Lower engine subframe bush change

[jonathanfenton]

Got the 2 part bush today as old one was destroyed.

Watched some bodge it and scarper videos on YouTube and they all go in damaged. Removed subframe and cut old ones out, cleaned it all up and cannot for the life of me get them in cleanly.

I’ve seen the Laser 6250 but it’s £330 and I’m only gonna use it once. Wish you could rent one! Any cheaper alternatives as this tool is more geared to doing it in situ. I think you’d need some sort of 90mm sleeve puller.

Any tips or cheaper tool suggestions?

[mickeybo]

Yes the front under engine subframe has to be lowered to the ground you cannot re-place the 2 piece bushings without the correct tools do not attempt to re-place these without the proper tool these 2 half bushings cost £50 each

[jonathanfenton]

Aye I got OEM FEBI BILSTEIN from Auto doc

£19 for the pair, they even have the Audi logo etched off so I know they are the ones they normally sell for 10x the price at TPS.

Yeah I’ve got them in but they aren’t pretty, was hoping someone knows a cheaper tool to get them in if I order another set, they’ll do for now but I’m not happy about the outer plastic being broken. They can’t go too far as the dog bone is bolted to it but it could drop slightly and rub the subframe over time. I mean they are in and fairly tight, ie you’d still need a hammer to get them out but the outer plastic is broken now.

[Crasher]

We put a large screw (jubilee) clip around them and push them in using a hydraulic press, I get a lot of local garage's bring the subframe in for us to do; and yes we use Febi as we have a direct account.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51914852852_e399ece27b_o.jpg

[jonathanfenton]

We had thought of a jubilee clip but wasn’t sure how it would slide off? I guess the force of a hydraulic press would push it through it especially if greased, we got it half the way in but the cut out then got stuck, I guess a jubilee may be the answer although I have many size hammers but no press! We tried screwdrivers and all sorts of bars to try get the cut out lip past but ended up breaking both bushes after about 2 hours of swearing.

[VAG-Abound]

Not familiar with the task, but could threaded bar be passed through to make a puller that can be drawn by tightening a "trapped" nut on the lower (in pic) side?

[jonathanfenton]

The biggest **** was getting them started and then the lip on the dog bone cut out, I guess the jubilee acts as the stupidly expensive sleeve that you’re supposed to use. I might order another set as they’re only £19 and have another go but it will be like you say threaded bar and scraps of metal or big hammer and a piece of wood. We also found angle grinding the lip to make it more progressive helped to get them started.

[blend]

I've read through this thread and decided to buy the tool to change the bushing. I bought the tedgum tool which is the same but considerably cheaper than the laser tool.
I'll report back when when I've found a moment to use it and then I'll be putting it up for sale if anyone's interested.

[Crasher]

Tedgum products are great.

[jonathanfenton]

i may be interested! i bought the jubilee clips to try again but if someone has a cheap tool I'm game haha they really are a **** to do

[blend]

I changed the bushing a few days ago. The tool worked well but I recommend cutting the bushing out straight away, it's really quick to cut out and the puller really struggled as the aluminium had corroded it in place. The tool did try to twist the bushing a bit as i tightened it so it's worth counter holding it.
If anyone wants to buy the tool set pm me.

[blend]

Sorry I can't pm you for some reason. I'd like 140 posted for the tool if your interest.
i may be interested! i bought the jubilee clips to try again but if someone has a cheap tool I'm game haha they really are a **** to do