General Stilo Sub Frame Replacement

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General Stilo Sub Frame Replacement

Shminkypinky

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Dec 10, 2003
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Location
Bridgnorth, United Kingdo
Hi,
Had an advisory on my last MOT saying 'offside front sub frame corroded but not weakened'.
has any one had to change this part on their Stilo? if so can you tell me how much I can expect to pay?
At what point would this become an MOT failure?
Many Thanks for your anticipated replys.
 
The subframe is a very substantial pressing. Unless your car is very old, I'd be surprised if it's more than surface rust which, as Phil says, you could treat with a wire brush and a healthy coating of Waxoyl.
 
I doubt you would find many cars over say six years old that don’t have surface rust somewhere.
 
You know what garages are like these days guys ..always trying to make a buck out of you any way they can..:mad:
 
Update:

My car went in today for its annual service at Local FIAT garage. I asked the 'technician' for a second opinion and he says its only surface rust - nothing to worry about.

I think the MOT station were a bit fussy - won't be going there again.

thanks for the advice - when the weather is a little better I will give it a wire brushing and treat it like you say.

Thanks for the advice its much appreciated.
 
I'd rather a fussy MOT station that keep you well informed than a dodgy one that passes anything. ;)

Plus look at it this way, you've clearly not looked under your car for a while, so now you know there is surface corrosion that needs attention. I do this with my mini every year, in the spring when the roads have cleared of salt, I wire brush the rear subframe of any rust, cure it then repaint it... funnily enough I've not had to change the subframe in 10 years... ironically when I first got the car the subby was away in 2 years because I'd never looked at it. :)
 
You're so right, a little TLC goes a long way. Numerous owners on here have suffered road spring failures. I Waxoyl mine evey year and there's not a spot of corrosion to be seen...
 
Both my front springs snapped at the same time... nothing to do with corrosion, its road conditions in the UK that are knackering most springs. In all the years I've been driving I've only had a spring break once before and that was due to well documented cheap ass German Ford springs.
 
Both my front springs snapped at the same time... nothing to do with corrosion, its road conditions in the UK that are knackering most springs. In all the years I've been driving I've only had a spring break once before and that was due to well documented cheap ass German Ford springs.

I hesitate to disagree, but Decks5 did an in-depth investigation into the spring failure problem and it was deffo corrosion-related. Do a serch to read his explanation - he took lots of pics too IIRC.
 
Hi there

I bought an 04 plate Stilo MW JTD Dynamic in May 2015. The MOT (due 31/12/2016) had the same advisory as Shminkypinky. The testing station was a Kwik Fit branch.

Having had an Alfa 147 in the past, I have a liking for Italian cars, and I've really enjoyed driving this one. I don't want to see it go, but my local garage has told me that the subframe is rusted beyond repair and will need replacing, with the suggestion that it wouldn't be worth it!

They are not FIAT specialists and have the same suspicion of Italian cars shown by so may in the UK! But I think they are honest.

Any advice would be appreciated:
1) Could the subframe have rusted so quickly in 12 months - or could the Kwik Fit MOT be 'dodgy'?
2) Does the advice from PNL still stand - will it cost too much?

Any hope much appreciated!!

G
 
You could pick up a used one, That's what I would be doing in your shoes.
 
Hi Muppet1

Is that where the cost saving is?

I'm presuming a scrap dealer or ebay are the best places to find one?

G
 
Hi again

Having read another thread about the value of an MOT failure, I'm also getting curious about my 'honest' garage. As well as a new front subframe the car needs two new front springs (which I knew about). The ABS warning light also comes on - which I've been told is more likely due to the previous owner incorrectly rewiring after working on the brakes.

The garage have not offered anything for the car as an MOT failure, but have offered to sell me a second hand polo for £750 to help me out.

Would I get anything for my car as it stands? It's a 54 (not 04 as I've previously mistyped) Stilo MW 1.9JTD Dynamic and is in good condition.

I'm wondering wether it's worth repairing or selling as an MOT failure and buying a new Stilo? I'd rather keep it if possible as I've come to like it a lot! Any help in response to this and my earlier post would be much appreciated.

I'm also thinking of getting a second opinion on the subframe.

G
 
Unless the car has been parked in the sea for several months, it's very unlikely that a Stilo front subframe would corrode so much as to warrant an MOT failure.

Post some pictures of the corroded part(s).

Regarding "dodgy" or "honest" MOT testers, you can get your MOT done at your local council test station. They don't carry out any repairs, so have no vested interest in issuing a false failure notice.
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Thanks Davren and Muppet1

I'm not sure if there are Council MOT stations in Scotland, nothing came up in google. I'll take some photos of the subframe asap.

I took Muppet1's advice and I've got a quote through Breakeryard from Salvogroup for the subframe: £70 plus £24 delivery. Not sure of it's condition but it comes with a 3 month warranty. I'll call them to check but I'm presuming they wouldn't sell a part unless it was in reasonable nick and would pass an MOT?

I've got a quote from another garage to price the work for replacing the subframe. A new subframe has been quoted at either £650 or £724 (as a modification with suspension arms) excl VAT for the parts (plus £135 for labour) :cry:. I've asked them to get quotes for second hand parts!!

If the saving is anywhere near that suggested by the Salvogroup quote then I might be in business. Thanks for the advice so far!

G
 
There are 6 different versions of the front subframe depending on which engine you have, and whether you have 12mm or 14mm front wishbone bushes. If you do end up getting a secondhand one, make sure you get the correct version for your car.
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Thanks for that Davren.

I'm enjoying learning this stuff, albeit it's a steep curve (y)

G
 
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