rear subframe bushing leaking

[Mark86T]

One of my rear subframe bushings (96 Q45 with traction control)is leaking that wonderful silicone. How difficult is it to replace? Does the entire rear subframe need to come out? Thanks. Mark

[Q45tech]

Can't buy the silicone filled bushings [as far as I know].

To maintain the as new isolation and feel, the whole subframe gets replaced........a 8 hour and $750? part replacement.

Pretty common on rear end accidents or side hits or just abuse from not annually treating the rubber to protect against ozone.

There are solid aftermarket bushings for 300zx that might be used but very harsh.

[Mark86T]

Ya, I have already been talking with my TT buddies. They recommend that I use urethane bushings. It seems to be thesame set-up as the TT. Time consuming though. Mmight as well replace all bushings back there while I have it apart. Thanks.

[sijoko]

I replaced the subframe bushings on my 94 Q with Energy Suspension Polyurethane subframe bushings for a Z32 300zx.

They fit with slight modification. There will be some more harshness coming from the rear, but to me it was not a big deal.

The only issue is the amount of time and effort it takes to remove the old bushings. You pretty much have to burn out the rubber part of the bushings and then remove the metal sleeves with a hammer and chisel.

Once you do that, everything is pretty easy. Just press the new polyurethane bushings in by using a rubber mallet and some grease.

If you are mechanically inclined, then I would say go for it. But if you are having a shop do the work, then just pay up for the new subframe.

I didn't want any more issues with a leaking subframe bushing, so I went with the polyurethane ones. I have put about 10k miles since I replaced them. So far, no complaints.

-sijoko

[Q45tech]

By the time the bushings leak some of the camber and toe mounting tabs may have bent so if the alignment won't set exactly at optimum with some +- range, the solution is to replace the subframe.

[Mark86T]

Well I plan on replacing all of the stock bushings with urethane ones from the TT Z32. One of my friends has a press. He already did all of his TT busings. I'd hate to think what an entire subframe costs. A little more stiffness back there won't bother me. I'm gonna replace. Thanks guys.