Rear Subframe Removal - How Bad Is It?

In this episode we remove the rear subframe from the car but first the rear brakes, hubs and extremely worn suspension components have to be removed. We also examine the condition of 20 year old shock absorbers!! (It ain’t good..)
After that the rear subframe is separated from the car and we take a good look around it to assess it’s condition.

[@Paul_Davies77]

Great video. I have a mk1 1.8 and would like the rear suspension changed (excluding the sway bar and the bar the wheel attaches too). 2 garages have said no to doing it as they reckon the bars will need cutting off making it too big a job for them. After doing yours, do you think they are right or maybe they just don't want to take it on?

[@st170restoration]

You’ll most likely be running into a lot of corroded bolts that’ll probably need cutting off. Shouldn’t be a huge issue it’s just a bit fiddly. It might be they don’t want the work as it may run into other stuff if it’s a bit corroded - ie other bits snapping off they didn’t quote for etc. Best bet I would guess would be to take it to some smaller independent garages if there’s any in your area? Or anywhere slightly more geared towards classic motors etc. Tricky to find though sorry I can’t be of more help!

[@laserfalcon]

What keeps the springs from just pushing the swing arms fully down ?

[@st170restoration]

It’s all bolted together to the other arms and the shock absorber. It’ll drop down a bit more than usual when it’s in the air but won’t pop out fully unless the bolt near the wheel is disconnected. I found it a right pain to do!