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Monte, what conclusion did you come to with these bushings? I was hoping to but 4 of them for my '94 SSE.

Not sure still why I had to modify them but they were a different design slightly from the gm's

MKMike wrote:
Since the roads get salted every winter in my area, today I'm battling with replacing the rotted subframe on my 93 and will be using the Dorman bushings.
A number of the washers and subframe mounting holes rotted out.
At least one of the nuts is already detached--and I haven't even tried loosening any of the bolts yet.
Hopefully, it will go reasonably smoothly.

Are you doing this soon? I was literally about to order these same bushings but if you're replacing yours I'd like to wait and see the results from your '93 as mine is a '94.

Edit: just ordered 2 sets, will update with results once they've been installed in case anyone is interested.

Bumzag wrote:

MKMike wrote:<br abp="749"><br abp="750">Since the roads get salted every winter in my area, today I'm battling with replacing the rotted subframe on my 93 and will be using the Dorman bushings.<br abp="751">A number of the washers and subframe mounting holes rotted out.<br abp="752">At least one of the nuts is already detached--and I haven't even tried loosening any of the bolts yet.<br abp="753">Hopefully, it will go reasonably smoothly.

<br abp="754"><br abp="755">Are you doing this soon? I was literally about to order these same bushings but if you're replacing yours I'd like to wait and see the results from your '93 as mine is a '94.<br abp="756"><br abp="757">Edit: just ordered 2 sets, will update with results once they've been installed in case anyone is interested.

The replacement subframe, which I mail-ordered from the west coast (got to love the internet), came out of a 94 LeSabre, so I doubt you will have any problems.
The Dorman bushings fit perfectly without any problems.
The original subframe had 4 of the 6 bushing holes severely rotted. Even several of the washers had rotted away.
Needless to say, I didn't drive it at all, after I looked under the car and saw it had partially dropped.
The steering had just begun to intermittently bind--not from the rack failing but from the rack and the rest of the steering shifting
I had decided to change the rack, balljoints, control arm bushings, tie rods and motor/tranny mounts , too.
There's much to be said for stable steering!

One thing I got to say was my whole front frame and hardware was perfect, just deteriorated rubber. Good luck Bumzug hope you have better luck then I did.

@MKMike I believe that's what's happening with my steering now. There is intermittent resistance when turning right, and my buddy had said there's increasing pressure on the rack. I can only hope there isn't permanent effects on it since it's my DD.

@monte Thanks, it should be a quick swap. When it was lifted I could tell the frame was in great condition, but the rubber was rotted. Didn't see much of the washers though.

If the washers are gone mostly be prepared for the frame being rotted under the rubbers. That's the spot where they rot typically and isn't noticeable till you remove the old ones most of the time (unless their real bad).
My suggestion would be do it on a day that if you have to leave it apart you can if it's you DD.

monte0 wrote:If the washers are gone mostly be prepared for the frame being rotted under the rubbers. That's the spot where they rot typically and isn't noticeable till you remove the old ones most of the time (unless their real bad).
My suggestion would be do it on a day that if you have to leave it apart you can if it's you DD.

Unfortunately, this is absolutely true.

On my car, only 1 of the bushing holes appeared to be enlarged--until I actually removed the subframe.

Hopefully, yours just needs bushings.
Be aware that the holes are shaped like the center of the bushing and are not supposed to be round holes.

This post may help you to understand exactly what I mean and what's involved http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... ut#p348281

If the subframe does need to be changed, it's not really that bad a job to replace it but you absolutely must have engine/tranny supports, since you'll be disconnecting 3 of the 4 mounts.

You have also seen/read this current thread on the same subject, yes?

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 45959.html

 In case anyone was interested here are the pics from getting it swapped out. Nothing too detailed

As I was warned, the subframe mount hole was rusted out BADLY. By means of a spare washer (the Dorman set came with washers) we set it up so the bushing isn't going anywhere


Another view of the rusted out hole. The other outer mount hole was okay, this one just got wrecked. *dang* NY salt.

This is the other outer mount hole. Not much better, but..


One of the bushings. Pretty sure we actually reused this one. We cut the rotted part out and stretched it over top of a less rotted bushing to compensate.


Another rotted bushing.


This is the side view of the bushing where the hole was rotted out. The only reason the new looks rotted is because it has the old bushing stretched over top of the new bushing. The washer is out of view