Subframe bushings pressing themselves out??

[Jalves619]

I was buttoning up the rear suspension after a subframe refresh and I noticed that the subframe bushing had somehow pressed it's way out of the subframe:letitout::letitout::letitout: I had the subframe on jack stands and I'm guessing the weight of the car pressed it out. I had the washer on top and I'm 99.9% positive the top of the bushing was fully seated into the body the entire time. Anyone care to explain what happened/ a solution?

[jlevie]

When doing the work did you have the subframe down? And if so did you raise the subframe with bolts in place? If the bolts are in place I have seen them push the bushing down as you raise the subframe if it isn't perfectly aligned. I always drive the bolts up and out of the bushings before dropping the subframe and don't drop the bolts back down until the subframe is seated.

[Jalves619]

I dropped the subframe out of the car for the new bushings but left the bolts in place. When I put the subframe back in it slid over the bolts easily all the way in. I have a feeling that it has something to do with the washer because as it is the only thing holding the subframe from moving up is the friction of the bushing. Here is a picture of the other side the way I installed it. I have already pulled everything back out so I can press the bushing back in.

Sorry about the cell shots and photobucket edits.
If the top of the washer is against the body (blue) what is keeping the subframe moving upward the distance between the bottom of the washer and where the top of the subframe sleeve is now (red)?

[Jalves619]

Anyone? Does the second picture I posted look like what anyone else's subframe before they put it in? I really need to.get this thing back together tonight.

[MattM]

I dont see #4

[sweet6e30]

x2 ^^ good eye Matt

you seem to be missing the #4 subframe to rocker bracket in the diagram that would definetly account for the unused space on the bushing / subframe mating area

[Jalves619]

No, #4 was there. #4 and the washer above the bushing only contact the inner part of the bushing and act as a positive and negative stop for movement of the actual subframe. From what I can tell the subframe is supposed to "float" in between the two. I'm beginning to think that the shop that pressed them in may have used grease or something to press them in, when they shouldn't have. For being a BMW/Merc shop they really screwed up on the RTAB install and I wouldn't be surprised if they messed up this as well.