Subframe problem

[lukasbmw]

The alignment on my rear looks like this:

Rear: Left

-4.0o
-3/16"


Rear: Right

-1.8o
-9/16"

That is a pretty big difference and something I noticed before. The driver side rear wheel always was more tucked then the passenger side rear wheel. When I was running 17x7 Voxx rims on 225/45/17, the driver side would not rub but the passenger side would.

I thought one of my E30 stock rear trailing arms were bent. I figured by switching to M roadster rear arms for my 5 lug swap, the problem would be gone.

Obviously not. Look at this tire wear:

left:



right:



The only thing I can think of is my subframe must be bent. It has no visible bends, but I figure it must be bent downwards near the left side.

EX:



What the hell could have caused this?

The only thing I can think of:

I once acclerated too fast making a right hand turn from a stop in the rain and the rear swung around. The driver side rear tire smacked the curb. The entire car landed on the sidewalk. The end result was a cracked driver side rear basketweave.

However, you would think the bottom of the rim hitting the curb would have bent the subframe UP not down.

Is it possible to measure the subframe on the car to make sure that is the problem?

Any cheap fixes, or am I going to have to pull or pay someone to pull the entire rear fucking subframe?

Thanks[/img]

[E30-323ti]

You car is a source of constant issues, makes for good entertainment each time I come on.

I'd just put another sub-frame in it!!

OT: What do you think of the MX's?? What size are you running 215/45??

[bkelsey86]

mine is like that too except the left side kicks out more then the other and it causes worse wear then that i fixed every bushing known to man and it only got slightly better. A guy at the dealership told me it was the subframe that was bent and that it was a common problem in e30's. Thing that sucks is its 600 dollars for a new one or you goota find a none bent one in a junkyard.....

[Beej '86 325es]

That is strange how it would have bent like that. This might be a good opportunity to put in a modified subframe with adjustable camber/toe mounts though. Used subframes go for about $145, and the camber/toe kits are like $150-$175. They really work quite well.

[Jordan]

Used subframes go for about $145.

Used subframes typically go for nothing because no one wants them.

[Rigmaster]

Used subframes go for about $145.

Used subframes typically go for nothing because no one wants them.

unless you have a bent subframe (which is a pretty common problem), then they are worth something.......

Bret.

ps- as always, a very useful and informative post......

[parkerbink]

Theres a front unknown application (either e30 awd or e36 awd) per them subframe on ebay. How the hell can you put a part up for sale & say I don't know what it's for you have to figure it out ???

Sorry you're having trouble.

[nando]

Theres a front unknown application (either e30 awd or e36 awd) per them subframe on ebay. How the hell can you put a part up for sale & say I don't know what it's for you have to figure it out ???

Sorry you're having trouble.

eric is talking about the rear subframe.. and there is no AWD E36.

[parkerbink]

I know I am saying (A) how do you put up an auction for a part that's either for this or that car & (B) maybe for a car that doesn't exist.

see for yourself I am not making this up:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7910012753&category=42609&sspagename=WD1V

[Gus]

i had a similar deal with a curb...thought it was just the trailing arm which i replaced but after a wet track day figured it wasnt....new subframe fixed it sweet...then i tapped another curb.....still needing a wheel alignment to figure out if anythings wrong....i got a bad feeling though..at least this time it wont be a 30hr week under the car!

[Wes325]

It seems to me by the sounds of what happened that it should have bent your rear subframe down. I dont understand what angles were in place to make it bend up. Definately get one from a junk yard. Dont get all down about your car.

[EVOIIIM3]

Yup, you have a bent subframe.

Dealer price for a new one is $550.

You can try some adjustable trailing arm bushings.

[e30evolution]

inside wear would be from bending the subframe up.... outside would be from bending down

[Stu]

Yes, Eric, it is bent. The hit to the curb could have done it, as could a number of other things (previous owner, etc). Mine was bent and my camber/toe settings were outta whack, fortunately I had a staight, low-mileage M3 subframe available. The swap will be time consuming and possibly frustrating, but it is a very good idea and lets you do other things at the same time (new bushings, modified subframe for adj. camber/toe).

[Wes325]

inside wear would be from bending the subframe up.... outside would be from bending down

exactly