Thread: Rear Subframe Bushings

Ok here is the problem:

I have a 1995 S14 that needs new rear subframe bushings. When I drive, depending on how hard I engage the clutch, I hear a bang coming from the rear. I also get the banging noise if I release the throttle after reving high. When I inspected the rear on a lift I noticed that there is space between the subframe bushing top and the body. The body part was also heavily scuffed from the bushing.

Here is my solution:

Completely upgrade the whole rear subframe with new subframe bushings, collars, differential bushings and bracing.

I already purchased the Peak Performance Subframe Bushing Kit which is supposed to be used In conjunction with new subframe bushing. However I am kind of stuck on what Kind of subframe bushings to install. From looking around online I pretty much only have 3 options: OEM, Nismo and SPL Solid Aluminum. I refuse to use OEM ,and the nismo ones are tempting at $168.78(courtesyparts.com), but Im on a budget and the SPL ones have my name written on them for $129.00. Honestly I can afford right now to buy the Nismo ones however, when compared to the SPL ones SPL wins in all categories except for ease of installation. There cheaper and they offer better performance.

Will solid aluminum subframe bushings with peak performance collars be that loud? I don’t really care about stiffness, and Im pretty sure the differential will be getting SPL aluminum bushing also.

I guess im looking for some insight or advise on what setup would be best, or some opinions if anyone else is runing a similar setup. Im also not goin to want to pull the whole rear subframe again anytime soon.

If you run the solid aluminum bushings:

1. You won't need the collars, they won't fit anyway. The SPL bushings don't have the voids that are filled by the collars, if that makes sense.
2. The install will be a b*tch, but you already know that.
3. ALL road and diff noise will be transmitted directly into the frame and cabin. It will be a lot noisier than stock. FWIW I have the Peak urethane collars with the original stock bushings, and even with those the noise level went up slightly (though I don't object).

With the subframe comfort really isn't an issue and doesn't change, but with those aluminum bushings it's going to be noisy.

Thanks, I guess I was kind of hoping for a good reason to do the SPL bushings, but since I cant even use them with the Peak Performance Collars, Ill be going with the Nismo bushings with Peak Performance collars now. Ill probly wind up running the Nismo differential bushings also while I am in the process. I was hoping to run the energy suspension differential bushings, but I can't find a website that keeps them in stock. There all special order 3-4 weeks any one know a place that keeps them in stock? $30 sounds so much better then $160 Nismo replacements. I was hoping to get all this done by the end of the month so I can finally start my motor. I hope ill be able to add something to the new site by posting a "How To" on how to do a whole energy suspension bushing upgrade while I was also doing the subframe. I dont recall seeing one on the old site, if I missed it let me know.

I believe that the ES bushings are inserts for the stock bushings. You CAN use them with collars, I think (not totally sure). They work similar to ES motor mount inserts. I've never used them though, so I'm not completely sure.

Ya it seems like I could use them allong with the collars except the fact the the rear subframe bushing is just strait up damaged. Where the bolt goes is stuck to the frame however the rubber that actually connected to the subframe is just traveling up and down like its no bodys buisness. So im almost positive that a full replacement would be best. The collars should give me the performance I was looking for along with the upgraded bushings. I was kind of hesitant at first knowing that nismo bushings are only stiffer rubber not urethane, but i guess ill just have to wait and see. I also was not aware that ES had motor mounts for the S14. They dont have them listed in there online catalog either...????

if you enjoy a loud harsh ride, my cousin is selling his cusco motor mounts and peak performance tranny mount. PM me if you're interested. but be warned. the ENTIRE CAR will shake and rattle like crazy.

We are doing the ES Z32 complete bushing replacements on our S13 subframe. They sort of split the difference between the 'band-aid' inserts and the harsh replacement aluminum bushings.

SQD thanks I already have the peak performance trans mount. I' am actually waiting for them to release their KA/SR rebuildable motor mount kit. From the pictures on their website, it looks real serious it suposed to come with street and race bushings.

PaNX2K I was hoping that I might get similar results with the Nismo and Peak Performance combo. Im pretty sure the cabin is going to become louder after the install also. Ever since I installed the Peak trans mount my dash rattles a little bit along with my passanger door. Im not really worried since I eventually intend to redue the whole interior and add some type of light weight sound deadener. You should hear how my rear deck sounds when I hit a little bump.