Front subframe removal / replacement

M

Monkeymad

Member
Hi my wife’s A2 TDI75 Y reg failed its MOT on the front subframe ( also on rear brakes+ handbrake
I have a replacement to fit but was wondering if there is a how to guide on here or if anyone could tell me how to do it or how long it takes.
I have access to a 4 post car lift and a shed with ample tools
Thanks
Keith
 
What sort of subframe failure is it...usually its surface rust as either front subframe or rear axle aren't aluminium like rest of the body
 
Monkeymad said:
Hi my wife’s A2 TDI75 Y reg failed its MOT on the front subframe ( also on rear brakes+ handbrake
I have a replacement to fit but was wondering if there is a how to guide on here or if anyone could tell me how to do it or how long it takes.
I have access to a 4 post car lift and a shed with ample tools
Thanks
Keith
Click to expand...
Hi Keith ... buy yourself a set of subframe location pins for under a tenner from eBay and these should place your new one back in the same position.
Access to a lift will make it a fairly straight forward swap over providing the bolts aren't seized in, similar process to replacing the suspension arms ... give everything a good soaking prior to starting with WD40 or similar.
Possibly think about replacing the arms while they're off, if not done already.
There are a few guides on this site for doing the arms, if you're stuck, I can link mine from a few years ago.
Same goes for the rear brakes, cables etc ... straight forward with access to a lift.
If nothing is seized, maybe give yourself a full day to do the subframe ... steady away.

Control Arm post below:

Front control arms.

Today I ... Project Resurgam, an early start this morning and I could barely contain the anticipation, everything was lined up to install the front control arms ... all parts delivered, the tools were laid out, WD40 and breaker bar at the ready :eek: The plan was to leave all the bolts tight...
www.a2oc.net
 
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Just be careful when removing the bolts from the cast housings for the wishbones. If it feels like its getting tight stop.

Another tip, make sure you attached the anti-roll bar 13mm bolts to the subframe when putting it back on before you attach any of the others or you'll never line it up.
 
Tomscar said:
Hi Keith ... buy yourself a set of subframe location pins for under a tenner from eBay and these should place your new one back in the same position.
Access to a lift will make it a fairly straight forward swap over providing the bolts aren't seized in, similar process to replacing the suspension arms ... give everything a good soaking prior to starting with WD40 or similar.
Possibly think about replacing the arms while they're off, if not done already.
There are a few guides on this site for doing the arms, if you're stuck, I can link mine from a few years ago.
Same goes for the rear brakes, cables etc ... straight forward with access to a lift.
If nothing is seized, maybe give yourself a full day to do the subframe ... steady away.

Control Arm post below:

Front control arms.

Today I ... Project Resurgam, an early start this morning and I could barely contain the anticipation, everything was lined up to install the front control arms ... all parts delivered, the tools were laid out, WD40 and breaker bar at the ready :eek: The plan was to leave all the bolts tight...
www.a2oc.net
Click to expand...
Can anyone link up a guide to do this please as I’m having trouble working out what order to take things off
 
philward said:
PM sent, not sure if I covered everything but should get you started.
Click to expand...
Thanks it help a lot didn’t have the locating pins but used the clean marks.

Only issue I have now is i noticed when swapping over the engine mount it had 3 big splits in the rubber so it needs replacing soon. Anyone know where to buy them from or which other car/engine is compatible
Thanks
Keith
 
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