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How to Guide: Fitting solid front subframe mounts.


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#1 Guess-Works.com

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Posted 12 July 2005 - 12:42 PM

This "How to Guide" concentrates on the fitting of the top, turret, mountings of the Mk4 Mini onwards, but will also touch on the fitting of the lower front subframe mounts as well, as this can be done at the same time..

You will notice by the photographs a distinct lack of engine from the pictures. It is obviously not necessary to remove the engine, but while it was out I thought I would change mine and create the "How to Guide" and it also makes for clearer photos. So away we go....

First make sure your mini is securely mounted on axle stands, they will need to be placed under the floor pan so please provide them with a suitable packing to prevent damage, and not inhibiting the exhaust or gear change mechanism.

The support the front subframe (and engine) with a trolley jack and packing, not normally recommended, but support from under the gearbox is sufficient.

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Now, undo and remove the bolts which are attaching the lower subframe mounts to the subframe. 1/2" spanner and Socket will be required.

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At this point, if you are also replacing the lower subframe mountings undo the two remaining nuts attaching them to the floor pan and from within the car (under the carpet) retract the captive bolts, and then the mount from under the car. The new mount can them be bolted into place.

Continuing on with the turret mounts, the two bolts now need to be loosened from above, for this you will need a 1.5/16" socket....

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...an extension bar and breaker.

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and undo the bolt, with the washer and upper mount intact.

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do the same for the other side. and also check the mounting area for rust or damage.

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Turret, mounts come in pairs, a large one and a small one, the larger on is the lower of the two and on the reverse has a rebate which is designed to fit over the weld on the top of the subframe.

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Using the hydraulic jack lower the subframe about an inch, the weight of the engine will help, but I needed to help it down with a pry bar.

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This provides just sufficient access to remove the old mounting and insert the new.

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Unlike rubber, the solid mounts are machined to fit and a very close fit at that, so it may be necessary to prepare the top of the subframe, and here using a thin wire brush just cleans the area enough to allow the new subframe mount drop on nicely. If it's a little tight, a tap through the hole with a drift will help it on, but don’t force it.

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and with the other side done, also check the bottom of the mounting point is also clean and clear.

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Now carefully jack the subframe back up, watching so that the mount locates itself correctly into the mounting point from above.

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and the side.

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Edited by Guess-Works.com, 24 August 2013 - 08:56 AM.


#2 Guess-Works.com

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Posted 12 July 2005 - 12:42 PM

Place the new upper mount on the turret bolt with the existing washer, and insert into the subframe, on both sides.

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and tighten, I did try and find a torque setting for this but, with solid mounts they do up to a point and will not go any further.

*edit* torque wrench setting should be 67nm or 50lbft


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Finally you will need to (re)attach the remaining two bolts in each of the lower mounts. If there is a misalignment of the holes, I use a spike to jimmy it back into position, in this particular case I only need to do it for one bolt, all the other holes lined up.

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you can now remove the support provided by the hydraulic jack, and all is complete, with the exception of the front teardrops, which I would not bother with.

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Edited by Guess-Works.com, 24 August 2013 - 08:57 AM.


#3 ferrox_666

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Posted 09 August 2008 - 08:22 PM

i solid mounted my front subframce and it failed the MOT for not having the teardrops fitted, the MOT man wouldnt have it at all..

#4 *DJH*

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Posted 09 August 2008 - 08:26 PM

I'm not surprised ;D you DO need the teardrop mountings.

#5 kbolitho

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Posted 18 August 2008 - 08:31 AM

No pics?

#6 minimadjonesy

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Posted 18 August 2008 - 11:02 AM

Think that Guessworks means, he left the front tear drops as standard fitting instead of fitting the Solid Mounts!

#7 mike671

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Posted 18 August 2008 - 12:27 PM

think ill be doing mine soon as i noticed there was play in them when i was doing my hilos at the weekend. Great guide mate

#8 Strontium Dog

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Posted 18 August 2008 - 01:24 PM

I've asked this on a separate thread but got no response, does anyone know the dimensions of the solid tower mounts? It is pointless to try and measure the rubber ones I have that are standard because they are, well, rubber!

I would like to knock myself a set up in the lathe 'cause I'm like that!

Cheers, Si.

#9 Ipod

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Posted 25 June 2010 - 11:40 PM

Can i just say what a really helpfull thread....great writeup and pictures :thumbsup:

Ipod

#10 coopdog

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Posted 05 May 2012 - 11:19 PM

are the ppics loading for anyone else?

#11 abe46

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Posted 05 May 2012 - 11:26 PM

The pictures aren't working for me either. Perhaps they were lost after the forum got hacked?

#12 Joseph-C

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 01:55 PM

If you click the pictures it goes to the rugby classic mini owners club; their site is being updated. That must be where the pictures are hosted hopefully after the site is updated they'll be back up.

#13 RandyBMC

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Posted 26 March 2013 - 09:38 AM

Still no photos :(

#14 Jordie

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Posted 11 July 2015 - 03:46 PM

I dont think theres anything we can do, the photos were hosted by Rugby MOC and Guessworks.



#15 Jordie

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Posted 30 September 2015 - 07:16 AM

Photos available again thanks to mr guessworks.




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