Subframe Recall Holes?

[rfiltz]

Do all cars with the recall done have the 2.5" holes in the floorboard? I have a '92 that is supposed to have it done (I bought it in '99 and the dealers say it is done per VIN). I checked both floorboards and there is no hole to be seen anywhere! Also the washers under the bolts look to be the thin original ones, not the thick type as seen in Bizzy's pics. Did they hose me and just inspect it without replacing anything? My drivers side rear bolt/bushing is pulling through the washer (steel washer torn about halfway through)

 

[Gez89SHO]

Yes they are supposed to have the holes, no holes=no recall.
Also, you should have those bolts replaced ASAP if one of them's starting to break.

Gezim

 

[jthomas68]

The recall was not done.The ONLY way to change out the bolts is to go thru the floor.It`s close,but you can`t get the newer nuts thru the slot in the subframe.

 

[SHOMEUP]

Just a thought- my dad works for a dealership and i tried running my vin like crazy to see if ne recalls been done or need to be- it came up as it all been done i checked my floorboards and it was done- but they also told me if it wasnt done that some people used other vins to do it.. so it could have happened to u- someone used your vin for there recall. not cool...

 

[rfiltz]

Don't think that happened. The guy I bought it from (a friend) is very **** about stuff like that. I saw his maintenance log and it says it was done. Going in on Monday to the dealer for them to check it out. They claim it is very rare for a recall to show done and then not be. We'll see! I sure don't see any holes unless they're hiding somewhere.

 

[Nebuchadnezzar]

rfiltz:
Do all cars with the recall done have the 2.5" holes in the floorboard?

Before the recall became official, common knowledge was to cut a "C" in the floor board, fold back the metal, access SFB nut-plate, fold flap back down, and weld shut. This was to replace the nutplate, if needed, only. A regular (read: non rusted) car didn't need the nut-plate replaced, and no access was required.

Regardless, you will have signs of a floorboard breech if the nutplate has ever been replaced. If the recall was done, and done properly, you will have signs of a breech in the floorboard.

The spot is hard to locate: first, pull back your carpet, then pull back on a black hard plastic piece, THEN, pull up on the floor board padding (a thick piece). You should then see metal that is painted the color of your car. That's the bottom of the floor pan.

NOW: Take for example, the driver's side. The hole should be slightly to the left of your brake pedal, and slightly toward the rear. Or, for you lucky people, slightly behind the clutch pedal

Good luck.

 

[rfiltz]

I pulled all that up and didn't see any patch or hole cut. The dealer is checking it out today, but he said it looked like the new washers were installed (indicating the service was done). Would the new washer rust out after 3 years? Was that piece replaced in the recall? Is it possible to go through the side of the frame to replace the nut?

 

[rfiltz]

Also the dealer said the old washers had a shoulder on them covering the edge of the bushing and the new ones are flat. Is this true?

 

[jthomas68]

Yes it is.The new ones look like a flat plate with a nut welded to it.

 

[rfiltz]

I'm talking about the big washer by the bolt head, not the plate and nut inside the frame. Is this big washer welded to the bolt?

 

[projectSHO89]

There are actually 2 separate recalls involving the subframe mounting hardware.

Here are the official recalls for the 89 http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/central2.cfm

Notice that the second includes replacement nuts. Those are what requires the hole to be cut into the floorboard as they are only accessable from above.

Steve

<small>[ May 21, 2002, 12:00 AM: Message edited by: projectSHO89 ]</small>

 

[rfiltz]

Damn Ford Dealers! Just found out my subframe bolt recall was never done, even though the BASTARDS!!
previous owner took it in March '99 for the service and the Ford system shows it as completed. Went to a different dealer with my suspicions and they were skeptical and were going to charge to inspect the area. They found what I did, NO HOLES in the floorboard! Well they completed the service finally for free. They're damn luckey the cradle didn't fall and cause a wreck. What a lawsuit that would be! Have to contact the NHTSA now!