Hi Guys, Ive heard a dull clunk when going over bumps on the O/S/R of my 3dr jtd jacking it up showed some movement in the subframe to axle pivot bush.

These have been replaced (about the only problem the previous owners had!) two years ago, is it likely that one has gone so soon? and is it a sweet DIY job?

It looks as though you jack the car, remove the pin, drop the axle down, draw the old bush out and then slip a new one in, although past experience tells me its never quite that simple, so any tips ? and anything odd to look out for?
I'm sure I had to do something similar to my Punto, Oh and finally are the nuts and bolts standard items? as we use a lot of M12 long bolts in work (which is what they look like to me)

Cheers Guys

Check the Guides section - there's a couple of 'how tos' there...

Sorry to break the news but it is not a simple job but it has been done before.

Check out the link and decide if you want to DIY

https://www.fiatforum.com/stilo/268211-stilo-rear-bushes-one-mans-struggle.html

Thanks for that link, I'd already looked at shadeys guide, that and his description at the bottom of this thread sum up how I think it should be approached.
I feel preparation is going to be everything on this and I reckon getting the right pullers is critical, I made mine using tubes of varying diameters I got from work on my mk 1 punto and some studding (allthread) One thing I do know is that the metal on the outer of the bush is what needs pushing not the center or rubber, which is why I think mine need changing after just 2 years and 20k miles!!!
I am thinking that I may borrow the recip saw from work too as this is easier and quicker than a hacksaw.

When fitted from new would the axle have been heated up, and the bush frozen? as that would increase the hole diameter and reduce the bush OD, I know that is a recognised way of doing it.

cledan said:

When fitted from new would the axle have been heated up, and the bush frozen? as that would increase the hole diameter and reduce the bush OD, I know that is a recognised way of doing it.

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I had the same thought having just renewed all the bearings in one of my bike engines, but in this case I wasn't sure if freezing the bush would ruin/shorten the life of the rubber or if it would have a negative impact on the oil inside. Plus you would need a proper oxy acetylene torch to get the axle sections hot enough while outside in the cold with the wind blowing. Unless of course your lucky enough to have a garage lol.

Well I could do it in our fully equipped fabrication shop at work with oxy burners etc, but to be honest I think both the heat, and the cold would affect the bushes, if they are set like that in the factory the temperatures would be controlled and th units would be left to soak at specific temperatures. A gas flame is too random I think.

If I do undertake this I will do it in my small garage at home with basic hand tools.

It may be forsed upon me as the mot is due soon (only discovered when looking for the date the bushes were last done in my paperwork)

Watch this space

I believe Fiat say you shouldn't renew the bushes twice on the same axle.

Even though it has some wear in the bush, my Stilo still passed its mot today Yippee

I think I will change these bushes though for my own piece of mind, just glad I can wait until the weather warms up a bit.
Got an advisory on the ARB bushes so thats the next job

jim cooper said:

I believe Fiat say you shouldn't renew the bushes twice on the same axle.

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Since when

Most Easterly Pandas said:

Since when

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Since 20th January 2006 when it was published in the Service Bulletin.

But does it really matter since when?
.

Actual date doesnt matter no, but I can't work out the logic of why it can only be done once.

Wear or stretch of the bush housings possibly.

Davren said:

Wear or stretch of the bush housings possibly.

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Ah right. You think there will be any major issues if it is done twice and that Fiat are just playing it safe

Bit of a pain though if it is a major thing

The bushes on my MW have been replaced twice with no issues so far.

Davren said:

Wear or stretch of the bush housings possibly.

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Or to sell you an axle assembly? or am I too cynical

Hi. I think Davren is probably right, because of the extremelytight fit of the bush in its original state the stress on the housing must bequite severe when being pressed.

I replaced one of my stilo’s bushes twice, but I would guessby sanding down the bushes to make for a more reasonable fit the stress wouldbe significantly reduced, 250,000 miles and still going strong.

cledan said:

Or to sell you an axle assembly? or am I too cynical

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Until about 2005/2006, the bushes weren't available seperately. Only option was a new axle at about £700. Surprisingly, the axle for Stilos with original HID headlamps was about £100 cheaper. The only difference is that the HID axle has a small bracket welded on it to mount one of the automatic HID adjusters. Very strange Fiat prices sometimes.

Having mine done at the end of the February. Garage says it will take 5 hours if no problems removing or 8 if a nightmare. They asked me to order the bushes.

Paid £44.00 for a pair from Stoneacre Fiat, worse case senario it will cost me £160 in labour if 8 Hours used.

FiatFleetFamily said:

Having mine done at the end of the February. Garage says it will take 5 hours if no problems removing or 8 if a nightmare. They asked me to order the bushes.

Paid £44.00 for a pair from Stoneacre Fiat, worse case senario it will cost me £160 in labour if 8 Hours used.

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I hope your mechanic knows what he's doing as they're not normal bushes. They have to be correctly aligned and pressed in using a special tool.

Shadeyman said:

I hope your mechanic knows what he's doing as they're not normal bushes. They have to be correctly aligned and pressed in using a special tool.

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Yes he does, as done dozens of these Stilo's rear sub frames, besides A genuine Fiat independent will always be king. He business is king, ask any Fiat / Alfa Owner in Merseyside.