Front Subframe bolt / nut (Clutch!)

[Zap]

I've posted this question to SHOTimes, but I figured I'd check here as well. Any of you folks that have done a clutch should know what I'm talking about.

My friend and I are finally dropping the subframe on the '94 to pull the tranny, however we 3 of the 4 bolts out, and when removing #4 the rest of the way, now it's spinning! Putting my finger into the hole of the chamber where the bolt goes, I find what is a mostly flat metal plate which slightly curves upward partway down the bolt inside the frame. What is this, where SHOULD it be, and most importantly... how do I fix it?!?! hail My friend and I are completely unfamiliar with anything like this. We did so well up until this point, and then this happens. headbang

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Bluto]

Assuming you are talking about the front.
If you are talking about the rear there is another procudure.

The following is what i would do if it were the front bolt.

Cut the bolt with a sawz all, torch, or dremel tool.

Run to a Ford dealership and get the sub frame bushing recall kit. It is like 15-20 bucks and comes with 2 bolts, washers, and plates with nuts welded on them. If you live were you are susceptible to corrosion, you should get two kits and replace all the bolts.

You may have to open that small hole you are sticking your finger in to plop the new nut in.

It will be time consuming getting the bolt to line up when re-installing the sub frame. I advise attaching a piece of mechanics wire to the hole in the nut plate so you don't lose it.

 

[sdpatt]

You should be able to use the weight of the subframe to hold the upper nut plate against the inside of the frame. There is usually enough friction for allowing the subframe to "hang" by the challenging subframe bolts while you turn the bolt. I usually loosen the remaining bolts and then the spinning bolt incrementally until the bolt is free.

For example, if the drivers side front is spinning, loosen the two rear bolts about 5 turns and the passenger side front about 10 turns. This causes much of the weight of the front of the subframe to be supported by the driver side front bolt. Do this in stages until the bolt is free.

 

[billyshoe]

you could try puting the the three bolts back in 4-5 turns loose & let the weight of the subframe load on the nut possibly enough so it will hold it tight enough to turn outthe bolt.

 

[billyshoe]

Originally posted by sdpatt: like he said

 

[Zap]

Thanks for all of the prompt and helpful replies! So all I need is a recall kit to fix this problem? I was told the recall was done on this car by a dealership I called... hmmm. Also, how many plates are supposed to be on the bottom of the rubber piece that hold the end of the bolt? One of the rear ones has the inner plate (between outer and rubber) completely rusted out!!!

~Chris

 

[luigisho]

If you look at the floor pan under the carpet up front, there should be holes with rubber plugs in them that were drilled to replace the subframe bolt hardware for the recall. No holes, no recall done.

<small>[ May 10, 2003, 10:15 PM: Message edited by: luigisho ]</small>

 

[projectSHO89]

The recall only addressed the rear SF hardware (bolt, nut, and large outside washer).

The reason for suggesting your purchasing the recall kit under your current circumstance is to get your hands on new hardware to fix your front mounting points.

Steve