s13 subframe bushing issue

[shawn1331]

Hey dudes, quick question.

Doing an energy suspension subframe bushing install on my 91 s13. I'm having an odd issue, 1 of my 4 bushings is currently installed. The issue I'm having is that when i install the top of any of the other 3 bushings, it's almost like the hole isn't round so i can't get the bottom half to go in and if I do it pops out as soon as I try to slide the metal sleeve down the center.

I'm wondering, is it possible my sleeves that stay in the subframe are in such bad shape that it's unuseable? I looked at pictures of other peoples install and the sleeves cleaned up so shiny and smooth, where as mine are pitted and not exactly smooth. Any of you had this issue before?

[racepar1]

Pics................

[Bnr32gtr]

Try some lube

[frsh2fourty]

I had the same issue on a few of the suspension arms I did. Make sure everything is lubed up and use a c clamp or huge channel locks to hold the bottom bushing as you're pressing the sleeve down.

[snorkelcoupe]

I just did this install last week, the lower bushings wouldn't stay in either. I simply installed the subframe, then put the lower bushings in place and pressed it with the oem hardware (large washer/nut). Just make sure it all lines up. You left the inner metal sleeve in the subframe correct?

[anti tyler]

I just did this install last week, the lower bushings wouldn't stay in either. I simply installed the subframe, then put the lower bushings in place and pressed it with the oem hardware (large washer/nut). Just make sure it all lines up. You left the inner metal sleeve in the subframe correct?



This.

The compression on the " nipple " of the lower bushing is just too great for it to stay in there when lubed up brand new.

On the s13 subframe you're going to 9/10 have that issue. install with top portion and metal sleeve in, and tab the bottom one in once you've got the subframe in the air. I've literally installed/removed my sub frame 10 times since doing the energy bushings. It goes down to a science the more you do it.

I personally think it's more tough to align and jack the subframe up than it is to get those bottoms in lol.

[shawn1331]

Perfect thanks for the answers guys! sorry been busy today. I have the 2 rear bushings installed perfectly, haven't got everything together to put it in the car yet, just thought id install the bushings and have it ready to go but ran into this issue.

My sleeves are still intact in the subframe there just pitted/old which i think is whats giving me my issue! Anyways I'll give that a go hopefully later this week if the rest of my parts show up