Rasputin
Member
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2002
- Messages
- 43
Further to some considerations for subframe refurbishment procedures, I had decided to overhaul completely the front subframe on my 107 450SLC 5.0.
One of the key subjects referred to by members on other forums, is how to support the engine during subframe removal and reinstallation. Some of the ideas given by members were quite ingenious in constructing a rig or support bar, coming up with some clever designs. I have however, not having welding experience, resorted to using a pair of 2 x5 meter x 25mm two-part Heavy Duty Ratchet Tie Down Straps made of 100% Polyester webbing. Minimum breaking strength: 800kg max. with claw hooks as per pick (though mine were yellow colour) and they are more than capable to lift an engine.
This is the state the subframe came out…….
This is the new state it went back in….
The subframe was wholly overhauled, sandblasted, resprayed, with new springs& pads, upper arms, wheel bearings, rotors, pads, balljoints, subframe mounts, motor mounts, suspension bushes, sway bar bushes & links, etc, etc. And all with the assistance of a very nice Welsh lady who helped no end with lowering and reinstalling the subframe, and actively participating at every stage of the job.
I just unbolted the engine support bracket bolt from the motor mounts once the engine was jacked up and pushed aside the motor shock absorber with its bracket, removed the heat shields from the mounts and reinserted the bolt back on its bracket to serve as a stop for the straps around the engine bracket. The straps were hooked on the edge of the chassis at each side of the engine shock as per pics and wrapped around the exhaust manifold for further support. Supported the engine beautifully while the subframe was removed. Used the floor jack to further support the engine until the subframe was ready for reinstallation.
Below, a few pics of the different stages of the operation.
Havin the “C” press for the ball joints and the right spring compressor made to job rather easy.
One of the key subjects referred to by members on other forums, is how to support the engine during subframe removal and reinstallation. Some of the ideas given by members were quite ingenious in constructing a rig or support bar, coming up with some clever designs. I have however, not having welding experience, resorted to using a pair of 2 x5 meter x 25mm two-part Heavy Duty Ratchet Tie Down Straps made of 100% Polyester webbing. Minimum breaking strength: 800kg max. with claw hooks as per pick (though mine were yellow colour) and they are more than capable to lift an engine.
This is the state the subframe came out…….
This is the new state it went back in….
The subframe was wholly overhauled, sandblasted, resprayed, with new springs& pads, upper arms, wheel bearings, rotors, pads, balljoints, subframe mounts, motor mounts, suspension bushes, sway bar bushes & links, etc, etc. And all with the assistance of a very nice Welsh lady who helped no end with lowering and reinstalling the subframe, and actively participating at every stage of the job.
I just unbolted the engine support bracket bolt from the motor mounts once the engine was jacked up and pushed aside the motor shock absorber with its bracket, removed the heat shields from the mounts and reinserted the bolt back on its bracket to serve as a stop for the straps around the engine bracket. The straps were hooked on the edge of the chassis at each side of the engine shock as per pics and wrapped around the exhaust manifold for further support. Supported the engine beautifully while the subframe was removed. Used the floor jack to further support the engine until the subframe was ready for reinstallation.
Below, a few pics of the different stages of the operation.
Havin the “C” press for the ball joints and the right spring compressor made to job rather easy.