Technical Rear subframe bushes

[IanLF]

OK I've browsed through the forum and used the search function on this one and I know there are a few threads but none that answer the question. Do fiat make multipla specific bushes? I've found loads of info on how to cut other bushes down to size or make a bodge with some old tyre. It's for a 56 plate jtd. If they are available links would be very much appreciated. I've found a few on eBay but I don't know if they are the right ones as when j read through old posts the sellers names have come up as selling brava bushes labeled as multipla's.

Thanks Ian.

 

[widemouthfrog]

Do fiat make multipla specific bushes?

Thanks Ian.

No.

 

[IanLF]

Excellent. Cheers for that. Is it worth buying the brava ones and shaving them down or just repair them with some old rubber?

 

[widemouthfrog]

https://www.fiatforum.com/multipla/306049-lets-get-party-started.html?p=3070191

You won't be able to repair the old bushes as they are 'potted' rubber bonded around a centre bush. Don't forget that the friction fit of the bushes into the subframe is all that's allowing the rest of the car to grab hold of the subframe, so don't over do it when grinding the bushes down (or, as I did, filing out the holes in the subframe).

You can sandwich some thick rubber between the subframe and the chassis, but it will give no lateral location for the subframe so you could end up with some very wayward handling.

 

[IanLF]

That was very helpful mate. Thank you. I wish I could do the same to mine. Don't know if I missed it when reading but what bushes did you get for yours?

Thanks Ian.

 

[Crickleymal]

https://www.fiatforum.com/multipla/306049-lets-get-party-started.html?p=3070191

You won't be able to repair the old bushes as they are 'potted' rubber bonded around a centre bush. Don't forget that the friction fit of the bushes into the subframe is all that's allowing the rest of the car to grab hold of the subframe, so don't over do it when grinding the bushes down (or, as I did, filing out the holes in the subframe).

You can sandwich some thick rubber between the subframe and the chassis, but it will give no lateral location for the subframe so you could end up with some very wayward handling.

So what do Fiat do when this comes up for repair? Or am I missing something?

 

[widemouthfrog]

Replace the entire subframe. That's the only way you can get the bushes from Fiat. Daft. It's what's sending several otherwise-sound Multiplas to the scrapyard, because people don't know that that close-to-equivalent bushes can be had. A new subframe is well over £600 from Fiat now, plus the labour charge on top. Total bill via a Fiat main dealer is (un)comfortably north of £1,000

The situation is much better now than it was when I replaced mine. At the time, it was very difficult to buy any of the so-called replacements with any degree of certainty that they would fit. The only maker that did supply them (Firstline) stopped making them in around 2010 so the supply of those had dried up. There were none listed as suitable for the Multipla on ebay. Now there are several sellers. You can also buy the bump stops as separate items now, where previously they too could only be obtained by purchasing an entire subframe.

 

[Chainsaw]

I got mine from someone on Ebay who shippped them from portugal they came in a few days and went straight in

 

[IanLF]

Don't suppose you have a link do you? I've emailed a seller on eBay and they say the set they are selling are a straight fit. Maybe people are modding them pre sale?...

 

[widemouthfrog]

IanLF - If you haven't already bought your subframe bushes, have a look here:

http://manodalys.lt/product.php?id_product=1004540169

and here:

http://manodalys.lt/product.php?id_product=1056980169

It may sound a bit dodgy buying bits from a store in Lithuania, but the owner is a member on the forum and he's completely legit ( Rytiss ). I and others have bought stuff from him many times and service is great. Postage on smaller items is very reasonable too.

 

[BikeDoc]

I'll second that whole-heartedly, Manodalys is an excellent supplier, very helpful and knowledgeable.
Fast service too and great prices.

 

[IanLF]

Thanks for that widemouth. I got a set off eBay in the end and they ended up fitting OK. Haven't quite managed to get the bushes totally seated into the subframe yet though. They are sitting out by maybe 2mm. The old ones were abosultely destroyed. I'll keep that site for some future purchases though.

Ian

 

[steve20vt]

Has anyone tried q poly equivalent. And has anyone got any measurements of the bushes?

 

[widemouthfrog]

Have a read through this thread. There's some useful background info:

https://www.fiatforum.com/multipla/304879-multipla-rear-subframe-kit-ebay.html

Around the same time, I also had detailed talks with a poly bush manufacturer about making custom subframe bushes. It was taking a long time to get anywhere and I had to get my car back on the road so went with the bushes in the thread above, but my drawings for the bush were pretty much done by the time I gave up on the poly route. Drawing attached. My aim was to have a softer PU for the load bearing 'doughnut' between the subframe and chassis to keep transmitted NVH down, and a firmer grade passing through the subframe holes to give better lateral location (which is the bit that affects handling). Because of the simple suspension geometry, vertical movement of the subframe won't affect handling much, but twisting (yaw) of the subframe relative to body would. The arrangement would also hold the subframe completely captive.

Having said the rear suspension is simple, it is at least independent which is something of a novelty on this class of car and I'm sure it contributes to the better handling compared to something like a Scenic