Cheap Sub-Frame Fix?

[RobertK]

I don't see what the big deal is if it works it works. No need for everyone to get their panties in a wad.

If you want to change the whole bushing that's fine and if you would rather use reinforcements that's fine too. I fail to see how PVC reinforcements in sub-frame bushings would directly correlate to making an E30 a "total peice of shit." If it restores handling and there are no cons then why is this so bad?

[george graves]

I'd be interested in knowing how new bushings would work if you filled the voids in with epoxy before installing. Bet that do it....

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[RobertK]

How would differ from filing the voids with solid PVC?

[rs4pro3]

THE PVC would probally make them stiffer, unless you went with a high Durameter Urethane

[AdamF 88iS]

I'd be interested in knowing how new bushings would work if you filled the voids in with epoxy before installing. Bet that do it....

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Thats what I did on my car and a few other street/track cars that come to the shop. It's a nice medium between solid and stock. No additional noise or anything, just a slightly stiffer feel.

[KenC]

Thats what I did on my car and a few other street/track cars that come to the shop. It's a nice medium between solid and stock. No additional noise or anything, just a slightly stiffer feel.

I would have guessed that epoxy would be too brittle. But I guess with the rubber surrounding they probably wouldn't flex that much. They've held up alright thus far?

[george graves]

Yea, epoxy will crack if you bend it too far. But I';ve made some STRONG AS STEEL connections using nothing more then hobby epoxy and sewing thread. The thread acts the same way that the glass fibers in "fiber-glass" or the carbon fibers would - just not as strong.

Maby a stip of cloth would do the trick to hold it all inside?

???

[DaN]

I just filled my new mounts with some 3m windshield-weld urethane. Some dudes on a local forum suggested it, they've used it in motormounts and such.

It comes in a caulk tube. Seems like it should work well, and stick to the existing rubber nicely. I'll post some pics and results in a bit.

[AdamF 88iS]

I would have guessed that epoxy would be too brittle. But I guess with the rubber surrounding they probably wouldn't flex that much. They've held up alright thus far?

I actually used some of the resin mold stuff you can get at home depot, it's a little softer.

It holds up fine. It doesn't stick to the rubber for very long, but it holds its form and stays where it should though.

[turnofftheradio]

got mine in the mail today, for anyone planning to make a pair, they are schedule 80 pvc, they appear to be from a 2-2.5" pipe, and cut with a dremel cuting wheel. schedule 80 is much stronger in many ways than regular pvc. I'll put them in soon, but I cant drive till I get my other hub in the mail (unrelated repair). I will post the results when I get that done.

[turnofftheradio]

for what it is worth... alle edges are beveled too

[BMW BMXER]

Awsome.

[DaN]

Seems like those wont work on all makes of subframe bushings, like the new ones I'm about to put on my car.

Not sure what brand they are, but the slots on each side of the aluminum piece dont go all the way through to the other side. They are only like an 1"-1.5" deep. So obviously a 3 1/16" long piece wont fit in there.

Just something to think about before you order them. May want to check yours out.

[turnofftheradio]

the directions suggested removing any rubber flashing from the inside of the slots that may have been left over from the manufacturing process, and lubing them with soapy water, but maybe some bushings are different

[DaN]

Yea, the bushings I'm using definitely have a stop in the middle of the slots. It's not stuff left over from manufacturing.

So if you had these type of bushings, then you would either need to cut out the stop in the slots, or trim the pvc. But then you wouldn't reap the full benefits, since the top slots are still open, allowing flex.