Shaking and clunking

[Hj2392]

Ok I have a 99 ssei. I have had a shimmy and shake since I bought the car. When I bought it it wasn't too bad but recently has gotten worse. So I took the car in for a free inspection on the suspension and planned to replace whatever I needed myself. The mechanic at the garage I brought it too said nothing was wrong and everything looked completely normal. So I kept driving and now it's gotten worse and I hear a clunk sometimes when accelerating through corners. I decided to give under neath a look at and found that all 6 of my subframe bushing are completely blown out. One doesn't have the washer on the bottom anymore and two have absolutely no rubber left. So I must replace them. My wife had a 92 lesabre and hers completely let lose. I've read about replacing them and parts but my question is that are there any cheaper options??? Oreilley has a set for one but it's ~65$ and idk which one it's for or if all 6 would need the same kit. I looked at gmpartshouse and the customer support came up with an order for all 6 mounts which was everything from the washers to the retainers without the bolts and he totaled it to over 400$ which is ridiculous. Any ideas how I can get these parts cheaper? I mean all they are is rubber rings or with a piece of metal in it and some oversized washers iirc. Also could I do all 6 with a jack jack stands and a good 1/2" drove ratchet with a breaker bar? I'm kinda hoping so. Thanks for any and all help!

[jonnevilleSSEi]

Sounds like we're both having the same epiphany! I saw your post right under mine and both seem to be asking the same thing. If it gets answered here first I'll link to this. http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 44294.html

[MattStrike]

Unfortunately, those appear to be the only two options at the moment (Dealer parts or Dorman 924-043). I'd be surprised if the dorman part was a direct fit, but last time I looked for something was 2 years ago.

The only cheaper way is to find something from a salvage yard and make it fit. You'd have to venture south most likely to find something not rusted and rotted.

I'm hoping I can make the Energy suspension 3.4148 work with only minor trimming, but that doesn't come with the washers. And it's a 12-bushing kit, 2x's as many as needed for just one subframe.

[Hj2392]

See and that's my worrying. I am worried that these Dorman parts won't even fit. I was on another thread on this topic and someone from the town I'm in just ordered those exact pn from Dorman so if he has good luck maybe I will. I'll be going to the parts store locally to get mine which I'll have to pay more but I need mine done on a Yestersay type deal. So tomorrow night my fiancées dad will let me use a lift all his tools and a welder if need be. So I'm gonna pay the extra and find out tomorrow. If they got right in and no real hassle i will post results and what it took to get old out and new in.

[jonnevilleSSEi]

I'll be checking back, eager to see what develops. I don't have the tools and limited experience so seeing photos and knowing if other parts fit will be great. I'm seeing the same thing though, only parts available through dealer and $400. Rock auto didn't appear to know what I was talking about when I asked for Sub-Frame Bushings after seeing them not appear on their site. I wonder why there aren't aftermarket replacements for what does look like big rubber rings possibly with metal inserts. Mine aren't pretty, if they can be considered as actually existing at all.



Got photos on the lift while getting those brake lines (currently made of oxidized iron) replaced, noticed the bushing and asked mech, what are those supposed to be doing?

[Hj2392]

Sorry I posted results on another thread on this same topic. I got mine done only did 4 the 2 rear most bushing were in decent condition. They cost 65$ at oreilley here. Luckily my fiancées dad knows a guy at oreilley. I paid 53$ a piece and a free can of blaster to boot. Got them off no issues. I reccomend you use Impact gun. If I would've needed to go the breaker bar route they might've snapped. Mine came off no problem at all and didn't even need the blaster. When trying to put the new ones in I noticed that there was a ring from the old one that was still in there so make sure you take a screwdriver or file or dremel to the insides of the mounts because you have to force the new ones in. Also when doing the rear 4 let all of them loose and do 2 at a time so you have clearance. We used a lift for the car and post jacks to hold subframe where we needed it. It was a very easy job. I would feel horrible for anyone that snaps those factory welded nuts off though. If you don't have access to sit tools and a welder as a back up I suggest you spray yours with blaster or the like a few times before attempting this. I also replaced the dogbone trans mount and my clunking has completely disappeared. From the pic you posted there the middle are deffinetly gone as were mine. Any questions just ask Id be happy to help anyway possible.