im going to be removing the rear subframe this week to have it taken for powder coating how much of a bugger is the job, what to do and what to look out for, fluids, etc, pipes cables.. anything you can suggest, links etc.. would be most helpful

 

thanks

si

bumpity bump!!

Once the propshaft, shock absorbers, and rear flexy brake pipes are disconnected, the whole unit drops out fairly easy! Only 4 bolts hold it in place!

many thankx matey.. with reguards to the flexi brake pipes do you mean the ones that connect to the calipers? or the ones that go off to the handbreak?

 

i have this pic here and there seem to be two on here that cross over.

Zorst off. Brake lines off on body union. Handbrake cables disconnect. Wiring to diff undo.And any other wires you see!!!!

Big 3 Tonne trolley jack under diff. Start undoing shocks n subframe bolts.

If ya got the jack in right place a gentle lever or two will get it all dropping evenly.If not it will jam as it drops!!!

Bout it really.

Not technically difficult (well it cant be .. Ive done it.)

i take it when the break lines come off fluid will go everywhere!! lol

i take it when the break lines come off fluid will go everywhere!! lol

 

Not if you clamp them! ;)

Forgot about exhaust and handbrake cable! :x: :x:

clamp em.. fook me if i dint think of that.. doh!

i just noticed that there are two big arse pipes that come off the rear hicas tube, they go up to ripe runs on the bottom of the car, i take it iwill have to undo these but will it piss out fluid from them? or can i also clamp these as well?

bumpity bump as i wanna get started so anything will be a help guys!

anyone?? i am going to replace these pipes but i just want to know what will come out of them? will it be steering fluid at pressure? or some other gunk?

thanks..

aren't they hicas pipes i so its got power steering fluid in them

As long as the engines not running, it will just be pas fluid, thats all. You could remove the hicas unit from the diff and leave it in place, but seems like a lot of work!

Do you need to drop the entire subframe out to replace those large oil filled bushes just forward of the drive shafts?

Do you need to drop the entire subframe out to replace those large oil filled bushes just forward of the drive shafts?

 

No you dont, but it would make the job easier if you did

One of mine has been leaking and really needs sorting out. Mmmmm. Bet they are expensive.

thanks very much gents, thanks shunter, im gonna replace those pipes with new ones, i will get a set made at my local hydraulic shop. so i guess i will have to get some power steering fluid in also!!

 

the whole lot is coming off..

 

so when i reconnect i just top up the pas fluid then or is there process for this?? i will do a search but pointers are helpful.

 

i will be doing a step by step pdf of this while i do it and when the bushings go on and the subframe goes back on.

There used to be a mobile hydrolic pipe guy in Bristol, Hose Doctor or something. They made a set of power steering pipes for a Rover sdi I had, they were really cheap, and about 10 times stronger than the originals!!

All the above suggestions. When I removed my subframe I replaced the brake pipes above the diff so that may be worth doing epecially if you have a uk car.

All the above suggestions. When I removed my subframe I replaced the brake pipes above the diff so that may be worth doing epecially if you have a uk car.

 

I had to replace all the rear metal brake pipes for MOT a few years ago, thats how I know how to do it. Wouldnt want to do it again either!! :mac1:

hi simon when it comes to reconecting the hicas hoses wether they have been replaced or refitted,topping up the pas pot will do fine,turn the wheels through full lock left to right whilst topping up should get the fluid back round the systym just fine,keep topping up until no more is needed,then after a while check for leaks around the systym,when refitting hoses use new copper washers and retighten to correct torque setting

 

 

greg