Rear subframe removal

[larsaskogstad]

Hi

Never done this before, seen a couple of posts on the forum.

Just wondered if its recommended to just raise the back of the car on jacks or if its easier if you lift on all 4.

How heavy is the rear subframe with everything?

Ive got a jack under the front subframe for support.

[Tractor Dave]

I wouldn't advice jacking at the front subframe.
If you have a pallet and two trolley jacks, you can raise the pallet up to meet the subframe and lower it onto the pallet. I put some casters on the pallet then you lower and just roll out.

[Tractor Dave]

Like this

https://www.s2forum.com/forum/welcome-area/introductions/2009953-new-s2-avant-nothelle-n300-owner/page18

[larsaskogstad]

Okay, so just let the front down again? or support it?
Im starting with only rear subframe going to overhaul it with new bushings etc.

Ah. I was thinking about using an europall/wooden thingy and mount wheels or put 2 roller-jacks or what you call it in english hehe.

But like my car is standing on jacks now, stupid question maybe but there isn't any danger of it falling forward when I release the rear subframe?

Tractor dave: looks like a neat solution

[Tractor Dave]

Support all four corners on axle stands so its level. Some put the wheels under the sills, just in case. With good strong axle stands under the jacking points on strong level ground, it shouldn't budge.

[Fat Audi 80]

When I did it in a single garage, I had only the rear of the car up in the air on axle stands and then lowered the subframe down with a jack or two. I don't remember it being too heavy or difficult.

[larsaskogstad]

Yeah. I have it on 4 stands now as seen in the picture a jack in front as support. Think ill refit front wheels just in case.

Im so worried about those horrorstories regarding the subframe bolts just going around and around. I dont feel like cutting and welding to refit the mounts for the bolts :/ would it be more safe to warm it up first or?

[John.]

When I did it in a single garage, I had only the rear of the car up in the air on axle stands and then lowered the subframe down with a jack or two. I don't remember it being too heavy or difficult.

Mine is still sitting like this, it's only been a year!! Jack under the diff and down it comes.

[John.]

Im so worried about those horrorstories regarding the subframe bolts just going around and around. I dont feel like cutting and welding to refit the mounts for the bolts :/ would it be more safe to warm it up first or?

Mine is a 1990 car and the bolts came out ok, I did work them in and out a bit though because like you I didn't want to be in a situation where the captive nut came free.

[Fat Audi 80]

Mine is still sitting like this, it's only been a year!! Jack under the diff and down it comes.

That rings a bell, jack under the diff.

[hilly82]

I did it not so long ago, i just put the rear on the axle stands and chocked the front wheels, I didnt find the subframe that heavy so just rested it on my chest.

[hilly82]

oh and i used a little jack to support the diff

[eJaYr]

When I was fixing my diff one of subframe bolt already snapped so in nearest future I'll be fixing that. Will be watching this thread.

[johne]

If you don't want to remove the diff and leave it in place just support it on a jack. Undo the wishbones 4 bolts, track rod banana arms (from the uprights) and the 3 diff mounts and then remove the 4 subframe bolts and take the subframe away (15Kgs?).

In my case, the problem wasn't the subframe bolts stuck to the captive nuts but seized in the subframe mounts and shearing off. Had to drill out around the rubber mounting to release and then with the subframe off it was easier to remove the remains of the bolt from the captive nut.

[larsaskogstad]

Okay, hmm i want the diff out as well.
Okay ill see whats happen.

So release exhaust, caliper, handbrake wire. Recommended to just take out susoension aswell or jyst disconnect it from the rest?