how do i replace the rear subframe bushes on a 2001 ford mondeo?

Alan, (A late but general reply to all those who wish to do this job).
If you are referring to replacing the four bushes in the rear sub frame; I have just done the same job on a 02 Mondeo. There are two ways to do this work, but either way; the frame needs to be removed from the car.
1, You can buy replacement bushes, for about £15 each; but you will need a special tool, for their removal from the frame and for installing the new ones. Without this tool there is a good chance of damaging the frame bush sockets getting the old ones out; and/or not being able to fully install the new bushes in to the frame.
2. You can buy an exchange sub frame, for about £120; with new bushes already installed. (There may be a deposit require, for the return of the old frame).

To do the job, you will need to lift the vehicle up, and place axel stands under the rear floor pans; using a pieces of plywood between the stand and the floor, to spread out the load. Make sure that the vehicle is fully supported, before venturing under it.

Remove the rear road wheels, and remove the four bolts holding the link arms; to the rear hub assemblies. (Lay the road wheels under the car, by the passenger doors; for added safety.
Disconnect the two rear link arms, from the sub frame; and the rear wheel hub assemblies, and remove them from the car.
Fully slack off the two bolts holding the front two link arms, ready for removal; when the frame is lowered. (These bolts can not be removed until then).
Remove the front link arm bolts from the rear hub assemblies.
Remove the rubber exhaust hanger support, from the sub frame; and let the exhaust hang on the back support.
Using masking tape, (Or similar); find four areas on the body of the car where you can attach the tape; and then mark the sub frames’ position within the car body. (Using a pencil, try to draw the sub frame outline; in four places, so that the new frame can be positioned as close as possible to this position).
Undo the four bolts holding the sub frame in to the car; and lower it until resting on the exhaust pipe.
Remove the front link arm bolts from the sub frame; and remove the arms.
Remove the sub frame from the vehicle.

Install the new bushed frame, resting on the exhaust, while the two forward link arms, and their bolts are installed in to the frame.
Lift up the sub frame, and loosely install the four fastening bolts.
Evenly tighten up these bolts and locate the sub frame as close as possible to the outline marks made above, and then fully tighten up all four bolts.
Now reverse the process above, starting with the rear link arms. Etc.

The job took me 3 hours, using an exchange sub frame; so replacing just the bushes will add on more time. I would still have your vehicle re tracked, as even with the best of care; the sub frame location may still be mis aligned.

Good luck.
Alfie.

Alfie
August 2009

I had the same problem on my 2001 Y reg Ghia x. Got the whole subframe as the bushes have to be glued into place and the car left in situ for 24hours. This would have cost more for me than getting the whole subframe with bushes already in place fitted.

Steve
July 2007