Hello again everyone. I have a 2004 accord EX 4 door 5 speed mt w/ 97K. I am interested in replacing the front sway bar bushings due to age concerns. The rears were easy to do. The front bolt of the bushing holders are easy to get to but the rear one is under the unibody/frame. It looks like the subframe will need to be dropped according to the shop manual. Is this correct? How can that be done with a floor jack and hand tools? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

Any luck with your bushings? I am going to do mine as well. I am having the same issue with that back bolt!! Any tip would be great!!

 

I also am using basic hand tools and floor jack.

 

I have not tried mine yet. I am waiting for information and tips before I try it. The shop manual states that the subframe bolts need to be replaced after they are removed. When they are removed, do things move around? Let me know how yours goes. Good luck and be safe.

 

Atleast you have a manuel!! I cant seem to find any info on this either. all I found was older years where it is no problem to access the bolts.. I may go buy a manuel and give it a go. I did find a shop that will do it for $170 may be worth it. I will let you know how it goes..

 

If you are going to buy a manual, I suggest getting one from automanualsource dot com.

You can download for ~$22 - hope you have a good internet connection - or for ~$27 you can have a CD shipped.

 

well I gave it a shot. Did not have any luck. I supported the car on jack stands. I supported the subframe with the floor jack. I loosened the bolts for the subframe total of 6. (2) at the rear of subframe left and right. there was another about 3 inches away on each brackets. I also loosened the ones on the front under plastic bumper cover. the subframe only dropped about a half inch. Still not enough to get anything on that rear bracket bolt. I even took a pry bar and tried to pull it down more. I could see the whole subframe moving. (I did not take the bolts all the way out, but far enough to have it loose). I think I am on the right track.

 

Can you take a picture ? I would love to see it.

Have you tried using a universal joint ? They swivel and are great for getting at hard to reach places.

 

You are braver than I am!! You probably are on the right track. The shop manual does not describe how to change the bushings, but does describe how to change the sway bar which involves removing the sub-frame. Crazy. Let me know how it goes or if you take it somewhere.