Technical Rear suspension subframe

[Madass]

Hi,

Car due for MOT in early March, about a week or ago so noticed car sitting lower on drivers side so thought Id better have a butchers.They say a picture is worth a thousand words so heres a few pics.(done in photoshop using panorama hence the middle looks a bit odd)

NS coil spring failed mot 2 years ago due to "NS rear coil spring incomplete) so that was changed by garage. As you can probably notice the OS spring is noticeably shorter and Im assuming its either lost its springiness or a bit has broken off.

The bump stop at the top of the spring on the OS has broken through into the subframe (at least thats how I see it, feel free to correct me).Does this mean I need a new subframe or could I insert a tapered bush of some description (with tapped hole to accomodate bump stop)? Weld a plate over it maybe? Set fire to it and claim the insurance?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Madass.

 

[Peat]

It does look somewhat shorter but that is more than likely due to the photographs having been taken from a different perspective. Try measuring springs top to bottom on level ground, that way you will know for sure if the off-side has weakened.

I would think that a welding repair would be OK on the bump stop, proving it's neat and painted over Mr MoT man will be happy.

Peat

 

[Madass]

Thanks for the advice Peat in particular your thoughts on a happy MOT man as my main worry was is if a repair on the subframe is acceptable MOT wise.

Whether my welding skills will be acceptable to the MOT man is another thing entirely but time will tell lol

Will not be able to attempt the repair for another 10 days or so but will update this thread whether I succeed or fail for anyone thats interested.

Cheers.

 

[Peat]

A brisk brushing on the subframe with a wire brush wouldn't go amiss, followed by painting over with some type of under-sealing mastic solution. Perhaps spraying everywhere else with WaxOYL or if pushed for cash a diesel/old oil mix to try and inhibit further rusting.

Wish you luck

Peat

 

[multipete]

looks like spring has snapped.check both ends,they should be like a bar, cut with a hack saw blade,ie flat, if one end is pointed,you have lost abit.

 

[multiplaowner01]

This has been my successful way of replacing the multipla rear subframe bushes on my 52 plate:

I purchased quantity of 2x part number 90496681 - two rear subframe bushes - for the Vauxhall Vectra from a very kind and helpful chap called Albert @ Vauxhall Car Parts (01562 731442).

My mechanic had to machine about 1.5 mm of the aluminium casing of the bushes as well as the fabric and appropriate puller.

The rebound washer that sits under each of the bushes will need spacing with a few washers just to enable a gap to stop vibration transfer.

My mechanic managed to replace both without having to fully remove the subframe.

With labour (including the machining of bushes etc.), parts (2x 90496681 bushes) and vat, both bushes were replaced by my mechanic for £90!!!

This shouldn't fail...if your subframe itself is fine, DO NOT go to FIAT and pay £500 just for parts = £980 including labour!

FIAT ARE RIPPING OFF CUSTOMERS BY NOT MAKING SEPARATE BUSHES AVAILABLE TO THE MOTOR TRADE & THE GENERAL PUBLIC...!

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE FROM A VERY PLEASED OWNER...

....MY SINCERE THANKS TO FORUM USER "BRIHL" FOR MAKING US ALL AWARE OF THIS GREAT WAY OF REPAIRING!

 

[multiplaowner01]

Here is link to the part needed for Fiat Multipla rear subframe bushes:

http://www.vauxhall-car-parts.co.uk...681&PN=Ready_for_SPP.html#a90496681#a90496681

Remember you need to purchase two - one for each side[/U of the car...