[Goldvsport]

Hello all!
I'm new to the fourm and to the Vsport world.
Quick story of me, why I'm here and the reason for my post.
I had a 14 CTS performance that was totaled, loved that car so bought a 14 Vsport, even more fond of this one!
It has 97000 on it and needs my TLC. So, here's my question, I'm looking to replace the rear subframe bushings with polyurethane, not race hard but street.
I've found one set that fits make and model but, I'm looking for other options.

This is what I found and the best bargain. Hope the link works?!
Whiteline bushings

This is what my current bushings look like and you'll understand why I need to get this done.
I feel as though I can't get on this beast until it's fixed.
Lots of movement on her back side between quick punch of acceleration and letting off the gas, also with cornering.
The rear end was replaced 30k ago, that feels fine.
All other bushings look good.
Have any of you done this fix with other bushings than what is listed above?
Thank you all for ANY feedback. Sorry the photo is sideways.
Scott.

 

[DriveOn]

The last time I checked White Line for third gen CTS they didn't have any products at all.
This part number that your link points to is W93398, says it fits 2014 V & 2014 everything else including the Vsport. The 2014 V is the 2nd gen while your V sport is 3rd generation CTS, I'd be really skeptical about those bushings fitting both cars.
If they do fit properly please follow up and let us know.

 

[Goldvsport]

The last time I checked White Line for third gen CTS they didn't have any products at all.
This part number that your link points to is W93398, says it fits 2014 V & 2014 everything else including the Vsport. The 2014 V is the 2nd gen while your V sport is 3rd generation CTS, I'd be really skeptical about those bushings fitting both cars.
If they do fit properly please follow up and let us know.

Thanks DriveOn, I will be calling the manufacturer tomorrow just to be sure.

 

[Lifespeed]

I see what looks like a control arm bushing and subframe bushing in your photo, can't identify a failure from the photo. It sounds like you can tell there is a problem from the rear end squirming around? No, that isn't normal. Just so you know, the front control arms (there are two fronts, front and rear, virtual-ball suspension is cool!) have a hydraulic bushing that fails pretty early, which doesn't help handling.

Agreed the Whiteline bushings being for 2nd gen is likely. I'm pretty demanding and find the factory bushings to be just fine - when they're in good condition. GM designed the VSport to handle, they may have thought about the bushings as well.

 

[Goldvsport]

I see what looks like a control arm bushing and subframe bushing in your photo, can't identify a failure from the photo. It sounds like you can tell there is a problem from the rear end squirming around? No, that isn't normal. Just so you know, the front control arms (there are two fronts, front and rear, virtual-ball suspension is cool!) have a hydraulic bushing that fails pretty early, which doesn't help handling.

Agreed the Whiteline bushings being for 2nd gen is likely. I'm pretty demanding and find the factory bushings to be just fine - when they're in good condition. GM designed the VSport to handle, they may have thought about the bushings as well.

Thanks for writing back Lifespeed.
Here is a photo of the front rear bushing pointing to the gap between body and rear subframe. It's about the same gap on the rear-rear bushing.

I am also including photos of stock bushings.
The stock bushing don't have the extra thickness of the flange like the poly's do.
Not sure that I want to use the stock bushings, I don't what to think of changing them again in another 100,000 miles.
I will include a photo of the poly's below the stock bushings with measurements.
Stock Bushings:

POLY BUSHINGS BELOW:

 

[Lifespeed]

Good photos and part links. If you can feel movement, that is as good a diagnosis as any. Presuming you've correctly identified the culprit bushing, you've checked the rear suspension links as well? It sounds like I may need to inspect my 72K mile ride for this concern soon, although I don't feel any instability in the rear right now.

Poly (if even available) vs. rubber is a tough call. Nearly 100K miles isn't unreasonable for bushing lifespan, there are several other suspension locations you'll probably be wanting to replace soon as well. You can be sure those subframe bushings are part of the VSport's perfect balance between ride quality and sharp handling. You'll feel it if you go with poly.

Let us know how it goes.

 

[Lifespeed]

PS - FWIW, I tried using Whiteline for some Ford Focus bushings, and had considerable difficulty with their parts applications. They're not good with specifying the correct parts across model years.

 

[Goldvsport]

Good photos and part links. If you can feel movement, that is as good a diagnosis as any. Presuming you've correctly identified the culprit bushing, you've checked the rear suspension links as well? It sounds like I may need to inspect my 72K mile ride for this concern soon, although I don't feel any instability in the rear right now.

Poly (if even available) vs. rubber is a tough call. Nearly 100K miles isn't unreasonable for bushing lifespan, there are several other suspension locations you'll probably be wanting to replace soon as well. You can be sure those subframe bushings are part of the VSport's perfect balance between ride quality and sharp handling. You'll feel it if you go with poly.

Let us know how it goes.

I feel a lot of play in the rear of the car when play with the gas peddle. I feel the clunk of what I believe to be is the rear subframe moving up and down. Drives my OCD crazy! LOL!
It may be a month before I get this done but, I will let you know.
I am in the process of ordering almost everything suspension related for a brand new feel to the car.
Thanks Again.

 

[Goldvsport]

PS - FWIW, I tried using Whiteline for some Ford Focus bushings, and had considerable difficulty with their parts applications. They're not good with specifying the correct parts across model years.

Any suggestions?
I'm looking for more poly options other than Whiteline.

 

[Lifespeed]

I feel a lot of play in the rear of the car when play with the gas peddle. I feel the clunk of what I believe to be is the rear subframe moving up and down. Drives my OCD crazy! LOL!
It may be a month before I get this done but, I will let you know.
I am in the process of ordering almost everything suspension related for a brand new feel to the car.
Thanks Again.

That is the right approach, do it once and enjoy it for another 90K miles. The VSport is too good a car to tolerate any suspension imperfection, I would fix it just like you. I have no idea about sources for poly subframe bushings for our cars. Honestly, it would probably feel great with new OEM rubber.

 

[Tripwire]

I personally think you should stick with OEM rubber, even street stuff is much stiffer ( and can squeak) I put them on jeep and it was a slightly harsher ride

 

[Goldvsport]

I personally think you should stick with OEM rubber, even street stuff is much stiffer ( and can squeak) I put them on jeep and it was a slightly harsher ride

Thanks For the feedback Tripwire.
The only reason I'm even thinking of poly, is that the subframe really shouldn't be moving around anyways.
I'm not crazy about poly for everyday driver but this might be worth it?!
You have me thinking though.
Thanks

 

[Lifespeed]

Those rubber subframe bushings are partly how GM engineers gave the VSport a nice ride combined with sharp handling. The Alpha chassis is one of the best, and had a great deal of design effort put into it.

 

[Goldvsport]

Those rubber subframe bushings are partly how GM engineers gave the VSport a nice ride combined with sharp handling. The Alpha chassis is one of the best, and had a great deal of design effort put into it.

True that!

 

[Goldvsport]

Ok! That didn't take long to convince me, I'm going stock rubber.
Thank you all for the help in making the right choice.

 

[Tripwire]

rubbers are always a wise choice LOL

 

[Goldvsport]

a rubber is always a wise choice LOL

I concur! LOL