90 20v q subframe bushes

[Louis-Alain_Richard at computerhorizons.com]

Hi Iain,

Just did a front subframe bushing replacement on my 83 Quattro 3 days 
ago...

1. The "captive nuts" are, in fact, thick rectangular plates with a 
threaded hole. They can move a little in both directions but can't spin, 
in theory at least... If your car is like mine, only 3 of them are 
moveable, the rear right one is welded to the body to act as a pivot. My 
car is 22 years old and all 4 were still "operational" but I have a 
suggestion for you; do it with hand tools (no impact driver) and carefully 
unwind then wind the bolts many times so you will not destroy the plates 
in the chassis if there's rust on the free threads beyond the "captive 
nut". You want to take your time, because you don't want to open the 
chassis rails...

1.5 Don't forget to replace the bolts (M10x75 or M10x84), these are single 
use bolts (as are any fastener that you torque with a final quarter turn 
after a proper initial torque), better known as "stretch-to-yield" 
fasteners. Even more if you use metallic bushings.

2. On my car, the subframe was out in less than an hour, with the car in 
my driveway, the wheels even still on the car. Easy enough.

3. Goggles. No kidding. I have still an infected eye because of dirt 
falling into it... Silly me.

HTH somehow,

Louis-Alain






"Iain Atkinson" <iain.atkinson at eastbourne.audi.co.uk> 
Sent by: quattro-bounces at audifans.com
2004-10-15 08:15

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Subject
90 20v q subframe bushes






It's time to do this delightful job, i am going to replace them with the 
ali ones from dialynx, i need a little advice before i start the job.

1. The bolts that hold the subframes on, are they screwed into the body of 
the car using a captive nut inside the body or is the thread directly on 
the car (hope this makes sense) i can envisage after 14 years of crud and 
road salt that the bolts may shear.

2. Dropping the subframes is a question of undoing the 4 bolts and other 
suspension bits attached???

3. Any special tools required???

TIA guys.


Iain