[griff2]

hi all

is there a guide anywhere to HOW TO TAKE OFF THE FRONT SUBFRAME ?

i need to change the anti roll bar bushes and from looking at where they are ,it must be easier to just drop frame ,change all bushes on there

 

[edwardcraney2012]

Put on lift, remove wheels, remove undertray, disconnect bottom of antiroll bar links, disconnect track rod ends (not completely necessary but can help), dissconect bottom ball joints, take out front bolt from bottom engine tie bar, support the subframe with gearbox stand or similar, remove two 18mm headed bolts and 4 15mm headed bolts and drop the subframe down, it is possible to change the antiroll bar bushes without dropping the subframe unless the bolts are rounded off.

 

[Irishrover]

hi all

is there a guide anywhere to HOW TO TAKE OFF THE FRONT SUBFRAME ?

i need to change the anti roll bar bushes and from looking at where they are ,it must be easier to just drop frame ,change all bushes on there

:behindsofa:

You may be able to remove the ARB bush clamp bo;ts from above using long extensions and a ratchet together with a 10mm socket. If however, the heads on the bolts are rusted-as mine were, the subframe needs to be removed complete with the ARB attached for easier access-preferably on the bench.
Briefly, from memory this is how I took mine off:
With front of car raised, both front wheels removed and weight firmly supported on axle stands......

Remove engine under tray.
Remove front wishbone bush mounting bolts to subframe (Both sides)
Remove rear wishbone bush housing bolts-2 per side.
Prise both wishbone arms clear of Subframe
Remove both ARB ball jointed drop links from ARB & suspension struts **These will probably be worn and need replacacing.
Slacken off remaining bolts (two I think) securing subframe to body.
Locate trolley jack to support weight of subframe and remove the remaining bolts and lower subframe carefully to floor complete with ARB attached.

The subframe is not excessively heavy, just awkward, a second pair of hands would be helpful but I did mine on my own.

If you need to replace the ARB bush clamp bolts they are M8 X 20mm long-you will need four plus washers, standard 8.8 grade hex. head setpins will be fine.
Reassembly is reversal of removal BUT do not fully tighten the wishbone bush securing bolts until the weight of the car is on the wheels.
You may find these useful

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f9/2002-td4-anti-roll-bar-bush-replacement-226425.html

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f9/front-subframe-bolt-info-239681.html

 

[griff2]

thanks for your replies

seems straight forward ,so think thats next weekends job might as well paint the frame to while its off

will post next week how i get on

griff

 

[Kizzeh]

Mine were rusty, and rounded. I got a long extension and hammered on the socket down the back of the engine. Mine is L series though so might not be as much space in yours. I did have to lay over the engine with my feet dangeling mind....

 

[Irishrover]

:behindsofa:

You may be able to remove the ARB bush clamp bo;ts from above using long extensions and a ratchet together with a 10mm socket. If however, the heads on the bolts are rusted-as mine were, the subframe needs to be removed complete with the ARB attached for easier access-preferably on the bench.
Briefly, from memory this is how I took mine off:
With front of car raised, both front wheels removed and weight firmly supported on axle stands......

Remove engine under tray.
Remove front wishbone bush mounting bolts to subframe (Both sides)
Remove rear wishbone bush housing bolts-2 per side.
Prise both wishbone arms clear of Subframe
Remove both ARB ball jointed drop links from ARB & suspension struts **These will probably be worn and need replacacing.
Slacken off remaining bolts (two I think) securing subframe to body.
Locate trolley jack to support weight of subframe and remove the remaining bolts and lower subframe carefully to floor complete with ARB attached.

The subframe is not excessively heavy, just awkward, a second pair of hands would be helpful but I did mine on my own.

If you need to replace the ARB bush clamp bolts they are M8 X 20mm long-you will need four plus washers, standard 8.8 grade hex. head setpins will be fine.
Reassembly is reversal of removal BUT do not fully tighten the wishbone bush securing bolts until the weight of the car is on the wheels.
You may find these useful

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f9/2002-td4-anti-roll-bar-bush-replacement-226425.html

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f9/front-subframe-bolt-info-239681.html

:doh:
Forgot to mention the short tie bar mount to subframe !!-thanks for the reminder !!

I didn't touch the track rod ends and had plenty of room to get the subframe & ARB assembly out and back in one piece. I did not touch the wishbone ball joints either....just left the wishbones hanging on them.

 

[edwardcraney2012]

I didn't touch the track rod ends and had plenty of room to get the subframe & ARB assembly out and back in one piece. I did not touch the wishbone ball joints either....just left the wishbones hanging on them.[/QUOTE]

Aye I never thought of doing it like that as i've normally had jobs that were easier with the whole unit off (like a clutch) but yeah probably better to do it that way as it avoids accidental damage to parts like the ball joint boots .