W210 Front Subframe Change

[mark_le_b]

Guys

Any idea on the amount of hours to change a front subframe.
Mine has corrosion, so was thinking of swapping it out for a better one - just don't know how many hours labour I can expect to be charged at an independant?
Think I've found a replacement for a fair price that is in good condition - bit I'm assuming its a big job??

Thanks

 

[grober]

Bearing in mind its an engine+gearbox out job the answer is yes! If I was doing it I think I would only replace with a new / pristine 2nd hand one and get the front spring perches done at the same time such are the labour costs in comparison. Sometimes these subframes can be repair welded in situ by a skilful welder you should explore this possibility

 

[mark_le_b]

Bearing in mind its an engine+gearbox out job the answer is yes! If I was doing it I think I would only replace with a new / pristine 2nd hand one and get the front spring perches done at the same time such are the labour costs in comparison. Sometimes these subframes can be repair welded in situ by a skilful welder you should explore this possibility

Wow, huge job.
Will explore the other option first.
Thanks

 

[grober]

ITEM 122 HERE AFAIK A2106201887 £ 328 FROM INSCHCAPE
WHEELHOUSE,FRONT SUBFRAME FRONT PANEL

 

[mark_le_b]

Bearing in mind its an engine+gearbox out job the answer is yes! If I was doing it I think I would only replace with a new / pristine 2nd hand one and get the front spring perches done at the same time such are the labour costs in comparison. Sometimes these subframes can be repair welded in situ by a skilful welder you should explore this possibility

There may be a piece designed to help repair the subframe??
A2106281516
I assume it welds into place.

 

[grober]

Pretty sure that's a repair pressing to be welded in place yes.

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=A2...nw=167&start=0&ndsp=5&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:0,i:75

 

[mark_le_b]

Pretty sure that's a repair pressing to be welded in place yes.

A lot less cost and labour!

 

[sportyreptile]

The engine and box can be supported from underneath with transmission jacks while the subrame is being taken off. I had mine replaced last year along with ball joints, anti roll bar and link arms etc, was charged 8 hours labour which I thought was ok as he did an MOT in that time too.

 

[mark_le_b]

The engine and box can be supported from underneath with transmission jacks while the subrame is being taken off. I had mine replaced last year along with ball joints, anti roll bar and link arms etc, was charged 8 hours labour which I thought was ok as he did an MOT in that time too.

That's easier than engine out!

May well go for the repair part, as opposed to the whole subframe - as I'm planning on trading it in pretty soon - so don't want to spend too much if I can avoid it.

 

[BlackC55]

You dont have to remove the engine and box. Just hold it up with a engine stand that sits on the inner wings. Not a massive job at all. 6 hours work I would have thought.

 

[mark_le_b]

You dont have to remove the engine and box. Just hold it up with a engine stand that sits on the inner wings. Not a massive job at all. 6 hours work I would have thought.

Thanks Olly
I've put in an offer on partsreunited for the repair brace to put in, so fingers crossed.

Cheers

Mark.

 

[grober]

Well that's good news- I would have expected with a big V8 in there wouldn't be enough room to swing a cat let alone do any welding but I bow to Olly's undoubted expertise---- and he's not that far away from you by ferry??

 

[AdamG]

There may be a piece designed to help repair the subframe??
A2106281516
I assume it welds into place.

I ordered that part thinking it was the whole front section.

In fact it is just the flat section on the bottom that needs to be welded in.



I ended up just grinding the rust off and painting it.

Adam

 

[mark_le_b]

I've ordered it too.
To be honest when come to do it, depending on how bad it looks, may do whole sub frame as now know engine doesn't have to come out!
The repair part wasn't expensive, so will just re-sell it if necessary.

 

[mark_le_b]

Well that's good news- I would have expected with a big V8 in there wouldn't be enough room to swing a cat let alone do any welding but I bow to Olly's undoubted expertise---- and he's not that far away from you by ferry??

Me too, I have no idea on these things............

I have considered taking a trip on the Ferry and bringing car across for work, especially as I thinkit is obvious I will have better choice of expert in the UK than Jersey.

 

[mark_le_b]

You dont have to remove the engine and box. Just hold it up with a engine stand that sits on the inner wings. Not a massive job at all. 6 hours work I would have thought.

Olly, if I were to have a trip to the UK and wanted the job done, how far are you from Weymouth or Poole (my two ferry choices)?

Cheers

 

[Druk]

If you don't make it to Ollys here is the type of engine holding frame he's talking about. Easily fabbed-up from box steel.

 

[Dieselman]

The front subframe only rusts on the bottom closing plate, which is easily accessed from under the car with the engine still in.

No need to change the subframe for this repair.

 

[grober]

The front subframe only rusts on the bottom closing plate, which is easily accessed from under the car with the engine still in.

No need to change the subframe for this repair.

Gets better and better. I heard this arises because the engine compartment undertray retains moisture in that area promoting rust. Sad that standards of construction / rust prevention had slipped so much in the 90s for this and the W210 front spring perch issues to arise but typical of MB to at least knock out official repair components to fix it.

 

[Richie270]

I had my subframe replaced earlier this year. It was about £375 for the genuine new part and £225 to fit it, which I thought was pretty good. It was done without engine removal, just support, as Blackc55 mentions.

I have been thinking about why this should have corroded so badly? My suspicions are now with a leak from a headlight washer nozzle. The washer reservoir warning light sometimes comes on at times when I just don't remember having used the washers for a while. I think the washer tank and the front headlamp one are actually connected. I will be keeping a watchful eye on this. The front under engine cover is often damp too.