MG ZT 260 Front Subframe Query.

Abott10 · 4th October 2019, 12:44

Simple question, is the front subframe on the ZT V8s a similar/identical design to those fitted to the ZT 1.8Ts?

Thanks in advance.

SCP440 · 4th October 2019, 13:18

Nope, a completely different design.

stevestrat · 4th October 2019, 15:51

No similarity what so ever. Check the illustrations on Rimmers:

1.8T

ZT 260

stevestrat · 4th October 2019, 17:42

I had a glance and front subframe removal and refitting is a five page section in the Rave manual.

SCP440 · 4th October 2019, 18:18

Removing the subframe also means removing the engine and gearbox unless you can find a way of suspending them while the subframe is removed.

Unless you have a way of lifting the car clear of the engine/gearbox subframe assembly I reckon it is probably not a job I would try at home.

SCP440 · 4th October 2019, 19:19

Why do you want to remove your subframe?

SCP440 · 4th October 2019, 20:25

Yes I have seen it, my guess the front one has heavy surface corrosion but will clean up with a wire brush and the rear needs a repair to the cross peace. This can be achieved without removing it if you are good.

The only piece that usually causes problems is the cross piece at the back, the rest of the subframes are made of such heavy gauge metal I would be surprised to see any of them causing problems yet. Surface corrosion will often get an advise but rarely needs any more than a wire brush and some rust treatment.

stevestrat · 4th October 2019, 22:28

Copied from Rave:

6. Position lifting eyes to engine and secure with
bolts.
7. Using a suitable engine support, take weight of
engine.
8. Remove nuts securing LH and RH engine
mounting brackets to hydramounts.
9. Raise engine support to take weight of engine.
10. Raise vehicle on ramp.

Does not mention removing the engine and box but the engine has to be supported.

Les4048 · 5th October 2019, 04:14

The engine is mounted to the subframe by two engine mounts, the gearbox by a crossmember. It would be possible to remove the front subframe by supporting the weight of the engine using a bracket across the engine bay but I’d suggest fixing it to the top strut mounts in some way because of the weight, you wouldn’t want it to shift. You could then remove the subframe leaving the engine hanging on the support and the gearbox would still be attached to the car by its mounting. The rear subframe is fairly easy to remove but be warned that diff unit is not light. Wynn had pictures of his on Facebook after he removed it complete. Hope that helps

4th October 2019, 12:44	#1
Abott10 * Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 227 Thanks: 1,275 Thanked 1,917 Times in 1,328 Posts	MG ZT 260 Front Subframe Query. Simple question, is the front subframe on the ZT V8s a similar/identical design to those fitted to the ZT 1.8Ts? Thanks in advance.

4th October 2019, 15:51	#3
stevestrat This is my second home ZT260 #243 (resting) Join Date: May 2010 Location: Prestonpans Posts: 22,463 Thanks: 650 Thanked 4,624 Times in 3,358 Posts	No similarity what so ever. Check the illustrations on Rimmers: 1.8T ZT 260 __________________ Steve T4 Location Map

4th October 2019, 17:42	#4
stevestrat This is my second home ZT260 #243 (resting) Join Date: May 2010 Location: Prestonpans Posts: 22,463 Thanks: 650 Thanked 4,624 Times in 3,358 Posts	I had a glance and front subframe removal and refitting is a five page section in the Rave manual. __________________ Steve T4 Location Map

4th October 2019, 22:28	#8
stevestrat This is my second home ZT260 #243 (resting) Join Date: May 2010 Location: Prestonpans Posts: 22,463 Thanks: 650 Thanked 4,624 Times in 3,358 Posts	Copied from Rave: 6. Position lifting eyes to engine and secure with bolts. 7. Using a suitable engine support, take weight of engine. 8. Remove nuts securing LH and RH engine mounting brackets to hydramounts. 9. Raise engine support to take weight of engine. 10. Raise vehicle on ramp. Does not mention removing the engine and box but the engine has to be supported. __________________ Steve T4 Location Map

4th October 2019, 13:18	#2
SCP440 I really should get out more....... MG ZT-T 260 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Witney Posts: 2,504 Thanks: 6 Thanked 910 Times in 571 Posts	Nope, a completely different design.

4th October 2019, 18:18	#5
SCP440 I really should get out more....... MG ZT-T 260 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Witney Posts: 2,504 Thanks: 6 Thanked 910 Times in 571 Posts	Removing the subframe also means removing the engine and gearbox unless you can find a way of suspending them while the subframe is removed. Unless you have a way of lifting the car clear of the engine/gearbox subframe assembly I reckon it is probably not a job I would try at home.

4th October 2019, 19:19	#6
SCP440 I really should get out more....... MG ZT-T 260 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Witney Posts: 2,504 Thanks: 6 Thanked 910 Times in 571 Posts	Why do you want to remove your subframe?

4th October 2019, 20:25	#7
SCP440 I really should get out more....... MG ZT-T 260 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Witney Posts: 2,504 Thanks: 6 Thanked 910 Times in 571 Posts	Yes I have seen it, my guess the front one has heavy surface corrosion but will clean up with a wire brush and the rear needs a repair to the cross peace. This can be achieved without removing it if you are good. The only piece that usually causes problems is the cross piece at the back, the rest of the subframes are made of such heavy gauge metal I would be surprised to see any of them causing problems yet. Surface corrosion will often get an advise but rarely needs any more than a wire brush and some rust treatment.

5th October 2019, 04:14	#9
Les4048 This is my second home Rover 75 Tourer/ MG ZT-T 400 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Lhanbryde Posts: 3,277 Thanks: 2,627 Thanked 1,523 Times in 869 Posts	The engine is mounted to the subframe by two engine mounts, the gearbox by a crossmember. It would be possible to remove the front subframe by supporting the weight of the engine using a bracket across the engine bay but I’d suggest fixing it to the top strut mounts in some way because of the weight, you wouldn’t want it to shift. You could then remove the subframe leaving the engine hanging on the support and the gearbox would still be attached to the car by its mounting. The rear subframe is fairly easy to remove but be warned that diff unit is not light. Wynn had pictures of his on Facebook after he removed it complete. Hope that helps