How to replace a subframe bolt (pictures)
03-11-06, 08:21 PM
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How To Replace a Broken Subframe Bolt
So you dropped your subframe, probably to do an LSD swap, and now the front bolt on your rear sub frame is either stripped or broken due to rust and corrosion. Well heres how you can replace it. I am not sure if this can be ordered in from mazda so i recommend getting your hands on a parts car.
How to get your bolt out.
1. In my car (1988 base) my bolt was under some sheet metal on some bracing, to get at it you will have to cut away the sheet metal. To do this use a grinder and make a few outline cuts. (in my parts car - 1986 base - the bolt was right in the open)
2. Next your going to notice that half of the bolt head is welded down with a constant bead. Get out your trusty grinder and grind that weld away, try to mess up the bolt head more then you do the car.
**As you drind it away its a good idea to take a screw driver and hammer and try to break the weld. Makes things go alot faster, you have have to rely on getting it 100% with the grinder.**
3. When you have the weld broken all the way around take your sludge hammer and start hitting the bolt from the bottom. Its in there pretty firm so dont be afraid to wail on it. **Note i made another cut in the sheet metal to get at the bolt better with the grinder**
BROKEN BOLT VS. NEW ONE
4. Now that you have it out find yourself a big washer or grind out a washer so that it will fit around your new bolt. You have weakend the attaching point of the bolt head to the body so by adding the washer you spread out the surface area a bit, at least this is what we did.
5. Slide your washer on your bolt and tack it just for good mesures.
6. Slide the new bolt into your car. It might take a little persuasion with the hammer to get it in there.
7. Tack the washer down so it doesnt spin when you tighten the bolt down.
8. Hit it with some spray paint to avoid rust
9. Either replace or weld up the sheet metal you cut, or cut it right off.
Hope this helps those who are in the same situation I was in. Just take your time and it will all be good.
***NOTE, i recommend first taking the bolt out of the parts car so you know how it all works before you dive into your car, just in case. Also taking out your seat makes it so much easier.***
How to get your bolt out.
1. In my car (1988 base) my bolt was under some sheet metal on some bracing, to get at it you will have to cut away the sheet metal. To do this use a grinder and make a few outline cuts. (in my parts car - 1986 base - the bolt was right in the open)
2. Next your going to notice that half of the bolt head is welded down with a constant bead. Get out your trusty grinder and grind that weld away, try to mess up the bolt head more then you do the car.
**As you drind it away its a good idea to take a screw driver and hammer and try to break the weld. Makes things go alot faster, you have have to rely on getting it 100% with the grinder.**
3. When you have the weld broken all the way around take your sludge hammer and start hitting the bolt from the bottom. Its in there pretty firm so dont be afraid to wail on it. **Note i made another cut in the sheet metal to get at the bolt better with the grinder**
BROKEN BOLT VS. NEW ONE
4. Now that you have it out find yourself a big washer or grind out a washer so that it will fit around your new bolt. You have weakend the attaching point of the bolt head to the body so by adding the washer you spread out the surface area a bit, at least this is what we did.
5. Slide your washer on your bolt and tack it just for good mesures.
6. Slide the new bolt into your car. It might take a little persuasion with the hammer to get it in there.
7. Tack the washer down so it doesnt spin when you tighten the bolt down.
8. Hit it with some spray paint to avoid rust
9. Either replace or weld up the sheet metal you cut, or cut it right off.
Hope this helps those who are in the same situation I was in. Just take your time and it will all be good.
***NOTE, i recommend first taking the bolt out of the parts car so you know how it all works before you dive into your car, just in case. Also taking out your seat makes it so much easier.***
Last edited by schurchill39; 03-11-06 at 08:28 PM.
03-12-06, 09:59 AM
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03-12-06, 01:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Aaron Cake
If the pictures can be maintained in their present location (or another post made with permanent pictures) then the topic will be archived.
03-12-06, 11:57 PM
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If i could edit my post then i could change the pictures to a more permenant space... should i just make an identical thread with more "concret" hosting so it can get archived?
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