Front Subframe Removal

[benDASHDASH]

The metal bracket that holds the front sway bar bushing fell off. When I went to bolt a new one on, I discovered that the hole it bolts into actually bent off. Can any of you think of a way to mount the swaybar without using that hole or am I going to need to replace the whole dang subframe? If I do replace it, how hard is the job (I don't yet have a Bently). Also, do any of you know if the cabrio subframe is different from other e30's? And is it unsafe to temporarily remove the front swaybar so I can at least get to work?

If you guys need pics of what I'm talking about, I can take some.

Edit: I've been looking at it and I think I can get an attachment welded on to the bracket so I can just use one of the subframe bolts to hold the bracket on. I still want to know about the subframe removal though.

[Chris325/325i]

Mine did that, the little tab on the end of the subframe broke off. I took it to a muffler shop and they welded in a couple of large washers to replace it. Cost me $20 and has held up fine.

[benDASHDASH]

Washers is a great idea, as long as they dont snap off too.

[pogiboy9]

Yeah, but you know since e30's are pretty common in the junkyard you can get a subframe for about $30 bucks i think. ($30-$50) to be more accurate, then just get it welded on.

[Chris325/325i]

It's a lot of work to replace the subframe. If the only problem is that tab for the swaybar bracket it's easier to get something welded in for $20 than pull out & replace the subframe.

It holds the inner balljoints of the control arms, steering rack, swaybar bushings, and engine mounts. Once you remove all that stuff it's a piece of cake, only 4 bolts hold it in.

[benDASHDASH]

Haha, I think I'll try to get a shop to weld something on. Only problem is that the remains of the tab is bent up, so I can't get a good weld unless I flatten it somehow. Hopefully theres enough room for a hammer...

[benDASHDASH]

Woot woot - after trying like 5 shops, I finally found one - and they did if for free! Now I just need to get the dang swaw brace in the tab. BTW, the weld looks like it should hold. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Digitalwave]

I am glad its fixable. Mine broke in the same spot today. I am going to see if my friends dad can weld a new tab on there this week. Boy the car steers like hell with the front bar disconnected :)

[BahnE30]

your right they do, i'm surprized mine have lasted this long if you southren boys are just starting to have yours go. i just used a piece of 1/8 plate cut it to desired shape, drillled a hole, weld. bolt back in. fuck knows how long it'll hold ran out of gas halfway through the bead.