Front subframe removal (cont)

[Peter Golledge]

PHBJohns at aol.com wrote:
> 
> Jim,
> 
> Thanks very much for the advice re the above and link to your web site: most informative. I'm doing the job in a not very well lit garage and did not realise the part below the right side diff mount was removable... Both diff mounts are now disconnected and three out of the four subframe bolts have been removed. I've got a problem with the front left subframe mounting bolt in that it has undone a couple of turns but has now gone very tight. If I apply brute force and ignorance I am sure it will either shear or the captive nut it is screwed into will start turning. Not sure which would be the worse scenario - probably the latter (memories of Mini rear subframe mounting bolts and having to hack open the rear of the sills to access nuts that have broken free of their captivity). I've soaked it in Plus Gas and tried to forget about it for the past week. Have you come accross this problem before?

You can gain some access the the bolts by removing the body plugs above
the bolts on the
front.  I had to actually fit a nut to one of mine due to stripped
capture nut.  If you
just want to get penetrating oil in there choose an aerosol that has a
long "straw" on
the end.  

Cheers
-- 
Peter Golledge