Quote:
Originally Posted by The Gas Man
I posted on here a few weeks ago regarding the rear N/S upper suspension arm snapping due to rust on my 2004 ZT CDTI 200.000mls. Living is S/W France parts are not easy to come by, but Fleabay is a godsend to get you out of a hole!
Due to the scabby appearance of the subframe I decided to change the complete subframe and found a second-hand assembly on fleabay for £306 delivered. It arrived here in France well within the week from Portugal and it's pretty much like new!
After propping up the rear of the ZT I managed to remove the old subframe without disturbing the rear calipers, handbrake cables or ABS etc, all bolts came free without too much trouble but the rear two subframe bolts were incredibly tight, the fronts slack by comparison, infact one was quite loose! The only downer was I had to cut the exhaust just after the fuel tank, there was no-way I could reach the middle joint! To re-fit the exhaust I found a 6" s/steel repair section to use. I shall update when I get to re-fit!
Life in S/W france is not all sunflowers and Vin Rouge, more like a cold barn with an earth floor!
I don't know if these pics will work! If they don't maybe someone could offer some advice.
http://file:///Users/pauledmunds/Desktop/NEW%20SUSPENSION%20PICS/IMG_20190209_102900.jpg[/IMG]
http:///Users/pauledmunds/Desktop/NE...173258_223.jpg
http:///Users/pauledmunds/Desktop/NE...217_130152.jpg
http:///Users/pauledmunds/Desktop/NE...217_130010.jpg
http:///Users/pauledmunds/Desktop/NE...217_130212.jpg
http:///Users/pauledmunds/Desktop/NE...217_131318.jpg
http:///Users/pauledmunds/Desktop/NE...217_125950.jpg |
it is a shame it is done now, but you didnt need to cut the exhaust. Mine, still original in one piece is still in one piece. By removing the two central braces at around the front seat area, allows you to drop the exhaust to the ground. As it is attached via the flexi pipe, it allowed me to slide it to the left below the hub and the subframe dropped to the ground with the arms attached.
subframe out and exhaust held up with bungee cords overnight (whilst I rubbed down and painted the floor) to take the strain from the flexi. The hubs too were supported by axle stands to save strain on the bushes too.
