be inferior to aftermarket parts.

I also found a very old link to someone who made aluminum discs to replace the bushings, but this was on older 1980's VW's, as I recall...and no mention of such a product for the newer cars.

Anyone have a lead on an upgraded subframe bushing, or just install the factory junk and tie it together with a bar???

Dave

Rusty · Nov 29, 2005

passatouareg said:
geez~

replaced upper and lower control arms with HD units from ECStuning, new Bilsteins, HD tie rods and still have a lumpy thump/looseness when going over small bumps in the frontend....

Did you check the swaybar end links? They can cause lumpy-thumpiness.

Another thing that can cause lumpy-thumpiness is loose subframe bolts. Try tightening them before you replace your bushings.

A Chas/Andy/Neuspeed bar will not cure lumpy-thumpiness. It gets rid of subframe flex, not bushing slop.

PM Chas about his bar.

passatouareg · Nov 29, 2005

already tightened subframe bushing bolts, no change, might try disconnecting the swaybar to see if the "C" shaped links from the lower F control arm are the culprit...

but after lifting & supporting the front of the car, we used a prybar to load and unload the front suspension, and there was a significant amount of play at the subframe bushings...but the amount of work it's going to be to swap those in, I'll probably fabricate some billet spacers to work the suspension instead of the freaking bushings, LOL...

I'll pull the swaybar, and see if the noise subsides..

FWIW, the guys at ECStuning think its the swaybar endlinks also... since I'm a newbie, I'll start there.

take care~

Dave

Rusty · Nov 30, 2005

Wow, if you have bad subframe bushings, you must be the first! Let us know how it goes.

Because all the (chas-andy-etc) bars suck with a Tip (i.e. hang too low and get you in trouble, eventually) I have considered replacing the rubber subframe bushings with something stiffer as a way of reducing the subframe flex: ChasBar Superiority, and an Alternate for Tip Owners(?)

passatouareg · Nov 30, 2005

Rock on Rusty~

thanks bigtime for the link...

to be honest this is my daily driver...street car, LOL...and am not looking to turn this into a lap turner...I just REAALLLY hate putting junk in, on a rebuild...ANY rebuild

I have a 'caged 12sec diesel truck for fun...and just bought a new V8Treg for the SO...

not to say this 1.8 won't see a chip, and maybe a mild turbo upgrade...but I have enough unreliable vehicle to goof off with...I just want this one to be solid...I hate stupid suspension problems...I think I'd rather puke headgaskets and toss rods out the block than deal with stupid rattles and clunks.

Dave :banghead:

Subframe bushing help

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