clutch change sub frame

ferguson_tom · 19th May 2014, 08:17

Hi Everyone

I have decided to do the work on my MG rather than selling as is. I started stripping it all down to replace the slave cylinder i have loosened off the sub frame and tried sliding the gearbox into the wheel arch but finding it a real struggle. I have had a look underneath and think i may as well just drop the sub frame so have plenty of room to see what i am doing. Am i right in the thinking all i need to remove is the exhaust, steering rack and couple of engine mounts to drop it out?

Cheers, Tom

mh007 · 19th May 2014, 11:17

Hi Tom

You don't really need to drop it completely out.

Provided you have unbolted the steering rack from the subframe (4 bolts) released the exhaust from the rubber mountings front/middle & released the lower engine tie/mount.

You will need to release the N/S subframe mounting bolts completely but just slacken of the O/S ones.

I tend to have the car on axles stands & use a engine support when I do them but I don't remove the subframe.

DMGRS · 19th May 2014, 12:11

When doing the job I did find it much easier when the frame was out of the way, but it's a heavy thing and a bit of a pain to line back up again.
Do-able with the method mentioned above - but if I had the time, I'd probably drop it off all the way next time.

bubs · 19th May 2014, 12:13

I found it easier to drop the whole subframe. You'll need to undo the bolts holding the power steering pipes and the steering rack from the subframe and the exhaust from the downpipe. Lower engine mount too

bubs · 19th May 2014, 12:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by DMGRS

When doing the job I did find it much easier when the frame was out of the way, but it's a heavy thing and a bit of a pain to line back up again.
Do-able with the method mentioned above - but if I had the time, I'd probably drop it off all the way next time.

bricks/blocks of wood are you friend

I rested one side on blocks then lifted the other side up to bolt it in.

DMGRS · 19th May 2014, 12:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubs

bricks/blocks of wood are you friend

I rested one side on blocks then lifted the other side up to bolt it in.

I shall remember this, thank you.

ferguson_tom · 19th May 2014, 12:44

Cheers gents, I was hoping it would be that simple to be honest its virtually off already as released steering etc so just a couple more bolts and should be able to get it out okay. After yesterday i think it will be worth me taking the gearbox right out anyway to straighten up the metal gasket between the gearbox and engine as didnt realise there is a bolt holding into on the gearbox and as i pulled it bent it quite badly.

Fingers crossed this coming weekend I will have a ZT with a working clutch for first time since i have owned it.

DAS68 · 19th May 2014, 13:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferguson_tom

Cheers gents, I was hoping it would be that simple to be honest its virtually off already as released steering etc so just a couple more bolts and should be able to get it out okay. After yesterday i think it will be worth me taking the gearbox right out anyway to straighten up the metal gasket between the gearbox and engine as didnt realise there is a bolt holding into on the gearbox and as i pulled it bent it quite badly.

Fingers crossed this coming weekend I will have a ZT with a working clutch for first time since i have owned it.

My gasket spins round as my plug thing came off also. I took out 5 of the 6 subframe bolts and just left the front drivers side on and I used a bar to leaver the box a far back as it will go. As for getting the subframe back in I used the trolley jack to line it up

jacques schiddt · 4th June 2014, 23:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferguson_tom

Cheers gents, I was hoping it would be that simple to be honest its virtually off already as released steering etc so just a couple more bolts and should be able to get it out okay. After yesterday i think it will be worth me taking the gearbox right out anyway to straighten up the metal gasket between the gearbox and engine as didnt realise there is a bolt holding into on the gearbox and as i pulled it bent it quite badly.

Fingers crossed this coming weekend I will have a ZT with a working clutch for first time since i have owned it.

So, did you get it done?

JS.

Simon.h · 5th June 2014, 04:22

Don't forget to tie up the steering rack as you unbolt it.
On my last ZT then the slave went, I removed the sub frame and give it a coat of hammerite before refitting.

19th May 2014, 08:17	#1
ferguson_tom Regular poster MG ZT-T Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Stevenage Posts: 96 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	clutch change sub frame Hi Everyone I have decided to do the work on my MG rather than selling as is. I started stripping it all down to replace the slave cylinder i have loosened off the sub frame and tried sliding the gearbox into the wheel arch but finding it a real struggle. I have had a look underneath and think i may as well just drop the sub frame so have plenty of room to see what i am doing. Am i right in the thinking all i need to remove is the exhaust, steering rack and couple of engine mounts to drop it out? Cheers, Tom

19th May 2014, 12:11	#3
DMGRS Discount MG Rover Spares Rover 75 CDTi, 2x MG ZS180 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Hythe, Southampton Posts: 11,320 Thanks: 456 Thanked 3,377 Times in 2,027 Posts	When doing the job I did find it much easier when the frame was out of the way, but it's a heavy thing and a bit of a pain to line back up again. Do-able with the method mentioned above - but if I had the time, I'd probably drop it off all the way next time. __________________ Your trusted MG Rover specialist! Tel: 02380 001133 / Email: [email protected] We now have a 'chat' function on our site for even quicker replies. Give it a try! Remember - discount code FORUM5 for 5% off

5th June 2014, 04:22	#10
Simon.h This is my second home Previously owned- MG ZT V6 160 Y plate Lpg, MG ZT 190 2003 In Rare Celestial Factory Ordered Lpg MG Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Calne Posts: 4,531 Thanks: 8 Thanked 116 Times in 108 Posts	Don't forget to tie up the steering rack as you unbolt it. On my last ZT then the slave went, I removed the sub frame and give it a coat of hammerite before refitting. __________________ Previously owned- MG ZT V6 160 Y plate Lpg, MG ZT 190 2003 In Rare Celestial Factory Ordered Lpg MG ZT 190 2004 lpg

19th May 2014, 11:17	#2
mh007 This is my second home MG ZT260 SE, MG ZT190+, MG ZTT 160, R75 Conn SE 2.0, R75 Conn SE 2.5 X 3, R75 Club SE 1.8, P5B Coupe Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Keynsham, Bristol Posts: 4,211 Thanks: 65 Thanked 635 Times in 499 Posts	Hi Tom You don't really need to drop it completely out. Provided you have unbolted the steering rack from the subframe (4 bolts) released the exhaust from the rubber mountings front/middle & released the lower engine tie/mount. You will need to release the N/S subframe mounting bolts completely but just slacken of the O/S ones. I tend to have the car on axles stands & use a engine support when I do them but I don't remove the subframe.

19th May 2014, 12:13	#4
bubs Posted a thing or two ROVER 75 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Canvey Island, Essex Posts: 1,651 Thanks: 43 Thanked 163 Times in 134 Posts	I found it easier to drop the whole subframe. You'll need to undo the bolts holding the power steering pipes and the steering rack from the subframe and the exhaust from the downpipe. Lower engine mount too

19th May 2014, 12:44	#7
ferguson_tom Regular poster MG ZT-T Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Stevenage Posts: 96 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Cheers gents, I was hoping it would be that simple to be honest its virtually off already as released steering etc so just a couple more bolts and should be able to get it out okay. After yesterday i think it will be worth me taking the gearbox right out anyway to straighten up the metal gasket between the gearbox and engine as didnt realise there is a bolt holding into on the gearbox and as i pulled it bent it quite badly. Fingers crossed this coming weekend I will have a ZT with a working clutch for first time since i have owned it.