Sub-frame bushings?

AHARTLEY

MEMBER
1999 BUICK LESABRE
3.8L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

There are 4 bushings at the back of the sub-frame in location by the tires. Out of those 4 I have 2, in the front of those four, that are completely worn out on the top side of the bushings. The rubber on the top side of the bushing on the front passenger side is gone, the washer on the bottom of this bushing has fallen off. The front bushing on the driver side/left side, the rubber on the top of it is very cracked, aged, worn the washer is still there. The other two bushings in this area do not look bad at all and the washers are there, the rubbers/bushings look good. With the other two in the shape, they're in what sort of symptoms, while driving, would this produce? I have no idea the mileage of this vehicle.

Tuesday, May 30th, 2023 AT 3:04 PM

6 Replies

BRENDON S

MECHANIC
653 POSTS

Hello AHARTLEY,

Some symptoms of bad sub-frame bushings are:
Vehicle is hard to align
Rattling noises over bumps
Poor handling
Possible pull to one side when braking

The good news is they are still available through GM. If you are going to replace them, I recommend getting them from the dealer. Just make sure to bring your VIN. They are actually really inexpensive.

I have added a picture from my GM catalog for your reference.

I have also added a YouTube video for you on how to replace them that I think will be very helpful:
https://youtu.be/7IA20KgWcrc

If you are going to replace them, I would do all of them and then get it aligned.

Thank you,
Brendon

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 AT 10:44 AM

AHARTLEY

MEMBER
118 POSTS

Thank you. I have the 2 on the passenger side put in. By the grace of God, the nuts did not come loose nor spin on me, so I didn't have to cut into the body. We'll see on the next two. Thank you.

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Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 AT 11:54 PM

BRENDON S

MECHANIC
653 POSTS

Good morning, AHARTLEY,

You're welcome! Happy to help! Glad nothing moved that would have been a nightmare.

Best thing is to just take it slow. Bolts can heat up as you turn them, and it makes them expand and that's usually when people will grab a bigger ratchet and crank on them. You will notice because it will start to feel like it is tightening up.

Best thing to do is let it cool off a bit then turn it the opposite way, then loosen it, and work it back and forth. Each time it should come out more and more. PB Blaster is great to use as well.

Sounds like it is going well though. If I can help in any other way just let me know.

Thank you,
Brendon

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Wednesday, June 14th, 2023 AT 5:11 AM

AHARTLEY

MEMBER
118 POSTS

Thank you for the advice on removing these bolts. Now I know why they would stiffen up and kind of screech. I tried to be very careful because I did not want to have to cut into the body to put a wrench on the nuts.
PB blaster is a "staple" 'round here for mechanickin". :-)
I still have the 2 to do on the driver side so this information will come in handy, I'll know some "why's" and to just take it slow and easy like before, listen to the parts "talk" to me.
Thank you.

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Wednesday, June 14th, 2023 AT 4:25 PM

BRENDON S