subframe bolts

[madaboutcherry]

I,ve just fitted a new steering rack ( a lovely job on your own) and i'm having a real struggle getting the tower mounting bolts to line. the subframe is sort of hanging on the remaining bolts. I only need to move the subframe by about 5 mm.

[mab01uk]

Some early Mini's had studs fitted in the towers instead of bolts.

[madaboutcherry]

I,ve got bolts on mine. I just need to move the subframe backwards relative to the body by about 5mm, but I can't see where to lever it without damaging anything.

[ianh1968]

but I can't see where to lever it without damaging anything.

If you can move the car, you should be able to aim the front "pear-mount" hole at a wall or
brick pillar, for example.

Use a bottle jack, horizontally against the wall/pillar with some kind of bar through the front
mounting hole and wind... (The hole for the bolts/towing eyes next to the suspension tie-bar
ends which you will need to remove completely). Don't forget to use the handbrake and/or
chock the wheels at the BACK. It's no good sticking it in gear and chocking the front,
because you need to shove the whole subframe/suspension/running-gear backwards.

I've used this method myself in the past and if you can find something suitable to stick through
the hole it works quite well...


Ian

[minimans]

Make sure the front bolts are well loose them try moving the subframe back?

[madaboutcherry]

unfortunately the cars on axle stands with no rear subframe. I,ve managed to the get the nearside bolts in, so I might be getting there.