Body Bushing Replacement Procedure
Short answer: You can replace the radiator-support bushings (and the other four body bushings) without disassembling the car — support the body at the front ends of the rocker panels and lower the subframe on a floor jack, doing it carefully step by step.
Procedure:
- Disconnect the steering coupler (makes the bushing nearest the steering box much easier). Pulling the battery tray makes the passenger-side radiator-support bushing easier too.
- Remove the radiator-support bushing bolts and the bumper-support bracket bolts that connect the brackets to the subframe (2 bolts each side).
- Raise the rear of the car (ramps or jackstands) so it ends up level, then jack up the front using the cross-member.
- Place jackstands at the very front ends of the rocker panels (a stand whose pad matches the flat rectangular area there works well).
- Loosen — but do not remove — the four remaining subframe bushing bolts. Slowly lower the jack just far enough for the radiator-support bushings to clear the support. Recover all hardware (various washers, etc.).
- Install the new bushings (coax the lip through the subframe holes — a small flathead screwdriver helps), then slowly jack the subframe back up. Install bolts but do not tighten.
- With the jack still supporting the subframe, replace the remaining bushings one at a time. Snug all 6 bolts, lower the car, then torque everything with the car on the ground.
Tip: The upper half of the bushing below the driver’s floor pan can be tight — it is the steering column/box connection fighting you. After installing the thicker new bushing you may need to loosen and re-tighten the bolts holding the steering column plate to the firewall to fix any column binding.
With all new bushings the car feels transformed — squeaks and rattles gone and handling much improved, especially combined with fresh suspension, shocks, and motor mounts.
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Content last modified: June 13, 2026 at 10:06 am
← Frequently Asked Questions
I´m going to replace the body bushings the first time. My question: If the bolts under the driver cabin are rusted and couldn´t be dismounted, is it possible to reach them from inside the driver cabin under the seats ?
Thank you.