replacing front subframe

[wise old monkey]

Has anyone replaced the front subframe on the v70 and is it a straight forward job. Im thinking of doing it as it has a large dent at the front where its struck something hard and after having my wheel alignment done four times now and its still not right. So im pressuming this could be the problem

[Brendan W]

I would have a word with those body straightener people with the hydraulic rigs. They might in two minutes tell you a lot.

[Backo]

It is a straightforward job.

You have to support the vehicle properly (obviously) - I used large wooden beam under the chassis just behind the rear subframe mounts, supported on two axle stands.
You have to suspend the engine/gearbox properly - that was my way:


You have to disconnect the wishbones - I guess the easiest way being at the balljoints.

I opt to suspend the steering rack and keep it in place, not detaching it from the steering column, but I know there are other opinions out there. Either way it's held to the subframe by 5 nuts and these have to go. And probably the trickiest bit was to negotiate the steering rack shield - it consists of two oddly-shaped steel parts bolted together. The lower part goes under the rack and under the ant-roll bar, while the upper part goes over the rack. There are two bolts that keep them together - one to the right side and one at the back with somewhat limited access. Not a big issue though.



Here the lower part of the shield still sits between the subframe and the anti-roll bar.

And there is a number of wires/pipes attached to the subframe - most noticeably a thick wiring harness bolted once on top and then to the front of the subframe with M6 bolts.

Well in my case I've already had the driveshafts removed, as I was aiming for the gearbox. That certainly gave me better clearance, but I believe it's not really crucial for the subframe to be removed.

Anyway it is doable by enthusiastic DIY-er.

[wise old monkey]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2916127839...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

i got these delivered today, so shall be putting them in at the weekend, anyone else fitted them

[4candles]

Originally Posted by wise old monkey

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2916127839...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

i got these delivered today, so shall be putting them in at the weekend, anyone else fitted them

Not me, but look forward to hearing how you get on and if it increases NVH or simply tightens things up nicely.

[strbryan]

Originally Posted by wise old monkey

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2916127839...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

i got these delivered today, so shall be putting them in at the weekend, anyone else fitted them

I have a version of these fitted..

[wise old monkey]

did they make a big difference

[Backo]

Are the original ones showing any sign of wear and tear? Mine looked OK, no cracks, no splits, so I kept them. The large bush on the top engine tie-bar however was completely gone. Now with the new Powerflex polybush there is noticeable fine vibe transmitted to the chassis - it doesn't really feel like a vibe, it's more like a very low-pitched hum.
In all fairness this is comparison between aftermarket bush and no bush at all, but I still think there's nothing better than the OEM, even if it's just a simple rubber.

Good luck

[wise old monkey]

Backo these are sub frame bush inserts, the go inside of the bush for a better support, nothing to do with the top engine mount

[4candles]

Originally Posted by strbryan

I have a version of these fitted..

I seen some on the 'bay of fleas' a while back, they were homemade, allegedly cast moulded but looked more like they were 3D printed!

Pray tell Stryban, how do your inserts feel?