Mondeo mk3 - Polybushing the rear subframe - DIY?
Discussion
As above really. My mk3 Mondeo rear subframe bushes are well & truly dead, and courtesy of an online auction site I have a set of Polybush items winging their way to me.
Now normally I hear it's a case of dropping the rear subframe & burning the old ones out, BUT I gather with these you can drill/flambe the old ones into submission, clean up the metal housings and then insert the new ones.
Anyone done this?
Now normally I hear it's a case of dropping the rear subframe & burning the old ones out, BUT I gather with these you can drill/flambe the old ones into submission, clean up the metal housings and then insert the new ones.
Anyone done this?
Kidders said:
I'll post some instructions later when not on the phone!
Thank you very much, appreciate it.I was underneath it twice last night as the other rear caliper has expired, after replacing one on Sunday, so had a nosy around....... Can see where all 4 go and that they're accessible.
Just wondered how DIY friendly it is. (2post ramp avaliable if pushed)
Right, a bit of a guide.
I jacked one side of the car up, supporting it with an axle stand.
Remove the wheel. Start to undo two bolts, this will allow the subframe to lower from the body,you need to lower it enough for the top of the new bush to push out when fitted.
Remove one bolt. Use the trolley jack to support the subframe.
You need to get the centre of the old bush out. If your lucky, it will drop out. Otherwise it will need cutting out.
I used what looks like a Stanley knife blade with a serrated long saw attachment, from b and q. I also used a deep hole cutter attached to a drill.
Drill out the centre as far as it will go, the outer part of the bush shell is tapered so it won't completely cut through, you'll hear and feel it touch the metal, at this point stop to prevent damage to the shell.
Using the aforementioned Stanley tool, and here is the fun bit, a blow torch, heat up the tip really hot, then cut the rubber, it will slice easy at first then get harder as it cools, keep it hot!
Get some mole grips, attach to the metal centre of the bush and pull and twist. It may break the rubber free, or keep cutting.
Once that centre is out, there will be a mixture of rubber and rust that needs cleaning out before the new bush can be fitted.
Use a 50mm wire cup brush in the drill at full speed, it doesn't take long and the metal shell will clean up an treat, remove every trace of rubber and surface rust.
Liberally apply copper grease to the new bush, especially the top lip, also some on the shell.
Once the new poly bush is in, make sure that top lip protrudes out the top before you insert the stainless centre, attach the large washer and bolt, screw it in carefully, and the other loose bolt, to make sure it all lines up.
Then undo and remove the other bolt and repeat!
Sounds hard but easy when you've done a few!
After 100 miles recheck the bolts are tight, then make sure you have 4 wheel alignment done, it completely transformed the handling of my car when all within specs.
Good luck!
I jacked one side of the car up, supporting it with an axle stand.
Remove the wheel. Start to undo two bolts, this will allow the subframe to lower from the body,you need to lower it enough for the top of the new bush to push out when fitted.
Remove one bolt. Use the trolley jack to support the subframe.
You need to get the centre of the old bush out. If your lucky, it will drop out. Otherwise it will need cutting out.
I used what looks like a Stanley knife blade with a serrated long saw attachment, from b and q. I also used a deep hole cutter attached to a drill.
Drill out the centre as far as it will go, the outer part of the bush shell is tapered so it won't completely cut through, you'll hear and feel it touch the metal, at this point stop to prevent damage to the shell.
Using the aforementioned Stanley tool, and here is the fun bit, a blow torch, heat up the tip really hot, then cut the rubber, it will slice easy at first then get harder as it cools, keep it hot!
Get some mole grips, attach to the metal centre of the bush and pull and twist. It may break the rubber free, or keep cutting.
Once that centre is out, there will be a mixture of rubber and rust that needs cleaning out before the new bush can be fitted.
Use a 50mm wire cup brush in the drill at full speed, it doesn't take long and the metal shell will clean up an treat, remove every trace of rubber and surface rust.
Liberally apply copper grease to the new bush, especially the top lip, also some on the shell.
Once the new poly bush is in, make sure that top lip protrudes out the top before you insert the stainless centre, attach the large washer and bolt, screw it in carefully, and the other loose bolt, to make sure it all lines up.
Then undo and remove the other bolt and repeat!
Sounds hard but easy when you've done a few!
After 100 miles recheck the bolts are tight, then make sure you have 4 wheel alignment done, it completely transformed the handling of my car when all within specs.
Good luck!
The polybushes I received had the metal inserts with them, which was fortunate as I had to replace them as the originals had corroded so badly as to be totally useable. You may have to do the same. I tried the techniques on here but they did not work although they do for some. The special ford tool would not push them out either, indeed started to distort the frame around them. I resorted to the threaded bar, washers and socket method which worked for installing the new ones. Having said that I ended up taking the entire subframe to off as I discovered the metal inserts had been minutely spot welded on when the car was built. Thus I had to chisel the insert flanges off in order to remove them. Whilst I was at it I renewed various other parts some of which were equally as difficult to remove but I got there in the end.
Gassing Station | Ford | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff