Technical Sub frame ask..

[nikrox]

So after sorting the steering I decided to take a look at the noisey front brakes..simples BUT I then found a hole in the face of the subframe,behind the suspension leg.
Is it the subframe one piece???

 

[nikrox]

Answered my own question with a quick look on ebay..bugger ooks like a bigger job that I wanted .

 

[Bernievarian]

Hi Nick, can you take a picture of that hole ?

Cheers, Bernie

 

[nikrox]

As requested...I hope..

 

[Detroitdiesel]

Ouch:-(. Strange how the rust damage looks looks to be only in one spot. Leaky brake line maybe?

In theory the subframe is one piece that can be replaced but in practice I wouldn't know how you'd tackle this since the car is resting on the subframe.

 

[varesecrazy]

Ouch:-(. Strange how the rust damage looks looks to be only in one spot. Leaky brake line maybe?

In theory the subframe is one piece that can be replaced but in practice I wouldn't know how you'd tackle this since the car is resting on the subframe.

Or possibly a water trap..
all the old tipo..coupe..alfa line had parts thst just collected rainwater

Obviously less of an issue in regions bordering the mediterranean

Garage did my tiposubframe..I removed it from an engineless 1.4 in a yard.

Guess you would keep rear on tbe ground.

Support on sills..stronger points.. then remove front suspension wishbones and steering rack.

Pretty awkward without a hydraulic lift.

 

[nikrox]

I can get a bare subframe for £30 locally its just the idea of being on the floor to do that bothers me tbh..Anyone know what kinda job it is?...Do you have to support anything when taking the subframe out??

 

[nikrox]

Anyone??

 

[Ben D]

Providing the engine mounts are in good shape, probably not depends whether or not you'll need to be directly underneath it.
Not under my car just now but I'd most likely go in this order.
Tie calipers to springs, remove lower strut bolts from hubs after splitting track rod ends from hubs. Remove inner drive shaft boots and then remove lower arms with hubs and drive shafts attached. With be heavy but quickest way. Exhaust will also need to come off or be dropped at the least.
Not looked at removing the rack but likely be splined shaft similar to wiper arm if it needs to come off still attached to the subframe. Once you've sussed that bit, it should be a case of unbolting from body and removing gearbox mount to remove subframe.
I've changed gearbox mounts on my cars and if I was going to be working under the engine with this removed I'd support engine using a bottle Jack and thicj plywood under sump.

If nothing is too stuck or breaks, it should be doable in a weekend at home.

Cheers

Ben

 

[nikrox]

I have just removed the subframe..Thankfully only one bolt was a bit of a struggle..Thank you wd 40.

Wishbones out..drop links off the anti roll bar..steering rack ends unbolted from suspension..exhaust unbolted,and bracket to gearbox...

Is the steering rack only connected to the subframe by two bolts?..although they are removed it still seems connected..maybe just rusted into place...

Time for a ride out on my xt660..:slayer:

 

[nikrox]

Dont ask me how I missed it but..Id left the 2nd nut and bolt that holds the steering rack to the car...Im blammimg dehydration and hunger..ohh n type 2 diabeties...

 

[Ben D]

Top job!

How long did it take?

 

[nikrox]

so far about 4 hours...no doubt if I had the car on a ramp/lift it'd have been quicker but at 56 squirming about on my back under a car on axle stands,on my drive is a slow and steady process.
It definatley helped that I soaked every nut and bolt in wd40 type spray..even the exhaust bolts came undone when I thought I'd have to use an angle grinder.
Off to the breakers as soon as the frost goes to remove the 'new' one.

 

[varesecrazy]

Well done.

Give the new one a good soak in engine oil



Keep it rust free for as long as possible

 

[nikrox]

Replacement sub frame removed from the donor car..it was a lot easier when the car was five feet off the ground..
The frames in near perfect condition,even has the original stickers on it.

Tommorow morning at 9 I have a 2 hour window to get as much done as I can..

Question:is the gearbox held in situ by anything other than the support on the subframe?...

 

[varesecrazy]

No idea.. yours is a 4cyl petrol IIRC

Question for benD

 

[nikrox]

it is indeed..thinking I might use a jack ,and some wood to support it as much as I can...

 

[Ben D]

Mount on subframe and being attached to engine is all that's supporting it. Jack and wood is a good idea.

 

[nikrox]

Well that was easier than I thought it was going to be. Only a few 'problems'..one was not realising that you have to remove the gearbox mount itself to get it off the subframe.
The other is getting the rear wishbone bush to line up..tommorows another day..

 

[nikrox]

Jobs done...all in probably around about 12 hours in total and that includes going to the breakers to remove the new one.
Highs..getting it done,on my drive on axles stands..
Lows..as above and no power tools.
Happy Days .
Seriously though, Im 6'2" and 56 so Im more than pleased with my diy mechanical stuff and it saved money ..in a big way.
A friend wanted £100 to change the subframe and I had to get the part.
Ebay wanted between £70 to £100 plus delivery and I got it for £30.
My daughters happy its sorted and sold. The new owner is happy with the deal.He's a friends Son . The same friend who I helped buy and sort a GP recently. I have offered to show him basic stuff like oil changes etc.
So Id like to say a BIG thank you to Aldi's spanner set,Halfords professional tools and ALL the peeps on here who offered help and advice.
:slayer: