Front Nearside Subframe

[dave_ph]

Hi Guys,

Car is in for a service today (dun dun duuun!). anyway they does this free "health check"/revenue generator. Its been pointed out to me that my front nearside subframe is a bit bent! its not enough to cause any issues but apparently should be monitored. Might explain why it pulls to the left a little!

Anyway, they quoted 516quid to fix this for me so i said dont bother, however does anyone know what would be involved in sorting this out myself if i was to take it on?

also need a new backbox as well as the bracket has snapped, but this is the perfect excuse for a new exhaust system teehee. they've temp fixed it for now anyway

Cheers
Dave

 

[Skint]

Dont be fooled by the old 'you need a new backbox' trick its a load of rubbish.

If you don't want to change it for a performance item get someone with welding gear to fit some new brackets for you. I had the same problem, was quoted hundreds for a new exhaust but fixed it to MOT standards for £20.

Its a common fault with the leons.

 

[dave_ph]

ah okey thanks for the info - will have to see if the money can stretch to a catback this month (now ive got the taste for one) and if not, weld it is!

 

[james walker]

weld a new bracket on for pennies.....

front nearside subframe????????

no such thing...

sure they dont mean wishbone.. subframe doesnt usually bend mate.

if it is wishbone, then you can pick one up for 40quid and fit diy easily.

rip off mofos.

 

[dave_ph]

they seemed pretty certain that it was the subframe that was bent. ive got a recent knocking when accelerating eagarly, and they reckon it could be an engine mount gone, and where the subframe is bent, its knocking against the wishbone.

I dont like dealers, can never be sure what they are saying is true or not

 

[james walker]

well what is it, engine mount or subframe... cant see the subframe bending tbh, would take a rite whack to do that, wishbones yes....

knocking could be dogbone mount bolt loose or snapped. thats a ten min job to fix though.

tbh, id get a second opinion as it doesnt sound right to me.

 

[adam cupra 20vt]

Do they mean the front left of the subframe?

Theres only 1 subframe?

 

[james walker]

sounds suss to me.... bloody stealers

 

[dave_ph]

Do they mean the front left of the subframe?

Theres only 1 subframe?

i guess thats what the mean mate

 

[dave_ph]

well what is it, engine mount or subframe... cant see the subframe bending tbh, would take a rite whack to do that, wishbones yes....

knocking could be dogbone mount bolt loose or snapped. thats a ten min job to fix though.

tbh, id get a second opinion as it doesnt sound right to me.

you say it would take a right wack...i asked them what could of caused it, and they said hit a speed hump or accident damage lol

i think the cars been in an accident before i had it (offside wing and bumper has been sprayed) but that wouldnt of bent the frame at the otherside of the car!

 

[james walker]

maybe is then, id try and get a subframe used, then get someone to replace it... ull pick one up for 50quid then plus labour... 2 hours tops.

 

[Willie]

Theres no way a LCr wish bone would bend, there sooper strong. Unless it's a damage repaired car.
The sub frame could easily bend as it's only thin. Are they sure it's not just the design as it does have some funny angles in it.
Could you get some pictures of this to help us help you?

 

[james walker]

but would take something big to make it bend willie... also unless uber low then i cant see it catching on anything.

 

[Willie]

Could be anything James, a big stone in the road and hitting it at 60 MPH will make a BIG dint

 

[Becks]

As always I can prove that bending a subframe and wishbone is possible ( both in the same accident! )

 

[dave_ph]

i'll get them to show me teh damage when i pick it up on friday, and will get some photos if i can

thanks for the replies

 

[Becks]

Surely the wishbones an subframe are designed to bend to save the chassis from being damaged in the event of a crash? when both are made from mild steel which is relatively soft anyways and both are replaceable parts?

 

[dave_ph]

quite possibly, cant wait to see it now to have a butchers. would like to know whats caused it!

I think its been like it for ages, as its been pulled to the left for over a year. Would of thought the dealer would of spotted it before, as they've had the bumper off to replace the air con compressor

 

[Becks]

Where in the world are you?

 

[dave_ph]

down in the deep dark depths of south west england (also known as taunton)