Lowering Subframe (clio 16v)

Level 10 User Joined: 04 Nov 2005 Posts: 575

How do I drop the subframe enough so that I can get the gearbox out?

I am in the middle of removing the box and have removed the two nearside bolts on the subframe and loosened off the two offside bolts but it's not dropped an inch.

What have I not done properly??

Please reply asap as I want to get the box off tonight if possible.

Thanks.

Forum Moderator Joined: 18 Feb 2004 Posts: 7432

there are 2 tie bars that go from the shell to the wishbone mounts i think, at least there are on the 19.

Level 10 User Joined: 04 Nov 2005 Posts: 575

I've undone them as well mate, I just can't see whats stopping it. Gonna pack up for tonight though as I've got to go out.

Level 10 User Joined: 04 Nov 2005 Posts: 575

I found out that it's the pinch bolt on the steering column that needs removed. I also need to remove the downpipe, but I knew that wasn't causing it earlier as there was some clearance between it and the subframe.

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

can I ask why you must insist on doing things the stupid hard way? I mean really why do you people do it?

Level 10 User Joined: 04 Nov 2005 Posts: 575

what other way is there to do it? I thought that was the only way to do it with the engine in place.

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

unbolt it lift it out, thats how I do it. Undo the engine mount and it can move over a bit to give more room

bending the subframe means the thing never drives right again.

Level 10 User Joined: 04 Nov 2005 Posts: 575

cheers mate. I didn't realise that was a way of doing it, all the things I had seen talked about having to lower the subframe as I mentioned.

Level 10 User Joined: 04 Nov 2005 Posts: 575

Just thinking, how would the subframe be bent doing it this way if you just let it down a bit? Just wondering as I hadn't thought it would bend at all.

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

well if it never bent how would go down?

Level 10 User Joined: 04 Nov 2005 Posts: 575

I just thought that by lossening off te o/s bolts it would give enough room so that it could sit at an angle without bending if you know what I mean. I don't know the set up as well as you do though, so I'm just going to try it the way you suggested instead.

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

yeah do that and it will never drive straight again.

we talked abotu it before. onyl way to do a subframe properly is to support it then lift the shell off it. otherwise it bends and stays that way

Level 10 User Joined: 04 Nov 2005 Posts: 575

Just as well I mentioned that on here then or else I would have done it that way. Is it OK to loosen off the bolts a little on both sides just to give an inch more room for moving the box before lifting it out, but not removing them completely?

I got everything removed today so that I can lift it out the top tomorrow, so hopefully it'll work out OK.

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

well its still gonna bend, you don;t need to move it at all matey, theres enough room, thjeres plenty more if you stick the engine on a trolly jack undo the top mount and pull it over slightly.

Level 10 User Joined: 04 Nov 2005 Posts: 575

yeah I tried moving the engine across earlier and it gives a bit more room, I should learn not just to go by the haynes which says you need to lower the subframe and remove the clutch. I'll just leave the subframe as it is if theres enough room.

Thanks.

Level 10 User Joined: 04 Nov 2005 Posts: 575

Chris - when you were out and saw the 16v I remember you confirmed what I had thought about the fuel lines being in the wrong place (under the engine mount). Where should they be? or does it really matter?

I had forgotten about this till I took the mount off today.

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

says you need to remove the engine and box on the 19 to do the job as well.

Level 10 User Joined: 04 Nov 2005 Posts: 575

doh, just realised you replied at the same time I was posting my other question, lol. Just thought I would bump this up so that you would see the question as I might as well sort it if it's needed whilst i'm doing everything else.