Broken Subframe, Exhaust leak, what happened when the list was down.

[Richard Hoffman]

Well, here's an update on what happened while the list was down.

I dropped the rear end on my 90 CQ to do the rear diff mounts.  They were
pretty much shot at 221k miles.  As some of you know, I was in a pretty
minor accident recently and the impact was directly on my passenger rear
wheel. This bent the control arm and tie rod.  It appears there was some
small cracking in the subframe from the rear diff clunking around and the
impact was the straw the broke the camel's back!  There was quite a large
crack in the subframe as pictured here.
http://home.comcast.net/~b1performance/project/subframe/Picture_010.jpg
And the small crack (on the other side of the large crack)
http://home.comcast.net/~b1performance/project/subframe/Picture_012.jpg

I debated welding it, but decided to simply replace it.  I think it may have
been bent slightly in the accident and I'd rather play it safe with the
alignment.  Anyway, I got a used one (80 quattro) from the local pick and
pull for $26.00 so I can't go wrong there.  While I was there, I got a pair
of the cast front control arms as an unexpected surprise!!  $11.50 a piece!
I will be welding up all the seams on the replacement subframe to augment it
(as it is only spot welded together).

While I was back there dropping things out, I chopped out the last of my old
rotten exhaust.  Actually, the tubing and mufflers were in better shape than
I thought and I was surprised at the thickness of the factory tubing.  I did
have a considerable exhaust leak.  Check it out:
http://home.comcast.net/~b1performance/project/subframe/Picture_005.jpg

This was the result of a drooping exhaust hanger.  The back pipe was sagging
to the point it was rubbing on the passenger rear CV joint.  A very nice
hole, about 3" long and 3/4" wide!

Enjoy the pics!  I had a brief panic when I saw the cracks but calmed down
when I found out the pick a part had an 80 quattro (the first one they've
ever had).

Merry Motoring!
Richard
90 CQ 221k
70 100LS 47k
94 325i 93k