Saturn Vue Frame Bracing

This video shows my bracing fix to provide additional support where the front sub-frame connects to the unibody frame rail. The stamped steel standoff has rusted and will collapse so I added 2" boxbeam angle brackets to provide additional support.

[@jayrcooper3454]

The right way to fix this, also the hard way is to support the engine and transmission from above drop the cradle. put your square tubing in the position of the old rotted attachment point, weld in a new nut. Cut out and plate the hole in the side, make sure to use weldable or zinc primer to inhibit rust.

[@johnslinger348]

Had the same issue with my Vue, however the subframe was all rotted as well. Bought a pre-owned sub frame from California and had a repair shop fix mount and install new subframe, been great for about 5 years now.

[@timguy161]

The sub frame does not contain the engine cradle though. It is the upper frame rusted.

[@FloridaSunMitochondria]

Great video

[@hootinouts]

I have the same exact problem on both sides of my 2006 Saturn Vue. I am determined to get a few more years out of my Vue so I'm most likely going to do something like you have done. BTW, you did a very nice job. I have a lot of experience fixing my own vehicles and I can weld; however, I have never welded on a vehicle before. What should I do to minimize the risk of destroying the vehicle's electrical system; especially the computer?

[@an5ama5]

Hello, I did not take any special precautions, other than disconnecting the battery. TBH, I hadn't considered damage to the electrical system, but none occurred! I suppose there are more experienced welders out there that could give you better advice, but I think you could use a spare jumper cable connected to a large ground as a secondary.

[@hootinouts]

@@an5ama5 Andrew, thank you for responding. I have gone ahead and cut out all the decayed sheet metal and plan on rebuilding the body back down to the cradle using steel flat bar and square steel tubing (ASTM A500). So far I have managed to get down to a good starting point and have been developing a strategy for the new structure that will replace the old sheet metal. I must have used every type grinder I have to get in there and cut out the metal that is not needed for the rebuild. Kind of like doing dental work on a car. BTW There is no way I plan on even attempting to mimic the original geometry. My structure will be more robust yet simple. The OE bolts and nuts are toast. I will be replacing them with a larger diameter (5/8") grade 8 bolt. The OE bolt was metric and miked up at just over 1/2" diameter. I'll also be incorporating a nylon insert locknut. Also grade 8. The new structure will feature that access window except I am adding cover plate with a gasket to seal out the ingress of water. That is the reason these cars disintegrated in this area in the first place. Frigging GM. All those jerks needed to do was incorporate a rubber plug in that access hole and that rust would have never happened. That is my observation at least. Either their engineers are just plain morons or they don't care. Not sure which. Maybe both. Like I said, I plan on getting a few more years out of my Vue as it only has 150K miles. I am videoing this and hope to post it once I am finished. I'll give you a shout once I do.

[@sanityvortex]

@@hootinouts Do you have vid or pictures of what you did? I'm having same issue on mine.

[@an5ama5]

@@hootinouts How did your repair go? I'd love to see your work.

[@anarivera5561]

Hi I was told not to both repair bc fr as me rust and he didn't want to cause further damage Can you give me a guestamation on price regarding frame rust repair, ac compressor? Thank you

[@jasonholloway2476]

I'm planning on doing this on my 2004 Vue Red Line. Now that it has been a year since the repair was done on yours, how is it holding up? Did it add any weird vibration? Any other recommendations before I do what you did?

[@an5ama5]

Hi, the repair has held up extremely well and regular inspections revealed no cracks in my welding. There were no noticeable vibrations because the repair bypasses the hard attachment point that failed. We recently involuntarily retired (took a hit) the Saturn and so there will be no more Saturn love from our garage :( . Best wishes to all!

[@jasonholloway2476]

@@an5ama5 thank you very much for replying! Very sorry to hear about the involuntary retirement, I hope that everybody involved was not injured. I picked up my first welder about 10 months ago and I've had plenty of practice, built several things, I feel that this type of project is within my capabilities. Doing this kind of work was also a justification for getting a welder! Just like your Saturn, subframe mounts are definitely crispy, and doing something like this is some nice additional insurance. Thank you so much for taking the time to create and share!

[@jasonholloway2476]

@@an5ama5 forgot to ask one question, what wall thickness did you use on your square tubing?

[@an5ama5]

@@jasonholloway2476 it was probably 1/8 or 3/16. I can't remember which piece of stock i grabbed from the pile.

[@jasonholloway2476]

@@an5ama5 One more question-I've got some 14 ga. (2mm) thickness square tube on hand, thoughts on using that?

[@sheilasantos-silva7415]

Hello my name is Sawss, my 2007 Saturn Vue is having the same problem. Other than that it is in great condition. I would like to get a few more years out of it. Do you work on other vehicles and if not can you refer someone. Thank you!

[@an5ama5]

Sorry, I am a shade -tree mechanic. I suppose you could search for a local welder or welding shop, since it isn't a factory repair. Keep it running, we love Saturns!

[@sheilasantos-silva7415]

@@an5ama5 Thank you!