Mondeo subframe bushes - which ones and where?
Mondeo subframe bushes - which ones and where?
Author
Discussion

Blue Oval84

Original Poster:

5,367 posts

184 months

Thursday 12th December 2013
quotequote all
Hi all,

I can't deny it any longer, my subframe bushes really need replacing on my 2006 Mondeo Zetec.

I'm going to be up in Sunderland over xmas so was wondering if anyone has any recommended places? My usual indie doesn't want this job.

Also, should I go with OEM bushes or with Powerflex?

My priorities are mainly retaining the comfort of the ride, although increased longevity would be good too. I've also read that Powerflex don't need gluing into place and so the job can be done more quickly.

I used Powerflex control arm bushes once in my Z4 and they were far too hard and ruined the steering, but I would imagine this shouldn't be very noticeable on a rear subframe? If you've had Powerflex, could you tell a difference?

Thanks in advance smile

woodypup59

680 posts

175 months

Friday 20th December 2013
quotequote all
Use genuine ford parts.

Powerflex are too hard, and non-OEM won't last five minutes.

Be aware that some MOT places will fail you if the subframe / wishbone bolts are in the wrong (easy to fit) way up.

Blue Oval84

Original Poster:

5,367 posts

184 months

Saturday 21st December 2013
quotequote all
Cheers mate, as it happens it's in at Benfield Ford getting them fitted now, hopefully they'll do a good job, and at under £200 it was hard to say no!

Kidders

1,060 posts

186 months

Saturday 21st December 2013
quotequote all
Power flex on my ST220 and no increase in road noise/harshness, couldn't tell any difference on the track or road . Best bit I got the bushes for £50 brand new off eBay and fitted myself .

FlashmanChop

1,300 posts

229 months

Sunday 2nd February 2014
quotequote all
Blue Oval84 said:
Cheers mate, as it happens it's in at Benfield Ford getting them fitted now, hopefully they'll do a good job, and at under £200 it was hard to say no!
That's cheaper then I thought. Dreaded asking....

What were the symptoms? My rear end feels loose and slightly skitterish?

Blue Oval84

Original Poster:

5,367 posts

184 months

Sunday 2nd February 2014
quotequote all
FlashmanChop said:
That's cheaper then I thought. Dreaded asking....

What were the symptoms? My rear end feels loose and slightly skitterish?
The noise was the main one, but I would agree that a slightly loose feeling was also present.

Unfortunately mine is going back in on Friday as the problem is still there! So either the bushes weren't done correctly, or they weren't the cause of my problem frown

FlashmanChop

1,300 posts

229 months

Sunday 2nd February 2014
quotequote all
Drop links for anti roll bar?

Blue Oval84

Original Poster:

5,367 posts

184 months

Monday 3rd February 2014
quotequote all
FlashmanChop said:
Drop links for anti roll bar?
Supposedly they are fine, but we'll see.

The noise is worse with weight in, going over unever road surfaces it makes a rattle/clonk, and if you drive over a speed bump causing the rear of the car to bounce then the noise takes on an almost "creaky" quality.

Very odd. I really hope they sort it as it's pretty much the only thing that is starting to annoy me a little about the car.

dumfriesdave

399 posts

160 months

Monday 3rd February 2014
quotequote all
Check drop links by lying under boot floor and give the link a good yank vertically. Remember not to jack car up as weight needs to be on.
Another classic Mondeo knocking is handbrake cable. If you look on the rear trailing arm the cable is attached by a clip. These wear so the cable rattles on the arm as the suspension moves. Wrap the outer handbrake cable in insulating tape then cable-tie tight onto the clip.

Blue Oval84

Original Poster:

5,367 posts

184 months

Monday 3rd February 2014
quotequote all
dumfriesdave said:
Check drop links by lying under boot floor and give the link a good yank vertically. Remember not to jack car up as weight needs to be on.
Another classic Mondeo knocking is handbrake cable. If you look on the rear trailing arm the cable is attached by a clip. These wear so the cable rattles on the arm as the suspension moves. Wrap the outer handbrake cable in insulating tape then cable-tie tight onto the clip.
I'll be under the car on Friday so will make sure these are checked thanks, will update the thread to let you know how I get on smile

Howard-

4,964 posts

225 months

Wednesday 5th February 2014
quotequote all
Ford sorted mine for me a while back, IIRC it cost just over £200.

andy-xr

13,204 posts

227 months

Tuesday 18th February 2014
quotequote all
When mine were replaced on my Mondeo the local dealer told me they glue the new bushes in place, so I couldnt have the car til much later in the day, maybe the day after depending on their workload.

It could have been bullst, I dont know. It was much improved when it came back (no more noises going over speedbumps) but if I had the option I'd have gone for poly instead of rubber

Kidders

1,060 posts

186 months

Tuesday 18th February 2014
quotequote all
Yes that's correct they are bonded in.