Why didn't the front subframe drop?

[steveharvey2001]

Last weekend I tried to use the partial subframe dropping method to move the gearbox back to get access to the clutch, but for some reason the subframe didn't drop enough to get the gearbox to slide into the n/s wheel arch.

I had removed the steering rack but left the ARB in place.

I was expecting to have to support this subframe on blocks, but it dropped by less that 6" before not dropping any more.

The one thing that, in retrospect I may have forgotten, was that the o/s wishbone outer ball joint may have still been clamped in the hub because I had put the car back on the front wheels since removing the drive shaft the previous weekend.

Would this have stopped the subframe from dropping sufficiently to get the gearbox out ??

[trikey]

Did you drop the exhaust from the manifold?

[steveharvey2001]

[QUOTE=trikey;2883126]Did you drop the exhaust from the manifold?[/QUOTE

I didn't touch the exhaust but the exhaust was not clashing with the subframe.

[macafee2]

how about hoses, did you remove those? One at the front and one on the offside? I think better to remove the sub frame completely.
I would have thought leaving the arm connected would stop the sub frame lowering but then the suspension will have dropped as no weight on the wheels

ARB= anti roll bar

macafee2

[clf]

was the droplink still connected?

[steveharvey2001]

Originally Posted by clf

was the droplink still connected?

Both ARB droblinks were disconnected but the coolant hose was left connected

I am now thinking it was the o/s wishbone being connected to the hub without the wheels on the ground

I had split it to get the driveshaft out but had refitted it to put the car down on the wheels between weekends and never thought i needed to separate it again.

[trikey]

You have to remove the coolant hose 'P' Clip, and the power steering hoses, i find it much easier to remove the whole subframe, it takes longer but you have full access to the gearbox and flywheel area without interference.