Subframe removal - a few questions

[rupertfinch]

Everytime I log in I see my 2 winking at me from the banner at the top. It needs driven after it's winter slumber.

So, before the rubber hits the road I'm tempted to remove the subframe and have it powder coated. Trouble is, I'm a bit confused.

1. Is it better to remove the engine and gearbox completely before doing this or...
2. Can I leave the engine in-situ (supported by one of those engine beam support things) and remove the subframe that way?

Yours in anticipation
Mark

[16v_paddy]

You can leave the engine in-situ as it'll be supported by the other 2 engine mounts. You just need to remove the downpipe, dogbone, PAS pipes & steering column from the rack & you're all good.

The hard part is if the captive nut cages break - as they often do then you need to try & get a spanner onto them, passenger side isn't too difficult but the drivers side is an utter pig because there's no room, different matter with the engine removed though but ripping the engine out to get at 1 nut is silly so the better option is to just chop the bolt with a grinder. If you're at the stage of the captive nut cage breaking you'll need to get a replacement from renault anyway so might as well get a bolt whilst you're there

[rupertfinch]

Well bullet bit and new subframe purchased from Renault part number 7700818251 £332 all in! madness.

This part number superseded the older Williams number - so I'm guessing its a valver one? I understand the original williams one is a heavy beast and this one didn't seem too bad. No ones available in UK and brought in from France.

So now to remove all of the above and get down to getting her fixed.

Any thoughts on extra rustproofing the new subframe?

Or if anyone has Dialogys and wants to attach a subframe diagram showing me all the attached bolts and gubbins I would be extra grateful.

[will 2]

thats a good price as i priced one a couple of weeks ago and was quoted over £700 but that was a williams one.

as for rustproofing waxoil in all the holes so that it coats the inside then outside there are a few ways to go, paint it with chassis paint. underseal it, spray wax etc , have a look on these sites
http://www.dinitrol.co.uk/

http://www.frost.co.uk/?gclid=CKDMjM...FQkUwwodlrsAQw

[rupertfinch]

Can I ask if you got a part number? I avoided my local chain Renault dealer and went to one a bit further afield. The parts guy couldn't have been more helpful and spent ages looking through systems and making calls. He was advised by Renault uk that the old number was obsolete and this is the updated one. I've no desire to spend hundreds more, but I also want the right one under my car. After all she still sits at the top of many forum pages! It amazing what a good photographer can do!

[16v_paddy]

Just had a look on dialogys and that part number is a valver subframe, the part number for the Williams is 60 01 025 879 at £442, my dialogys isn't the most up to date with the prices but was only £12 out for what you've paid for the valver item so shouldn't be too far out but I'm not promising anything

Here's a pic of the whole lot though

[16v_paddy]

Did your new subframe come with part number 9 already fitted? If not you can't get them from Renault anymore (so I've been told by a few stealers) but can be found on ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1711552396...84.m1423.l2649

[rupertfinch]

OOH many thanks I shall furnish them with that part number and see what the Renault UK computer says. If it's another 100 quid I might be tempted, but if that price excluded VAT I will just work with what I've got.

Thanks for the heads-up on the rubbers. I shall be ordering presently.

[cliokiz]

Need to see some pictures of this brand new shiny subframe

[rupertfinch]

Need to see some pictures of this brand new shiny subframe

Oh they're coming. Along with my attempts to fit everything. Might as well document it.