9 replies to this topic

[CallumAustin11]

Currently in the process of renewing some suspension parts and noticed that where the bump stop mounts to on the subframe it seems to be bent inwards. Not sure how this has happened but worried that the subframe could be bent or warped?

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[Spider]

Most likely your subframe will be fine, I find this is a common-ish issue.

You'll need a few muscles. but it would be a good idea to straighten that pad back out.

[CallumAustin11]

Any idea on how to straighten it out? I tried putting a bar down the hole at the top of the subframe tower, but can’t get at it.

[Homersimpson]

Could you use a slide hammer with a hook on the end (a big one?).

 

If not could get a small bottle jack in with the donut removed or maybe the jaws from a portapower?

Edited by Homersimpson, 07 January 2023 - 07:55 PM.

[mini-mad-mark]

I just did this but it was a bit destructive - put a 1/4" bolt through the hole from the inside then on the outside put a sturdy piece of plate (about 10mm thick or more whatever you can find) - then tighten the nut onto the plate with a sturdy washer and it will flatten out the metal

 

Now I used an impact driver which hammered it out but then hammered the thread out pretty much instantly after so had to cut the nut off - but it worked so...

[mini-mad-mark]

A question - what is the purpose of the thick washer on the later subframes/cars - is it to increase the effective length of the bumpstop or to add rigidity as the subframe can get bent as seen here

[sonscar]

Use an F shaped adjustable spanner to lever it back.I thought there were reinforcing webs inside.Steve..

[mini-mad-mark]

Yes there is some reinforcing inside the frame IIRC - I just did what I thought to flatten it back out and it worked.

 

There is a bit of a lip that might stop you bending it back with a spanner - hard to explain but its on the inside edge again IIRC

Edited by mini-mad-mark, 07 January 2023 - 11:43 PM.

[Spider]

I usually straighten these when the subframe is off the car, I have a bent dolly that I use

 

 

 

(This subframe is actually straight here, the photo was taken to show hat and how I usually do them.)

 

I have done them on-car too, with the tower stripped out, I have gotten a shifting spanner in there and pulled them out with that.

 

The risk with leaving them bent in is if the bump stop rubber comes adrift from it's mounting base, you can break the top ball joint.

 

 

[nicklouse]

A question - what is the purpose of the thick washer on the later subframes/cars - is it to increase the effective length of the bumpstop or to add rigidity as the subframe can get bent as seen here

IIRC it was added when they raised the standard suspension.