Subframe removal Problems ! front nuts spinning on 2 front subframe bolts !

[finch wxm]

Started undoing the 2 front subframe bolts at the front and got to a point and the nut inside is spinning !

Just been trying to get a offset spanner in there to grp it but dont seem to fit which ever one i use !

Anyone know what type i need or any advice !

without being to grip these with summit i wont be able to get my subframe off today

Any advice of the pro's would be greaT

 

[Djw John]

We ended up taking my bumper off and then you can get to an access hole. We then used a (iirc) 21mm deep socket that was hex cut at the top which allowed you to get a spanner on to the socket and hold it in place.

 

[Gray]

A normal spanner should fit in to grip the nut... That's what I've used before.

 

[finch wxm]

managed to get a 16mm socket on it and breaker bar. got the 2 out.

is it the same scenario for the rear 2 apart from it looks like an 18mm bolt ?

after that what do i need to undo to drop subframe ?

 

[Fred@BTM]

if the rear ones spin you'll be neck deep in poo poo

 

[finch wxm]

Fred what would be your advice prior to attempting rears ?

The engine is out the car if this helps

will soaking them in wd40 prior loosen them you reckon

do i need an impact wrench ideally ?

the front were a pain so not looking forward to the rear, the problem seems to be that shitty little clamp is made out of very thin metal and just rusts !

Renault you never seem to amaze me !

 

[finch wxm]

What size is the nut inside on the rear, is it 16mm again. i know i need an 18mm socket for the bolt head which i dont have !

 

[finch wxm]

I'm debating whether to do it now even though i have the 2 front off, if the nut starts spinning on the rear which it will probably do then i'm going to be in a lot of trouble as it looks near impossible to get a spanner in there

 

[Fred@BTM]

risk it for a biscuit!!!!

 

[Cup_Phil]

WD40 - lots of it

I sprayed it all over the insides so they were properly soaking in the stuff

Front ones were worst on mine they came half out and started seizing up - luckily that was enough to tilt the back down to swap the manifold which is all I wanted to do

Back ones I soaked in WD40 for half an hour before and they came out without any problems

 

[Gray]

WD40, impact gun and hope.

 

[finch wxm]

phil ive soaked them up. did you use impact gun or a socket wrench ?

same here on the front, got half way then they started spinning, i'm hoping rears will be easier.

just waiting for someone to drop off 18mm socket, dont know whether to use impact wrench or just try socket set on it ?

 

[finch wxm]

Fred your not helping lol !

 

[Dan519]

gun them off, Yet to see a mk2 spin the rears. Mk1's do it all the time though, had to do a buttload of cutting on the last williams clutch I did

 

[2 live]

gun them off, Yet to see a mk2 spin the rears. Mk1's do it all the time though, had to do a buttload of cutting on the last williams clutch I did

cutting?? is pretty easy to get a spanner in there once the shitty metal cage is out the way, once theyv snapped they no prob.

 

[finch wxm]

what size spanner is it if i fail ! just waiting for impact gun.i might wee on them ha ha

 

[Dan519]

cutting?? is pretty easy to get a spanner in there once the s**tty metal cage is out the way, once theyv snapped they no prob.

sigh, do you REALLY think I wouldn't try that first? whole thing was rotten, thread was crossed and the wrong bolt used. It dropped down about 10mm then wouldn't move either way.

 

[Dan519]

what size spanner is it if i fail ! just waiting for impact gun.i might wee on them ha ha

the nuts are 18mm, but there's a clip around the nut, which you have to destroy and pry out, or work around somehow

 

[2 live]

sigh, do you REALLY think I wouldn't try that first? whole thing was rotten, thread was crossed and the wrong bolt used. It dropped down about 10mm then wouldn't move either way.

calm down calm down...10mm plenty room to get an air saw in then , less than a min to cut thru

 

[finch wxm]

cheers dan, well my impact gun hasnt shown up as of yet so it could be tommorow to give it a bash !

 

[Cup_Phil]

18mm socket on a breaker bar I used - Didn't want to risk using the impact gun on them

 

[finch wxm]

Ive just done them. My friend dropped a dewalt and 18mm socket this morning. soaked them over night and give them abit more lube this morning.

Came out a treat.

what do i need to undo now, the collar things on the steering rack and them metal support things, i dont know the term for them !

 

[Cup_Phil]

There's a guide on here which is pretty good

I think the steering rack is held on with 2 metal brackets that you can unbolt

 

[finch wxm]

still struggling, ive undo two 16mm bolts behind subframe.

The subframe is free just wondering what else i need to undo or how to remove the steering rack ?

how do i dissattach the steering rack ?

 

[Dan519]

the rack is held to the subframe by 4 bolts. 2 above and 2 below. you have to feed a socket on an extension into the hole in the subframe to get to 2 of them. Easiest if the rear of the subframe is lowered while you do this

 

[finch wxm]

cheers Dan thats why i can find those bloody other 2 16mm bolts.

I'm literally squashed on my back as the car is on stands in my garage so i have limited movement and view but now you have said that i know where to look.

Thanks again, almost there !

 

[finch wxm]

done cheers again dan