I have a knocking/tapping noise coming from under the floor of my Panda. After investigating, and taking it to the garage for them to investigate, it appears to be coming from the N/S subframe mounting to the body - does anyone know if new bushes can be purchased for these and if they can indeed be changed?
General Front subframe bushes
- Thread starter Neil S
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General Front subframe bushes
Without going out and crawling under my own car, I am relying on parts listings and pictures.
None of the pictures show bushes.
This eBay listing does not show any bushes.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fiat-Pan...776637?hash=item21766d03bd:g:l04AAOSwxahe2TFw
If you look closely at the mounting points, it is not clear whether there are any bushes, but if there are, they are sandwiched between the two pressings that make the subframe. They are therefore welded in.
Looks like a replacement subframe is the only fix.
These guys do a good rear subframe, (got one fo those on mine) and specialise in major suspension parts for all makes. Its where I'd be going if I needed one.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Fiat...303427041494?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10
A used one may have little life left, it is unkonwn, unless donor vehicle details are given.
Usual reason for a knocking under the car is the engine tie bar. Seem still attached to the eBay used frame. These have a short life, and are easy to replace.
https://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=store&op=Product&ProdID=7958
I'm not aware of a thread on here about front subframe mountings, apart from a couple of broken bolts. They can be a pain with the thread in the car being inaccessible.
I think you need clarification of exactly what the problem is.
None of the pictures show bushes.
This eBay listing does not show any bushes.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fiat-Pan...776637?hash=item21766d03bd:g:l04AAOSwxahe2TFw
If you look closely at the mounting points, it is not clear whether there are any bushes, but if there are, they are sandwiched between the two pressings that make the subframe. They are therefore welded in.
Looks like a replacement subframe is the only fix.
These guys do a good rear subframe, (got one fo those on mine) and specialise in major suspension parts for all makes. Its where I'd be going if I needed one.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Fiat...303427041494?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10
A used one may have little life left, it is unkonwn, unless donor vehicle details are given.
Usual reason for a knocking under the car is the engine tie bar. Seem still attached to the eBay used frame. These have a short life, and are easy to replace.
https://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=store&op=Product&ProdID=7958
I'm not aware of a thread on here about front subframe mountings, apart from a couple of broken bolts. They can be a pain with the thread in the car being inaccessible.
I think you need clarification of exactly what the problem is.
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is it not bolted directly to the chassis
http://62.254.156.177:32575/navi?SG...E=-1&WINDOW_ID=1&SGS_COD=44301/00&DRW_NUM=3|0
I can't see any removable parts
Thank you both, good information. I've had a good look under the car and rolled it up and down in gear, the noise definitely coming from the back left corner mounting. I'm also pretty certain your correct as there don't seem to be any replacement bushes available from the trade.
Are you sure ?
Your description is a classic engine / gearbox mount failed ? or lower suspension arm bouncing about as the load changes direction
Your description is a classic engine / gearbox mount failed ? or lower suspension arm bouncing about as the load changes direction
Are you sure it's not from the anti rollbar mounted onto of the subframe?
But are there actually bushes in there?
Collective thoughts are not, just a sleeve to prevent the subframe crushing, and then bolted directly to the car.
If the mounting point at the subframe to body is moving, either the subframe is cracked, or the bolt is loose or broken.
Are you sure you're looking at the subframe mounting. Just ahead of it is the rear bush of the lower suspension arm. Those bushes deteriorate. A complete arm is the best solution, not too expensive, or difficult unless bolts seize. Replace both sides together, from the same manufacturer.
If you cannot see movement, but can hear noise, the dogbone is favourite, easy and cheap.
Thanks all, I think it's the subframe mounting but I'll have a good look around the suspension too. It's just passed an mot (august) beffore I bought it but things do happen. It does seem to drive straight and go where it's pointed
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The reer axle does not have a subframe. There are two pyramid shape brackets bolted under the car floor that carry the torsion beam axle (as mentioned by Portland Bill. Used axle adverts on eBay always have the full set.
The bearing between the axle and pivot bolt is a rubber bush but they are not noted for wearing out. When changing the axle, its easiest to remove it complete with brackets and swap them to the new axle on the floor.
The similar style 500 axle will fit and it does improve the car. However, you can't use it with wider than 165 tyres. You would also need the 500 springs and another set of rubber spring pads. Use one at each end of the spring.
The bearing between the axle and pivot bolt is a rubber bush but they are not noted for wearing out. When changing the axle, its easiest to remove it complete with brackets and swap them to the new axle on the floor.
The similar style 500 axle will fit and it does improve the car. However, you can't use it with wider than 165 tyres. You would also need the 500 springs and another set of rubber spring pads. Use one at each end of the spring.
Look at
https://www.fiatforum.com/panda/463174-front-subframe-bolt-snapped-chassis.html
I was sure I remembered something about it!
https://www.fiatforum.com/panda/463174-front-subframe-bolt-snapped-chassis.html
I was sure I remembered something about it!
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This might be rubbish as I've just realised the thread title says FRONT bushes. D'Oh.
Knocks and clunks front the front could be any of the moving parts but unlikely to be the mountings as they are solid to the body shell. Also check the exhaust mountings.
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Unfortunately autodoc aren't the most reliable for parts information
Those are rear diff mounts
I have fallen for this before autodoc list a input shaft spigot bearing spent ages trying to find one in stock.
