Subframe

tim leech · Post by **tim leech** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 1:52 pm

Cars up on the ramp having the driveshaft changed and the various rusty holes welded up, I notcid that the subrame where it bolts to the body is completely shot and has a hole in it.

Poking about worries me on how much rust there is on this seemingly tidy car.

Are they specific to the 16v, and has anyone got on that isnt rotten or been welded up.

Thanks

BCXM · Post by **BCXM** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 2:07 pm

I have a complete subframe off a 16v which I was keeping to one side just for such an occasion if thats any good

tim leech · Post by **tim leech** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 2:15 pm

What condition is it in Leroy and how much is it, Mymechanic mate is welding a plate on this one for today but I will need to replace it ready for the MOT.

Post by **docchevron** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 2:15 pm

All Mk2 subframes are the same Tim (although obviousley the anti-roll bars are different depending on what spec car they are fitted to), and it's not uncommon for them to rot there. I'm somewhat amazed your car passed an MOT recentley though frankley.

On the plus side, changing the front subframe is not too bad a job, if I were you I'd rip Leroy's arm off, get his subframe and spend a day getting oily!

BCXM · Post by **BCXM** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 2:27 pm

my mk I 19RD subframe was as bad if not worse than yours Tim thats why I made sure that I got one off when I got a spares car. The subframe still has the drop links etc attached so is ready to bang straight on and as the Doc says its not as hard a job as you may think...

£50 but I can't post it though you could send a courier down? Or collect yourself for the same price i'm sure.

tim leech · Post by **tim leech** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 3:14 pm

Thanks mate i will have it but wont be able to get down to fetch it until the end of the month due to work and money constraints.

I take it the engne doesn t have to come out to replace it, it wont be thats changing it wither as its beyond my capabilities, how many hours are we thinking baeraing in mind we do have a 4 poster ramp.

Post by **docchevron** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 3:22 pm

Na, the engine can stay where it is! It's pretty straightforward.

Shant go into massive detail here since it's the wrong bit of the forum, but basically, pull the driveshafts, undo the bottom ball joints, unclip the pipework at the rear of the subframe, undo the and remove the two cover brackets that go over the strut return pipes at either end of the subframe, undo and remove the bottom engine mount, undo the hardy spicer joint onthe steering, undo the bolt that locates the gear linkages to the steering rack, remove the height corrector control rod and pipes, the HP pipes that run across the bottom of the bell housing will need unclipping from the front of the subframe and a few other bits that will be fairly easy to see and drop the subframe out complete with rack etc.

Build up the other subframe on the floor, and fit it all up.

One man could do it in a day, but if you aint done it before, allow yourself a weekend, and as usual, take all the safety precautions when working under a car..

BCXM · Post by **BCXM** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 3:52 pm

Doc you da man...

Tim no problems mate end of the month suits me as i'm on holiday for most of this month anyhows...

DavidRutherford · Post by **DavidRutherford** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 5:43 pm

BCXM wrote:my mk I 19RD subframe was as bad if not worse than yours

Bearing in mind that MK1 and MK2 front subframes are fairly different...

tim leech · Post by **tim leech** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 7:23 pm

Cheers Leroy, btw you dont want to buy a lovely Athena do u lol!

sleepy0905 · Post by **sleepy0905** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 9:07 pm

I have just scrapped one of them as nobody wanted it.

BCXM · Post by **BCXM** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 9:40 pm

@ David

yes they are different but you can put a MK II subframe on a Mark I. My mechanic put a MKII subframe and retro fitted power steering on my 19RD...

I do like that 16 mate as it happens...only problem is if you drive the 16 down how would you take the subframe back up?

Post by **docchevron** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 2:25 am

BCXM wrote:.only problem is if you drive the 16 down how would you take the subframe back up?

Er, train? Bus? Push bike?.......hhmm, maybe not!

Yeah Mk1 and 2 subframes are interchangable, the main difference is the Mk1 had bearings for the wishbones, and the Mk2 had bushes.

Back in the dim and distant when BXs where plentiful and still worth money, a fair few Mk1's got converted to Mk2 subframes after rot crept in..

Post by **docchevron** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 2:27 am

hang on, I've had an idea!

If you strap an engine to the subframe, and a pair of wheels, Tim could drive it home!!!

(Yep, I've been on the sauce again

)

stuart_hedges · Post by **stuart_hedges** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 9:02 am

All bcxm needs to supply is the engine - I've got a set of wheels belonging to Tim in my shed a couple of miles away from bcxm