Hi all,

 

While undoing everthing to do my timing belt, my mechanic pointed out to me that my sub frame is rusting away. At one point there is a hole I can put my finger through. He suggested that I treat it, fill the hole with waxseall, fix the whole with fibreglass then waxseal the complete subframe. Any ideas if that'll be OK?

 

Why would it have rusted so bad? There are no signs of a rad leak, I've always had the plastic undershield on so I would presume that would stop the water from coming upwards. The only thing I can think of is that water has been held onto the subframe by the plastic undershield as that's what it screws on to.

 

How would the subframe be replaced/repaired?

 

Cheers

 

Vijay

When I took my engine out - it was clear that the rust was caused by the foam strip that creates an air tight gap between cross-member (the rusty bit you're talking about) and the air condensor for the air con. My guess is the foam absorbs water and this coupled with the fact that the cross-member is made up of 3 or 4 sections spot welded together - and no form of sealant other the lap joints caused the rusting.

 

Anyway, mine was very rusty - but cleaned it up and resprayed it.

 

Speak to Duffer who I believe helped somebody change one.

 

Hope this helps

Cheers Simon.

 

Vijay

Yeah I did change one - well, the cross brace that the radiator sits on. This is a major structural part of the car. The tie bars attach to it and it also braces the chassis legs. It is a nightmare to change tbh. You have to remove almost EVERYTHING from the front of the car including bumper, ICs, carbon cannister, water bottle, expansion tank, black hard pipes that run through the bulkhead, recircs, oil coolers.... the list goes on lol. The biggest problem comes when you want to get it out - its welded to the chassis legs as well as bolted. Air hammer will work a treat otherwise prepare for very bruised knuckles. After that you can weld a new one on, put everything back and your done.... all in a days work lol.

 

HTH

 

CheerZ,

 

Andy

 

PS I have some pics somewhere I'll try and find them ;)

cheers Andy. Do you think I can get away with what my mechanic has suggested.

 

I spoke to a friend last night who said I might be able to get the rusted bit cut away and a new piece welded in...................

 

Vijay

Up to you but I wouldn't tbh. You could see abrasions on the chassis where the legs had bending in under load - obviously a stressed part.... Still lookin for those photos lol. Is it the one under the radiator?

 

CheerZ,

 

Andy

yep, that's the one.

 

Vijay

Found them part 1 lol

Found them part 2

Found them part 3

bloody hell!!! I don't think mine is that bad but I'm gonna take the aircon rad out in the summer and have a good look at it.

 

Do you think it's a diy job to change and where do I get a new one?

 

Cheers Andy,

 

Vijay

This one was caused by constant kerbing of the drivers wheel when parking I think. DIY? Very difficult question really - you need a broad range of tools. I ended up with my hands cut to shreds after this too. Aircon condensor removal, erm, be VERY VERY carefull!!!! The gas will knock you out if you inhale it, and the pipes will snap if you don't brace them while you are undoing the unions.

 

HTH

 

CheerZ,

 

Andy

I was gonna try and find a company to come and remove the gas and then refil it after I've done what ever I need to do.

 

Well if you found it difficult, I might aswell forget it :D

 

Vijay

Andy,

 

That first photo looks like my motor at the moment!!!

If only I cud start bolting things back on then I might get to drive it soon!!!!!!

Nick

:cool:

Originally posted by andyduff

Found them part 2

 

Mr Duff, I'm ashamed - clean up your rusty tools immediately! :rolleyes:

This one was caused by constant kerbing of the drivers wheel when parking I think. DIY? Very difficult question really - you need a broad range of tools. I ended up with my hands cut to shreds after this too. Aircon condensor removal, erm, be VERY VERY carefull!!!! The gas will knock you out if you inhale it, and the pipes will snap if you don't brace them while you are undoing the unions.

 

HTH

 

CheerZ,

 

Andy

 

Hello mate bit of an old thread but did you use a new cross member when replacing it? mine has virtually snapped in half I double skinned the top and bottom with 1mm plate welded on to the bits I could get too but im not 100% happy with it.

Seeing as the engine is out the aircon removed and the front bumper has to come off I got to finnish the job properly! any ideas where I could get the part from?

 

cheers

to, be honest mate, I never got round to looking at it again. I treated it and sprayed it up and thought I was gonna pull the engine to do the turbos last year but never got round to it. I'm sure Mike Feeney was able to supply them.

 

Vijay

do NOT fibreglass it - as it is a stuctural part of the car it would be an MOT failure (& also be a weakness in an accident).

 

replace or get welded :)

Thanks guys i'll give mike a shout ;) i'll fully weld it too, fibre glass is a no no for me to