Body & Subframe Mount Bushings

Does the rear end shift when you get on the throttle out of a corner, or do you hear clunks from the underside over bumps? Soft or worn bushings between the subframe and the body can cause play. Here we gather bushings, inserts and body mount bushings for both street cars and track cars.

What do subframe and body mount bushings do?

The subframe typically carries the suspension and often the differential, and it is bolted to the body through rubber bushings. On cars with a separate frame, the body likewise sits on body mount bushings. The rubber dampens vibrations but can give under acceleration, braking and cornering, so the subframe moves and the wheel alignment changes. Stiffer bushings or inserts can reduce that movement and give more precise response. See also suspension bushings and differential mounts under bushings and mounts.

How to choose subframe and body mount bushings

The choice depends on what the car is used for and how much vibration and noise you accept:

• Inserts are typically fitted into the original bushings and can limit movement without replacing the rubber, e.g. Torque Solution Billet Subframe Bushing Insert Kit for Audi MK2/MK5.
• Complete bushings replace the originals, e.g. Torque Solution Rear Subframe Bushings for Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S 2013+. Harder versions can give more stiffness, but also more vibration and noise in the cabin.
• Body mount bushings for body-on-frame vehicles, e.g. from Energy Suspension for Chevy Pickup and CJ5-7.

Other brands in the category include Whiteline, Prothane, Superpro and RustBuster. Check that the part number matches your car, model year and front or rear position.

Installation

Replacement often requires lowering the subframe, and the bushings typically have to be pressed out and in with tools. Tighten bolts to the manufacturer's torque spec, and have the wheel alignment checked afterwards. Whether the modification affects inspection or requires approval depends on the product and the car – check this for the specific part number.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between inserts and complete subframe bushings?

Inserts are fitted into the original bushings and fill the voids so the rubber moves less. Complete bushings replace the originals entirely. Which solution suits you depends on the car and how much vibration you accept.

Do stiffer subframe bushings cause more noise in the cabin?

They can. Harder bushings typically transmit more vibration and road noise to the body. How much you notice depends on the material, hardness, car and which other bushings have been replaced.

How can I tell if the subframe bushings are worn?

Typical signs are clunks during acceleration or gear changes, a rear end that feels unsettled, and visible cracks or unevenly compressed rubber. An inspection on a lift can reveal play in the bushings.