Rear Subframe Reinforcement?

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • Funkmasta
    R3V OG
    • May 2004
    • 7185

    #1

    Rear Subframe Reinforcement?

    We are rebuilding the 335, and our first issue was the rear subframe. The old one tore in half.
    [img]

    I did a search and couldnt find any info on methods others have used to reinforce their subframes. Any insight?

    Surely SOMEONE has done this before... ?

    If not, I supposed I will post how ours turns out.

    thanks in advance
    Joe Funk -- Portland Oregon
    That Guy.
    03 X5. 3 liter obviously.
  • redhatpat
    Mod Crazy
    • Aug 2005
    • 656

    #2
    I haven't had to do this, but....

    It looks like you could just weld on some big washers over the holes and that should be enough to strengthen those areas.

    Comment

    • Funkmasta
      R3V OG
      • May 2004
      • 7185

      #3
      I am almost tempted to re-plate the entire top
      Joe Funk -- Portland Oregon
      That Guy.
      03 X5. 3 liter obviously.

      Comment

      • Funkmasta
        R3V OG
        • May 2004
        • 7185

        #4
        New subframe has been sent out, will be done tomorrow!
        Joe Funk -- Portland Oregon
        That Guy.
        03 X5. 3 liter obviously.

        Comment

        • backtrail69
          R3V Elite
          • Jul 2005
          • 4471

          #5
          I hope I don't have those problems with my turbo car. That thing has got some balls..
          :: PNW Crew ::
          '87 325 4dr, '74 2002

          Comment

          • Van Westervelt
            R3V OG
            • May 2006
            • 9365

            #6
            That looks more like it wasnt tightened down fully.
            sigpic

            Comment

            • e304me
              E30 Fanatic
              • Feb 2006
              • 1374

              #7
              yeah and washers werent used

              Comment

              • Funkmasta
                R3V OG
                • May 2004
                • 7185

                #8
                Originally posted by e304me
                yeah and washers werent used
                They were initially... All the rash attempts to re-secure the diff with the new bolts didnt work anyway.

                Curt, the two drivers side bolts were backed out, leaving the two passenger side bolts bent, and starting the tear on the upper portion.

                Not quite sure how it all happened @ 5k miles after the swap.
                Joe Funk -- Portland Oregon
                That Guy.
                03 X5. 3 liter obviously.

                Comment

                • e304me
                  E30 Fanatic
                  • Feb 2006
                  • 1374

                  #9
                  first off get a new subframe. then buy some of that long steel plate at home depot or something. its like 1/8 x 1.5 inch x 3feet. then for the top cut a piece that will fit across to the two bolt holes. then cut holes for the bolts and if they are small enough you wont need a washer. I wouldnt think you would need to do anything for the bottom. and probably not even anything for the top if you use washers and loctite

                  Comment

                  • iflytii
                    E30 Addict
                    • Jun 2004
                    • 482

                    #10
                    Originally posted by E30 Groupie
                    That looks more like it wasnt tightened down fully.
                    Ditto. Looks like the bolts backed off and caused the problem.

                    Comment

                    • 86espowa
                      Banned
                      • Jun 2007
                      • 296

                      #11
                      i am building a nice, super super rear subframe.

                      using the existing subframe as a template, i am going to cut a piece if steel, and weld it onto the top of the part of the subframe that is broken in your pics, and drill the same size holes as before.

                      that should step up strength, and ensure it wont rip, regardless of how much power you have!

                      Comment

                      • Funkmasta
                        R3V OG
                        • May 2004
                        • 7185

                        #12
                        Originally posted by iflytii
                        Ditto. Looks like the bolts backed off and caused the problem.
                        Winnar. strange that it happened after 5k miles... oh well. Glad it didnt happen in Redding on the way to Bimmerfest. ;)
                        Joe Funk -- Portland Oregon
                        That Guy.
                        03 X5. 3 liter obviously.

                        Comment

                        • Funkmasta
                          R3V OG
                          • May 2004
                          • 7185

                          #13
                          BTW, my subframe reinforcement should be done in about an hour...
                          Joe Funk -- Portland Oregon
                          That Guy.
                          03 X5. 3 liter obviously.

                          Comment

                          • iflytii
                            E30 Addict
                            • Jun 2004
                            • 482

                            #14
                            Originally posted by Funkmasta
                            Winnar. strange that it happened after 5k miles... oh well. Glad it didnt happen in Redding on the way to Bimmerfest. ;)
                            Mine kept backing out on me until I finally doused them in loc-tite. Trashed 1 subframe in the process. Haven't had any issue since.

                            Comment

                            • Funkmasta
                              R3V OG
                              • May 2004
                              • 7185

                              #15
                              Originally posted by iflytii
                              Mine kept backing out on me until I finally doused them in loc-tite. Trashed 1 subframe in the process. Haven't had any issue since.
                              You better believe that the new bolts will be drowned in loctite!!!

                              pics to come
                              Joe Funk -- Portland Oregon
                              That Guy.
                              03 X5. 3 liter obviously.

                              Comment

                              Working...