Front Subframe Issue???

[newsh]

Or loosen the engine and gearbox mounts and push the whole lump back a couple of mm?

[Fat Audi 80]

That doesn't sound easy in a single garage all on my own. The drivers side engine mount isn't easy to get to with the subrame up either!

[Fat Audi 80]

How about a 3mm washer under the engine mount on that side?

I did think of that and a 10mm spacer would be more than enough, but the drivers side mount is hard to get to.

I think the to modify the existing or re install the original subrame is the correct way to go....

I could ask a favour of my sheet metal fabrication company we use at work and get them to modify the subframe.

Decisions decisions.

[Ross]

This is Mr OEM remember, a V6 subframe or engine mount spacers doesn't quite sit well with him...

All this DIY tinkering now the the weather turned nice is getting my fingers ichy... :mischeif:

[Jamo]

I'm sure it was a v6 subframe from the green v6 coupe I broke a while ago. From what i've seen/read on this forum I thought they was a straight swap for an aby one. I've got one on my urq as well and same with Jamo on his avant.

Bit wierd as i've not heard any comments of people having problems

You have my old ABY on the UR unless you sold it?

[Fat Audi 80]

This is Mr OEM remember, a V6 subframe or engine mount spacers doesn't quite sit well with him...

All this DIY tinkering now the the weather turned nice is getting my fingers ichy... :mischeif:

True.

From a pure engineering point of view, I do not wish to upset what Audi have spent years developing. IME if you muck about with things like engine mount spacers this will only serve to create a small effect somewhere else that could produce unwanted premature wear or move the problem somewhere else in the drivetrain.

I have decided to strip my old original subframe down, refubish it and fit it back again. It's the only sensible way for a car that I would like to drive perfectly again.

Cheers,

Steve

[Acidburn]

let me know if you need a hand with this or some por15 as i've some of that still.

[Fat Audi 80]

That's kind Peter.

I have decided that I am going to refurb my old subframe probably myself as I have put quite a lot of money into this project already. I am going to drill out the bushes with a suitable sized hole saw and then remove the remains with a hacksaw. I will buy a wire brush attachment to clean up the surface rust then I have some Hydrate 80 and some POR15 to go on after that. I reckon once prepped I can swap the subframe in a couple of hours now I am practised!

If you want the V6 subframe back let me know

Cheers,

Steve

[willg54]

dont forget the gloves when you use POR15...i learnt this the hard way!

[Fat Audi 80]

Ah yes, always gloves for painting with that type of stuff.

Cheers,

Steve

[Acidburn]

I found the rear subframe bushes come out if you lever them out with a long screw driver, the front one's I ended up burning out then levering them out which was not that bad, if you know anyone with a decent kit burning them out is quickest/easiest.

[Fat Audi 80]

I tried burning last time on the rear it made a right mess!

I am going to try the hole saw through the rubber approach this time.

[Skull]

maybe it is a cabrio subframe?

[mcandmar]

Subframe bushings are fairly easy to get out, if you look at the top side nearest the car they have a rubber bulge around the outside holding them in place, just trim that rubber off so the bushing is the same size as the hole and hit it with a hammer, it should just pop out. You dont need to start drilling them or setting fire to them. A-Arms bushings, now thats a different story..

[Fat Audi 80]

Subframe bushings are fairly easy to get out, if you look at the top side nearest the car they have a rubber bulge around the outside holding them in place, just trim that rubber off so the bushing is the same size as the hole and hit it with a hammer, it should just pop out. You dont need to start drilling them or setting fire to them. A-Arms bushings, now thats a different story..

I will give that a go and let you know!

Cheers,

Steve