Subframe removal - definitive guide/help/advice required from CS Gurus

[vecbtb]

I'm looking for some clear instructions on the removal of the front subframe and I'm hoping that the CS Gurus can help (you know who you are!). I've done searches which have helped, but I could do with some more info.


The reason for removal is to blast and powder coat the frame, anti roll bar, lower arms etc and fit new poly bushes - obviously welding the sleeves onto the lower arms before powder coating.


I'm thinking that I'll unbolt the bottom ball joints from the lower arms, unbolt the frame from the car (not sure how many fixing points?), unbolt the steering rack and remove subframe. It sounds straight forward, but am I overlooking anything?


Questions…


1. Will the engine/box support itself whilst the frame is removed?
2. Is anything else connected to the subframe that needs to be undone - if so, can you get to it easily?
3. Are the rack fixings easy to get at?


Any help and advice would be most appreciated.

 

[bmh.01]

1. Yes
2. Not really, post cat lambda cable is clipped to it thats about it off the top of my head.
3. ish.

4 main fixing points and 2 brace brackets at the back to remove.

 

[vecbtb]

1. Yes
2. Not really, post cat lambda cable is clipped to it thats about it off the top of my head.
3. ish.

4 main fixing points and 2 brace brackets at the back to remove.

Thanks mate.

 

[mark123]

There is a clip around the radiator hose at the front that is bolted to the subframe IIRC.

Isn't the heat sheild bolted to the subframe as well or does that just come away? I only lowered mine.

 

[shiftspark]

Heat shield is bolted and a pain to get at 10mm spanner and superbendy fingers needed lol

 

[daddycool]

don't miss the lower engine mount (the one under the gearbox) there's a hole close to the nearside front subframe mount that's got a 16mm nut in it.

also, something i do, is strap the nearside shock tight to the body, this stops the driveshaft popping out when you remove the ball joint bolts.

also two support braces connecting the body to the wishbone bolt.

 

[daddycool]

and gearbox linkage, otherwise the subframe will sit on it. come to think of it, the subframe will sit on it anyway.

 

[vecbtb]

and gearbox linkage, otherwise the subframe will sit on it. come to think of it, the subframe will sit on it anyway.

Thanks for your help. Doesn't sound too bad. I like to go into jobs roughly knowing what to expect.

 

[Fred@BTM]

have some old tyres on standby to "drop" it onto

 

[vecbtb]

have some old tyres on standby to "drop" it onto

Good idea. Thanks.

 

[mgoode180566]

sure someone told me that on occasion it has been known for the nut to spin inside the chassis when unbolting the frame form the chassis. simple clips retain the nut and that can break \ spin ? maybe i dreamt it ???

 

[bmh.01]

Yeh does happen.