Front Subframe Refresh

[s2driveruk]

http://uk.local.yahoo.com/search.html?p=powder+coating&poi=Belfast%2C+Northern+Ireland&wid=44544&cb=1

any of those guys should be able to point you to one or have it on site

[S2central.net]

thanks but I also don't want it powder coated... POR15 lasts longer.

[panzerwagen]

Nice job Paul. Question..

Are you going to have the subframe seamwelded. It would appear that these subframes would benefit from such an upgrade. I would do it if I wasn't so fearful that the cheezy captive nuts inside the subframe mounts wouldn't break away!

[S2central.net]

Have been thinking about the seam welding actually - some sections seem to be spotted more closely than others.

If I don't seam weld it I will certainly consider some chemical metal or POR15 putty as a rockhard filler on the open gaps to prevent further moisture ingress.

[ericd]

Then an application of 'Envirosol' - an eco friendly degreaser... followed by some foaming action product what was in the garage. Worked in well with a good old wheel brush.

was the Envirosol an orangey coloured liquid , made by cloverleaf by any chance ?

[simon44]

Good work Paul! It's very satisfying 'renovating' parts of the car...and good thinking time too!

[John B]

Subframe

Out of interest, what's the damage to buy a new subframe nowadays? I used to have an A6 allroad, which was damaged when some joker left a large chunk of stone on a main A road.....anyway I was staggered to find the front subframe was about £300: thought it would be more. The impact was strong enough to shear off one of the mounting bolts, which were designed to do just that to save your chassis.

The big question I have about subframes, which prevented me from removing mine during a major suspension rebuild are the scary stories you read about the mounting bolts fracturing the captive nut welds in the chassis. In our cars, which are now minimum 14 years old with plenty of sh** underneath.....how likely is that to happen??!!

[rj scotty]

Had it happen on a mk2 golf.
You have to get the carpet out, work which cavity the captive nut is in, access it from above and fit a new nut. Right pain in the ***.

[lind4hl]

Or cut up the frame-rail from the side, weld in a new nut and weld it back togheter

[ciaranthemurph]

Out of interest, what's the damage to buy a new subframe nowadays? I used to have an A6 allroad, which was damaged when some joker left a large chunk of stone on a main A road.....anyway I was staggered to find the front subframe was about £300: thought it would be more. The impact was strong enough to shear off one of the mounting bolts, which were designed to do just that to save your chassis.

The big question I have about subframes, which prevented me from removing mine during a major suspension rebuild are the scary stories you read about the mounting bolts fracturing the captive nut welds in the chassis. In our cars, which are now minimum 14 years old with plenty of sh** underneath.....how likely is that to happen??!!

New rear subframe for an S2 coupe - £760+VAT from Audi last year. Had to come from Ingolstadt too. Can't imagine that a front one would be much different.

[docspeedtriple]

Good work paul its a hard graft cleaning it i know i've done something similar take a look.