408 front subframe / crossmember removal

[dwomby]

I need to get my front subframe out for repair. Anybody done this on a V8 car? I am really looking for advice on any issues or tips on doing this. A lot towards the end of the list will have to be done from under the car.

I am thinking it goes something like this:

• remove bumper and apron
• remove undertray and decking bearing the builders plate at the front of the engine compartment
• remove electric fans
• drain coolant and remove radiator
• disconnect and plug brake lines
• remove shocks
• remove springs (extremely carefully!!!)
• probably will remove wishbones while I am there
• disconnect steering (any advice on how to do this wanted especially, please)
• Remove tubular frame supporting front bodywork
• remove bolts attaching subframe to each side of wheelwell bodywork
• remove bolts attaching subframe to the front ends of the frame rails and lower.

Have I missed anything? Any obvious pitfalls? I know proper shops often cut and reweld that front tubular framework but I really hope to avoid that.

Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks

David

[Thomas591]

Hi David,

I think you got it pretty well sorted. I just did this job about 8 weeks ago.

My advice:

Take photos of everything, specially about the position of the washers on the wishbone mountings. Don’t mix them up, put them in labeled plastic bags.

To remove the steering is straightforward. First, while the subframe is still in place , remove the steering arm from the steering box. Everything else is really logical.

No need to cut and weld anything, at least on the 411.(sorry, but in my opinion someone who does this „cutting and welding“ is just to lazy to do a good job).

While doing this subframe removal I suggest that you inspect and if necessary replace all metalastic bushes etc. I send all parts to be bead blasted and repainted. You will never be able to access all the parts so easily again.

After finishing don‘t forget to have the track aligned.

I have attached some pictures of the job I have done.

Regards

Thomas
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[dwomby]

Originally Posted by Thomas591

Hi David,

I think you got it pretty well sorted. I just did this job about 8 weeks ago.
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Thomas, thank you for your informative reply. It's very reassuring to know I am on the right track.

David

[peter dowdle]

Thomas a great job. I noticed the Spax Shock Absorber do you also have them on the rear of the car ? I would much appreciate the numbers of both and any experience you have had with them. Did you consider Koni and would you have a listing on those as well. My 411 has aftermarket gas units on the back which you pump up with compressed air to compensate for the disconnected self levelling system. You unfortunately need to pump them up regularly as they do not hold pressure very well.

Regards Peter Dowdle

[dwomby]

Thomas, to help me plan, do you have any estimate of that crossmember's weight, please?

David

[Thomas591]

Hi David,

I would estimate that the bare crossmember, without any suspension or steering components, weights around 25-30 Kg. I was just about able to carry it all by myself, but preferred a helping hand to put it on the workbench.

Regards

Thomas

[Thomas591]

Hi Peter,

I have no experience on the Spax units, as the car is still lacking it’s drive train. The part numbers can be found in my parts list in the resource section.
Yes, I fitted new Spax shocks also to the rear.

Regards

Thomas

Originally Posted by peter dowdle

Thomas a great job. I noticed the Spax Shock Absorber do you also have them on the rear of the car ? I would much appreciate the numbers of both and any experience you have had with them. Did you consider Koni and would you have a listing on those as well. My 411 has aftermarket gas units on the back which you pump up with compressed air to compensate for the disconnected self levelling system. You unfortunately need to pump them up regularly as they do not hold pressure very well.

Regards Peter Dowdle

[dwomby]

Thank you, Thomas.

David