Technical Rear subframe removal
- Thread starter nuddmann
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Technical Rear subframe removal
Yes. Jack the car up; axle stands under the back end of the sills at the jacking points; detach the rear exhaust hanger and let the exhaust lay on the ground (the flexi at the front easily copes with the movement). Open the rear doors and remove the ribbed plastic inner sill covers that cap the edges of the carpet to allow access to the ABS sensor connectors - detach them and pull them back through the holes in the floor pan (prize the grommets out).
Under the car, undo the brake lines where they run across the car directly in front of the main subframe cross tube. In my experience, this is the place that you're most likely to suffer collateral damage, so give them a good spray with penetrating oil a day or two beforehand, and don't try to force things too much.
Then support the whole subframe/rear suspension assembly with a block of wood and a trolley jack and undo the 4 bolts the hold it all in place. Lower it to the ground.
Edit:
Forgot the handbrake cables, but they're easy - slacken off the nylon adjuster nut under the handbrake gaiter, then you can unhook all the cables from the yolk under the offside sill.
Also, taking the wheels off when you start gives better access to everything; the four subframe bolts can be removed without even getting under the car.
Job done!
Under the car, undo the brake lines where they run across the car directly in front of the main subframe cross tube. In my experience, this is the place that you're most likely to suffer collateral damage, so give them a good spray with penetrating oil a day or two beforehand, and don't try to force things too much.
Then support the whole subframe/rear suspension assembly with a block of wood and a trolley jack and undo the 4 bolts the hold it all in place. Lower it to the ground.
Edit:
Forgot the handbrake cables, but they're easy - slacken off the nylon adjuster nut under the handbrake gaiter, then you can unhook all the cables from the yolk under the offside sill.
Also, taking the wheels off when you start gives better access to everything; the four subframe bolts can be removed without even getting under the car.
Job done!
Last edited:
Excellent info (as always) from WMF 
Plenty of info about Subframe Mounts (Bushes) here . . .
Subfram Mount Topics
A couple of pics always help too . . .
Plenty of info about Subframe Mounts (Bushes) here . . .
Subfram Mount Topics
A couple of pics always help too . . .
lancia8888
New member
Don't take any material off the bushes, heat around the holes and press them in. Tape the abs leads up as I chopped one of mine in half when the sub frame fell on top of it. It is quiet heave to handle…..I did mix a couple of years back and widemouthfrog has done his…….
Take the opportunity to clean up under where the sub frame sits, underseal and rust protection.
Take the opportunity to clean up under where the sub frame sits, underseal and rust protection.
Cut/chopped/damaged leads/sensors can be repaired/rejoined, I had to do one of mine.
Cheers folks, I'm considering whether or not to replace the bushes on mine, got a set off of ebay 3 years ago but have, touch wood, not needed to replace them..........yet. Mot is due in May so will wait and see what it turns up, not that keen to do proactive work if it's not needed as the car's got close to 170k on it!
The bushes I got are supposed to be a straight replacement, just wondering how they would be pressed in if the subframe was taken off, or would it be better to do it by just dropping the frame a bit?
The bushes I got are supposed to be a straight replacement, just wondering how they would be pressed in if the subframe was taken off, or would it be better to do it by just dropping the frame a bit?
And mine . . .
Rear Sub-frame removal . . .
Rear Sub-frame removal . . .
