Subframe removal
Turbo Mini Forums

Hello all,

Im going to remove my front subframe tmo (engine out already), but before I do so was just wondering how I support the front of the car because my axle stands are actually resting on the subframes. Checked the manual but gives no specific detail - just says remove subframe!

Is there a specific way or have I missed something? Also my car is an 89 F reg, and need to replace the subframe. What paint would you use for protecting the metal or are they already pretreated?

Also, finally can i fit this subframe to my car? Or is there a better one???

http://www.minispares.com/Product.aspx?ty=pb&pid=34330

Many thanks,
Chris.

1310cc TWINK - T Conversion

It would make life easier to buy another 2 axle stands to support the front of you mini while you undo the subframe bolts and drop the frame from the car Use a piece of wood and balance the frame down with the jack -quite simply done-.. Plus its always handy to have 4 stands.

Why do you need to replace the subframe anyway? There not prone to rot and are expensive to replace new.

When subframe is removed jet wash it down. Go down Halfords and buy the wire brush attachment for your grinder, a can of ‘Rust Not’ primer and 2 cans of ‘Rust Not’ gloss black.

Use the grinder with the attachment to take it back to bare metal and then apply a nice coat of the primer and followed by the black. Give it time to fully dry between each layer will give it good lasting protection

Chris

It would make life easier to buy another 2 axle stands to support the front of you mini while you undo the subframe bolts and drop the frame from the car Use a piece of wood and balance the frame down with the jack -quite simply done-.. Plus its always handy to have 4 stands.

Why do you need to replace the subframe anyway? There not prone to rot and are expensive to replace new.

When subframe is removed jet wash it down. Go down Halfords and buy the wire brush attachment for your grinder, a can of ‘Rust Not’ primer and 2 cans of ‘Rust Not’ gloss black.

Use the grinder with the attachment to take it back to bare metal and then apply a nice coat of the primer and followed by the black. Give it time to fully dry between each layer will give it good lasting protection

Chris

Thanks for the information, but the subframe metal has corroded away and wouldnt be happy reusing it TBH.

Like you say, front subs dont seem to be a prob, but I dont think this has been replaced since the factory?

So where do I support the car when I remove the subframe? Do I spread some wood under the chassis and jack it up, remove the stands from under the subframe, place stands under the wood, lower than remove the jack. then remove the subframe?

1310cc TWINK - T Conversion

couple of axle stands, a length of wood between them both to spread the load over the floor.

make sure you are clear of the subframe and when you drop the subby out support it on the jack to help lower it safely.

Hi,
Scaffold plank ideal for this job, use as directed above
Cheers,
Gavin :)

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My Mini build diary

sorry the picture isn't great but this is how i took mine out.

unfortunately i only had a pallet to hand so broke some slats off that to use, seemed to hold out and did the job.



axel stands holding the car and the wood on a jack to lower the subframe

Edited by Ollie on 22nd Nov, 2008.