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Struts and Subframe Bushings

3K views 6 replies 2 participants last post by  25769 
#1 ·
My 2003 Concorde LXi needs both front struts and subframe bushings. I wanna say the bushings are in worse shape than the struts, but both are in dire need of replacement. I thought I'd come and ask the knowledgeable folks here:

If you could only replace one or the other, which would make the most difference?

If you were going to replace both, but couldn't afford to do both at once, which would you do first?

Thanks in advance for all advice and assistance!

--Al Evans
 
#2 · (Edited)
I can't say which to do first - an expert may come along that has an opinion on that. The answer may depend on what condition yours happen to be in relative to each other.

You sure your subframe bushings are in bad shape? I ask because it was determined here some years ago that they used different materials on the Concorde subframe bushings than on the other LH cars, and the ones used in the Concorde generally lasted forever. I know I never had to replace them on my '98 or '99 Concordes (both at well over 200k miles - one is still on the road). Or perhaps they consolidated the variations in those bushings in later years to use the ones that go bad across the board? That's very possible.

Let me ask a question: How long would it be before you could save enough to do both at once? I ask because if you can get by until then, there would be some synergistic effects of doing both at the same time due to common labor (whether yours or someone else's) and only having to pay for one alignment instead of two. Something to consider.

Some things that you may or may not already be aware of:


I and others have had good success with the KYB struts. There may be some who have tried KYB quick struts without problem, but there have been huge problems with other brands of quick struts due to issues with the strut mount/bushings (bare struts in the name brands are apparently OK, combined with OEM strut mount/bushings). Could save some $$ on OEM strut mounts/bushings by getting new-old stock on ebay.

I haven't checked in a couple of years, but Rock Auto used to put the KYBs on wholesaler clearance occasionally at huge savings. I and others have hit that with no problems on the parts.

Replace the upper and lower spring cushions with aftermarket (not OEM). Moog or Monroe (I forget which - maybe both?) makes them - good material. The OEM ones fall apart after a couple or 3 years.

Do not use the aftermarket (Dorman) subframe bushings. If possible, get the poly's - there is a thread with a source - top quality poly material - not sure if they are still available - when I talked to him a couple of years ago, he said he had some still on the shelf, but was not making them anymore (no demand) - so he might be out by now.

What shape are your tension strut bushings and control arms (frame attachment bushing and ball joint) in?

Sway bar bushings and end links?​
 
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#4 ·
#7 ·
So, a final follow-up. I did in fact get both the front struts and subframe bushings replaced at the same time. It cost me just shy of two gazillion dollars. My long-time mechanic is high-priced, but he really is worth whatever he tells me to pay him.

As you can imagine, the front end of the car feels a LOT better. Maybe someday I'll be able to afford to get the rear struts done, too....

--Al Evans
 
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