Finally found time to have a go at the subframe...
 

Some may remember a few months back I was after advice with regards to removing and replacing a ZT subframe, upper, and lower suspension arms, as well as some other bits.

I had today off, and finally got time to start the job. Don’t actually need the cars again for a week, as I’m on nights now so can use my wife’s. I managed to remove the old subframe, complete with upper and lower arms, and ARB and links as one piece. And only had to removed the silencer fixings, to allow the exhaust to drop a few inches. Including taking the springs and rear dampers off, it too just under 2 hours. Not too bad I thought.

Then the issues started. Firstly, digging out the replacement parts, I found the ARB brackets that I thought I’d had sand blasted and had then painted, hadn’t been! Still very rusty, so had to spend time cleaning them up and giving them a coat of paint. Then the massive washers that hold the subframe on were in equally poor state, and were something I hadn’t considered, so no replacements, so again, had to clean up as best as I can and give a coat of paint.

While the first coat was drying, I thought I’d crack on and get the new arms fitted to the replacement subframe, and any other bits I could do. It’s then that I notice one of the captive nuts for one of the arms is missing! It looks like I should be able to get in there to pop a nut on, preferably a nyloc, does anyone know what size these bolts are so I can get the right sized nut?

Also does anyone know the purpose of the scoop fitted to the back of the drivers side lower arm? The replacement arms didn’t come with one, and it looks like it’s riveted to the old arm.

The scoop, is this below the fuel cooler? Something to do with that I understand. I thought they were riveted to brackets and then bolted to the arm

macafee2

Thats the bit, at first I thought it was to direct air to the cooler, but looks the wrong sort of shape for that. then thought maybe it was for deflecting stones away from the cooler? Either way, its riveted to a bracket, and the bracket it fixed to the arm. After a closer look, I think maybe it used to be a 10mm nut on a stud or bolt, but there's not much left, so I don't hold out much hope of getting it off, without having to drill it.

The captive nut is more of a problem, I've got replacement bolts to fit the new arms, but it just has that part number on the bag, doesn't say what size it is. Looking at it I'd guess maybe an M10, but not really sure.

If by "scoop" you mean the channel shaped plastic item protection piece, round face forward, these are fitted to both arms. Item 10 on Rimmer illustrations. NLA I am afraid.

"Then the massive washers that hold the subframe on were in equally poor state, and were something I hadn’t considered, so no replacements, so again, had to clean up as best as I can and give a coat of paint."


You can get BMW failsafe washers for the subframe - parts code 33312282251 - they are very expensive though around £35 a washer!:eek:

I was given this advice by a German specialist in MGR/JLR called Allbrit Automotive Parts e.K.Ströherstrasse 12 D-29229 Celle.

No, I've got those off the old arms, and they cleaned up ok, and look as though they should clip on to the new arms easy enough. It's this part, described as an aerofoil: https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-PIG000010

It doesn't show any bolts for fixing it on.

That is expensive! Any particular the old ones can't be re-used? They've cleaned up ok, and are currently drying after the initial coat of paint.

PS. according to Rimmers, the bolts are M12, so I'll have to see if I can find somewhere local with some M12 nyloc nuts tomorrow.

It is a deflector to channel a bit more air to the fuel cooler. :}

And a lot have corroded, dropped off and been lost by now (mine included).

Yes, I removed mine when I refurbished the rear subframe, haven't refitted it, don't think ill bother tbh..

Ah ok, thanks, I’ll take it off the old arm in case I get around to fitting it to the new one, but less urgent if it’s just to channel air, especially at this time of year. If it was to deflect stones I’d have made sure to have sorted something out before driving it.

Local Halfords has M12 nyloc nuts in stock, so I’ll get some on my way home from work tomorrow, and then hopefully have it all back together again by Sunday. Then I can get it booked in for it’s MOT!