Sub frame fitting

[dohertsport182]

Hi all jus got another subframe and wishbones that need fitting on my 182, im not planning to tackle this job singlehandedly and would like to know if anyone has done one b4 and knows anything i should look out for or could help get mine on, advice welcome also , worse case scenario how much would it cost to have a specialist/mechanic do the job. cheers

 

[Martin!]

I'm picking mine up tomorrow, when are you planning on fitting it? As I may do it tomorrow if I have time, if not, i'll do it one night this week, and can then tell you all the pitfalls, although looking at it, it doesn't look that big of a job tbh.

 

[dohertsport182]

well wanna get it done asap but cant risk doin it one nite in the week cus if i dont get it done i wont have a car for work:dapprove:, so will prob see bout gettin it done next wknd now, yea would appreciate any feedback on the job. Also are u a mechanic or jus know a little bout maintenance?

 

[DannyR]

Its fairly easy just a little time consuming.

First off jack the whole front of the car up and remove both wheels. Undo the two bolts either side that hold the ball joints on. Then you've got 2x16 and 2x18mm bolts underneath in kind of the four corners of the engine bay. Then the gearbox mount. Depending on whether yours comes with the two brackets that hold the subframe to the shell you will need to undo either 4 or 8 13mm bolts. I think thats everything. You may want a jack to help raise the new one up underneath if your doing it on your own, but two pairs of hands are easier!

 

[-J-]

This Might Help you - http://www.cliosport.net/forum/showthread.php?t=313845&highlight=182+Manifold

Its the fitting guide for fitting 182 Manifold to a 172 but covers briefly removing the subframe

 

[dohertsport182]

great, thanks guys appreciate the help will let you know how i get on with it

 

[Martin!]

How did you get on with this fella? I started mine this afternoon, but in true Martin fashion, i've decided to leave it in bits and order a full set of polybushes for it!

If you haven't started it yet, i'll advise you now not to use a windygun on the 4 main subframe bolts, as rather than captive nuts fixed to the chassis, they're just in cages and are so easy to spin, and a ballache to sort out due to access, I done it on the first, and had to get the welder out to fix the nut before I could get the bolt out.

I don't envy anyone doing this on their backs on the driveway!

 

[dohertsport182]

did it this wknd m8 no problems really just on our backs most of the day lol struggled getting some bolts back on and left 1 or 2 unnessercary ones out as could not get to them, changed ball joints aswell took near on 2 days to do the lot but would of been better on a ramp though. :approve: had to remove gear linkage and take steering rack off which was bolted to it. need 2 people to get gear linkage set back up right.

 

[Martin!]

Glad to hear you got it sorted mate, as I said, I don't envy anyone doing it on their backs, brave man lol!!

Mine's still on the lift in bits awaiting poly bushes to arrive, missing the car like hell now though!

 

[DannyR]

What bolts did you leave out? Sounds a bit bodgy too me, as I can't think of any that don't really need to be there?!?

 

[dohertsport182]

one bolt that holds the heat shield on and another at the front that holds a radiator pipe on it, the pipe is still firm and does not move anyway , dont worry all the supporting bolts are all on lol :rasp: