7 replies to this topic

[stormintrooper]

i want to remove the rear subframe on my sallon mini, i THINK its hydrolastic

basicaly the problem is i have a haynes manual but to be honest its not very well layed out for those who...well...have no idea whats its talkin about, i was hopin there was sum simple instructions for this?

[taffy1967]

A 1989 Mayfair is not going to have hydrolastic suspension. BL stopped fitting that back in July 1971.

[stormintrooper]

ok then, is there any way of being sure tho?

[Poolianjoole]

Posted a very similar question on hear my self earlier it seems unless you put the word dating or female in the titke box you dont get much response lol. If you do get any feek free to forward it on to me lol.

Thanks ju

[BadgerBaiter]

I removed the subframe from my 85 City the other week. Non-hydrolastic. Don't worry.

Easy job. Msg me if you wish, am just about to fall asleep so don't have time to write out a checklist for removal

[dan_up850]

hydrolastic rear suspension is whats called a "wet" suspension set up, consisting of a rubber spring and a fluid chamber from the radius arm to the back of the subframe, both front and back suspension were connected by a hydrolic pipe (left front to left rear and right front to right rear)

The later models (circa 1970's) were fitted with long metal trumpets on the and rear with rubber doughtnuts on the wider end and a ball socket at on the thinner end connecting to the radius arm. (The front suspension had smaller trumpets fitted vertically with the same rubber doughnuts with the ball socket connected to the top arm)

To remove the rear subframe, you will have to undo the 4 bolts in the boot space 2 either side, nut and bolt) and 4 towards the front of the subframe (2 either side, these are captive) be careful not to shear these of, use lots of WD40 and if the bolt doesnt want to go DONT force it, tighten it up again and spray more WD40, keep doing this untill they are all out. (spray, undo, spray, tighten, undo, spray, tighten, etc, etc)
Also dont forget to support the subframe, disconnect the battery and brake pipe.

hope this helps mate and good luck.

dan

Edited by dan_up850, 01 August 2008 - 02:03 AM.

[998dave]

It won't be Hyndrolastic, as the front would have to be too, and nobodies going to go through all that in a 1989 mini.
As above.

Jack the car up on the rear subframe, place a scaffold plank accross under the rear of the floor, infront of rear arches, and support on blocks.

Now lots of WD40 on all th enuts and bolts, wheels off.

Undo Shock absorbers from their turrets inside the boot, you'll need to loosen and swing the petrol tank out of the way for the passenger side.

Undo / remove handbrake cable and clam and remove brake hoses. Also you'll need to take the exhaust silencer off and anything else that passes under the subframe.

Loosen four bolts into the sills, as above these are captive, if you do shear them you have to cut the sill back, repair, and then weld the sill back down. Loosen two rear bolts.

Now make sure subframe is adequately supported and remove these six bolts, lower subframe, and remove out of the rear of the car, do whatever you need to, and reassembly is the opposite of dissasembly, or something.

D

[stormintrooper]

It won't be Hyndrolastic, as the front would have to be too, and nobodies going to go through all that in a 1989 mini.
As above.

Jack the car up on the rear subframe, place a scaffold plank accross under the rear of the floor, infront of rear arches, and support on blocks.

Now lots of WD40 on all th enuts and bolts, wheels off.

Undo Shock absorbers from their turrets inside the boot, you'll need to loosen and swing the petrol tank out of the way for the passenger side.

Undo / remove handbrake cable and clam and remove brake hoses. Also you'll need to take the exhaust silencer off and anything else that passes under the subframe.

Loosen four bolts into the sills, as above these are captive, if you do shear them you have to cut the sill back, repair, and then weld the sill back down. Loosen two rear bolts.

Now make sure subframe is adequately supported and remove these six bolts, lower subframe, and remove out of the rear of the car, do whatever you need to, and reassembly is the opposite of dissasembly, or something.

D

thanks, will maybe get sum axle stands instead but this sounds great help, any chance u can do lil drawings or pics of these bolts as if im honest im very naive bout mechanics and stuff....and how do u disconnect the brake pipes and where would you do this on the actual brake drums or somewhere else, and how do you disconnect them as i dnt want to go in gunz blazing and end up brakin something because if i cnt do sumat i tend to use force