Servicing your 1995-1998 Nissan 240SX subframe may sound daunting initially, but in reality it isn’t that difficult of a job and can be completed in a day worth of work for an average mechanic. Today we’ll be installing a set of S14 Megan Subframe components for your rear end.
Your subframe bushings can become worn and the metal sleeve insert can often tear or break into the rubber isolators, causing noise or adversely affecting the handling of the vehicle. Today we’ll be installing a set of hardened Megan Racing Subframe Bushings, to restore and improve the stiffness in the back of our 240SX.
Tools you will need to complete this job :
- 19mm deep socket
- 17mm deep socket
- jackstands and vehicle jack ( if 2 post lift not available )
- 17,19,14,12,10mm open wrench
- wooden blocks
- mechanical press – machine shop if not available
To begin first raise and secure your vehicle along the 4 jack points illustrated below :
If an automotive lift is not available to you, you can opt for a car jack and a set of jackstands. As with all of our writeups, if you are not familiar or comfortable with working on your vehicle, take it to an experienced ASE certified mechanic. Next remove your catback exhaust system by disconnecting the header pipe and the rear piping, then disconnect your driveshaft at the rear end yoke by undoing the 12mm bolts.
Also remove your rear wheels, as you do not need this extra weight to hinder you from cleanly removing your subframe. Also disconnect your sway bar end links and remove the sway bar if you wish.
Now with your exhaust and drive shaft disconnected, move onto the 19mm bolts holding your rear shocks to the lower hub assembly.
Next you will need to disconnect your ebrake cables, and the easiest way to do this is to undo the junction located just above your driveshaft. Slide either ends of the 2 ebrake cables from out of the junction and let them hang.
Using a flat 2×4 piece of wood, jack up the rear end and support it using the wood and the secondary floor jack, have a friend help you stabilize the rear subframe in case your piece of wood is not large enough. Now take this time to double check your work and ensure that the driveshaft is off the rear diff, and your swaybars / rear shocks / exhaust / rims and ebrake cables are all clear.
With the piece of wood supporting your rear subframe, now slowly undo the 19mm nuts that hold the subframe in place in a criss cross pattern.
With the rear subframe bolts removed, you can now slowly lower your subframe and pull it free from your vehicle.
You can take one of 2 options here when it comes to removing your old busted worn subframe bushings, you can either take your subframe to a machine shop and have it pressed out and your replacements pressed in, or you can cut/burn out the old bushings and clean up the subframe first.
Now using a wire wheel or similar brush, clean up the subframe mounts and the areas where there may be some excess material or burned rubber from your removal procedure.
To complete the refresh of your rear subframe, spray some hi temp black appliance paint for a nice shiny, durable glossy look
Now you are ready to have your new Megan subframe bushings pressed in by the machine shop or mechanical press. You can also take this time to replace your carrier bushings with aftermarket urethane ones, and any subframe arms you wish to replace.
We’ve gone the extra mile and replaced the Megan subframe bushings, added Megan collars and gone with a full set of Megan rear subframe arms.
You should now have your S14 Megan Subframe bushings installed and ready to go!
Now with your rear subframe fully repaired and restored you are ready to reverse the removal procedure and get back to more fun stuff, like driving your 240SX!
Congratulations!
Happy Drifting
- Pro Street Staff
- www.prostreetonline.com
- 1-888-776-7022