Rear subframe stuck

[cormier]

So I've searched many times and come up with the common-sense answers-- big ass pry bar, etc. After trying for a few days now I'm just ready for something to work

Nothing I'm doing seems to loosen these seized bushings even a bit -- I haven't tried heat yet due to the close proximity of the gas tank/lines

Any tips on getting the subframe down? (yes, all the bolts/pins are out)

[BigD]

When I did mine for the first time, I used an extension or a wrench (don't remember now) that fit in the hole, and whaled on it with a sledge, back and forth. Eventually it gave way.

[cormier]

Man I came across a post (maybe yours) that had this method and I didn't understand it until now

My question is -- how far to insert? May sound dumb but how far does the bushing go until you're at back seat lol?

[BigD]

The bushing ends at the top of the subframe but there's about a half inch nub that sticks out, and goes into a receiver hole in the body. This is what's stuck. You don't need to insert far, you just need something to hammer without risking damaging the subframe itself. The bushing has a metal pipe through the middle, which is what's stuck in the body, and it extends all the way down. You just need something that you can use to hammer/leverage this pin back and forth until it works loose. Don't try prying or hammering the subframe, since, even if you don't damage it, any force is going to be largely absorbed by the bushing. You need jarring forces on the pin.

Keep hammerin', it'll come out

[Ceeker]

you can try the extension - good idea - the rubber is what usually seizes against the body along with the rod/nut end; If you use heat - providing you DON'T have any fuel leaks- will melt the rubber making it easier to come free. to be honest...I have never done them and hate them because I watched so many tech fighting with then and mine..When they used heat, they came out.

[Ceeker]

Originally Posted by BigD

The bushing ends at the top of the subframe but there's about a half inch nub that sticks out, and goes into a receiver hole in the body. This is what's stuck. You don't need to insert far, you just need something to hammer without risking damaging the subframe itself. The bushing has a metal pipe through the middle, which is what's stuck in the body, and it extends all the way down. You just need something that you can use to hammer/leverage this pin back and forth until it works loose. Don't try prying or hammering the subframe, since, even if you don't damage it, any force is going to be largely absorbed by the bushing. You need jarring forces on the pin.

Keep hammerin', it'll come out

wanna do mine??? LOL!!

[BigD]

Originally Posted by Ceeker

wanna do mine??? LOL!!

haha, the idea of working on someone else's E30 is so depressing. My car now doesn't have a single nut or bolt anywhere that I have to wonder about stripping or actually coming out.

[cormier]

Originally Posted by BigD

The bushing ends at the top of the subframe but there's about a half inch nub that sticks out, and goes into a receiver hole in the body. This is what's stuck.

Keep hammerin', it'll come out

Thanks man it was hard to get a feel for that system by just looking through the hole lol and ya hammering and prying definitely gets absorbed and just bounces back like a giant F U from the car lol

And yes -- stripping/stuck bolts suck as well my "cut count" is up to 2 halfshaft bolts an 2 of those Allen key subframe mount plate on the sideskirt bolts

I'll never put hex bolts back on my car

[Bullet Ride]

Another trick that works well is to buy or borrow a 5/8" tap, get a 5/8 bolt that matches the thread on the tap (no brainer lol), and about a foot of 1/2" steel rod (1/2" threaded rod works fine). From the bottom side of the car tap the core of the bushing for at least a half inch. Then insert the bolt. Go inside the car drop the threaded rod into the hole where the sub frame pin came out and pound away with a BFH until the bushing separates from the chassis.

[jeikun]

Originally Posted by Bullet Ride

Another trick that works well is to buy or borrow a 5/8" tap, get a 5/8 bolt that matches the thread on the tap (no brainer lol), and about a foot of 1/2" steel rod (1/2" threaded rod works fine). From the bottom side of the car tap the core of the bushing for at least a half inch. Then insert the bolt. Go inside the car drop the threaded rod into the hole where the sub frame pin came out and pound away with a BFH until the bushing separates from the chassis.

I second this...my subframe was stuck too when I was going to replace the bushings....this got it out in 5 mins

[Ceeker]

Originally Posted by BigD

haha, the idea of working on someone else's E30 is so depressing. My car now doesn't have a single nut or bolt anywhere that I have to wonder about stripping or actually coming out.

honestly I was kidding.

but that is how I am feeling today...lol

[cormier]

Sooo got one side down with the tap method, this happened to the other side! Guess I'm buyin a longer bolt and re-taping :p

Thought you guys may need a laugh at my bad luck lol

[Bullet Ride]

lol shitty. Just keep tapping and hammering, you'll get it all out soon enough.