View allAll Photos Tagged Subframing
The Aft Wedges are under construction. Here is a shot of the lower sub frame that keeps these wedges secure. Unlike the front wedges the backs are not connected at the top all the way down, so the subframe holds it down.
Owners of the BMW 3 Series (E46 models) have been reporting cracks and damage in the rear subframe area of their vehicles. The issue was also common on the earlier 3 Series models and unfortunately, have reoccurred with the E46 from 1999-2006. This issue specifically appears in the rear mounting points of the subframe, which can tear out from their position in the sheet metal. This occurs as the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, and then, into the chassis of the vehicle. This constant abuse leads to fatigue in the metal, causing cracks and separation from the chassis.
The parts used for this repair includes:
Active Autowerke (www.activeautowerke.com):
• E46 Subframe / Rear Chassis Reinforcement Kit
Powerflex USA (powerflexusa.com):
• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Front Bushing - Street
• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Rear Bushing - Street
• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Rear Mount - Street
• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Front Mount - Street
Owners of the BMW 3 Series (E46 models) have been reporting cracks and damage in the rear subframe area of their vehicles. The issue was also common on the earlier 3 Series models and unfortunately, have reoccurred with the E46 from 1999-2006. This issue specifically appears in the rear mounting points of the subframe, which can tear out from their position in the sheet metal. This occurs as the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, and then, into the chassis of the vehicle. This constant abuse leads to fatigue in the metal, causing cracks and separation from the chassis.
The parts used for this repair includes:
Active Autowerke (www.activeautowerke.com):
• E46 Subframe / Rear Chassis Reinforcement Kit
Powerflex USA (powerflexusa.com):
• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Front Bushing - Street
• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Rear Bushing - Street
• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Rear Mount - Street
• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Front Mount - Street
10 subframes at 10minutes captured using my 150 ED Apo triplet and 1000D with UHC filter.
Stacked in Deepskystacker and greyscaled/processed in Photoshop,full frame but reduced. Image taken early hours of 29/11/16
The differential is attached rigidly to the subframe. Remove the bolt that goes through the differential support bushing and lower the final drive. You should also support it with something. I forgot to support it for some time which could have damaged it, but luckily nothing happened.
Being in the automotive business for well over two decades, I have seen my fair share of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles that, in my opinion, should never have been put into production -- the Contour, Mystique, LS and Cougar are all on my list, but no vehicle has been more problematic than the Ford Windstar.
Since it's inception in 1995, the Windstar has been extremely unreliable. The 3.8L V6 engine was susceptible to head gasket failure (as in the Taurus and Mercury Sable), but the Windstar's problem was exacerbated by an even tighter engine bay and higher loads. After numerous class action lawsuits, Ford extended the warranty on the head gaskets to 100,000 miles on Windstar models equipped with the 3.8L engine. The optional 3.0L V6 Vulcan engine was not susceptible to head gasket failure, but people rarely chose this option as it was underpowered.
Engine problems weren't the only problem. The Windstar's AXOD transaxle suffered from cracked forward and reverse clutch pistons. Failures mostly occurred when the transmission was coupled with the 3.8L engine, as the transmission could not handle the extra torque and vehicle weight.
For 2004, the Windstar nameplate was discontinued in favor of "Freestar". Despite the restyled nose, front fascia, revised interior and new engine (3.9L V6 Essex), the new Freestar suffered the same problems. The Freestar was discontinued in 2007.
In 2010 Ford Motor Company recalled nearly 600,000 Windstars sold in cold weather states, finding that they were prone to rear axle corrosion which, if left unchecked, could break causing a complete loss of control. To make matters worse, Ford recently announced another Windstar recall involving rust and corrosion problems that could cause the the front subframe brackets and mounts to separate on 425,000 models built between 1999 and 2003.
Normally I raise the rear and place the jackstands under the crossmember. Obviously, since you will be lowering the crossmember, the jackstands have to go somewhere else - the jacking point is right in front of the subframe support plate. The standard jackstands fit, but in a rather precarious position. Maybe this support point is meant to work with a special jackstand.
The rubber is lubed with a very thin solution of water and dish soap. It evaporates almost instantaneously. The vertical groove in the bushing must be aligned with the dimples in the sleeve of the subframe.
Taken from Hebden Bridge West Yorkshire.
3 hours of 180s subframes, Askar 71f telescope, ZWO ASI533MC camera, Optolong eNhance filter.
First, give a good tug with a large wrench or breaker bar to loosen the nut on the subframe bolt. Remove the allen bolts and the support bracket.
Owners of the BMW 3 Series (E46 models) have been reporting cracks and damage in the rear subframe area of their vehicles. The issue was also common on the earlier 3 Series models and unfortunately, have reoccurred with the E46 from 1999-2006. This issue specifically appears in the rear mounting points of the subframe, which can tear out from their position in the sheet metal. This occurs as the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, and then, into the chassis of the vehicle. This constant abuse leads to fatigue in the metal, causing cracks and separation from the chassis.
The parts used for this repair includes:
Active Autowerke (www.activeautowerke.com):
• E46 Subframe / Rear Chassis Reinforcement Kit
Powerflex USA (powerflexusa.com):
• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Front Bushing - Street
• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Rear Bushing - Street
• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Rear Mount - Street
• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Front Mount - Street
Owners of the BMW 3 Series (E46 models) have been reporting cracks and damage in the rear subframe area of their vehicles. The issue was also common on the earlier 3 Series models and unfortunately, have reoccurred with the E46 from 1999-2006. This issue specifically appears in the rear mounting points of the subframe, which can tear out from their position in the sheet metal. This occurs as the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, and then, into the chassis of the vehicle. This constant abuse leads to fatigue in the metal, causing cracks and separation from the chassis.
The parts used for this repair includes:
Active Autowerke (www.activeautowerke.com):
• E46 Subframe / Rear Chassis Reinforcement Kit
Powerflex USA (powerflexusa.com):
• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Front Bushing - Street
• BMW E46 M3 Rear Subframe Rear Bushing - Street
• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Rear Mount - Street
• BMW E46 M3 Rear Diff Front Mount - Street