swat518

iTrader: (5)

Inspected car few month ago, noticed that the front subframe that connects to the lower control arm was bent, it hits the lower control arm. I am thinking 2 options, either straighten it back or replace the sub frame.
- straighten it back: which is the better way? I will send it to the shop. but wondering using torch or chassis press (or something that doesn't need heat, use machine to pull).
- replace the sub frame: Anyone remove it? 2 concerns, one is looks like the steering rack connects to it, easy to detach? two is how to stabilize the engine since there are only 2 engine mounts, must use hoist or jack up the oil pan?
Appreciate any advice!

travlee

iTrader: (8)

did you inspect because the bushing is blow or other reason? if it were me, replace the bushing and then see if it is hitting, if not i would leave it alone

dboyzalter

iTrader: (3)

If its just normal steel I would just bend it back a little so it doesn't rub. Or I would heat it up bend it straight and then weld a plate to reinforce the now afu metal...

travlee

iTrader: (8)

if he would replace the lower inner.... it wouldn't touch, trust me.... its blown out

edit- if you replace the lower inner and it is in alignment specs..... i wouldn't touch it

swat518

iTrader: (5)

The reason I noticed it because I want to change the bushing. I replaced the passenger side, have a spare driver side LCA and have new whiteline bushing installed but there is no room to take that arm out, the OEM bushing ‘lock’ in between the pivot points, the arm can pivot and rotate but cannot be taken out. The whiteline bushing have more contacting surface with the frame than the OEM, I am 100% sure even if I can take the OEM one out, the new bushing won’t fit.

I tried to torch it and used the pry bar, it didn’t work. I know the temperature is not high enough because the surface was not turn red.

If do what dboyzalter suggested, anyone has an idea how much would be reasonable to be charged by the shop?

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

I would throw my giant adjustable wrench on it and tweak it back a bit. Mine has been slightly tweaked for a long time , as long as the holes are still in the proper location, your good

ASuta

I have the same problem with my 03 350Z touring low mileage. Unfortunately I went over a small island curb in a parking lot going very slow but fast enough to clear the island. I immediately went for an alignment and the mechanic was able to put it back into spec.
I'm assuming the tab is just bent back and the subframe itself has not been bent? There was a "lip" on the bottom of the bracket which was grinded off by the impact--other than this, doesnt look to be any further damage. If the car wasnt lowered, it probably wouldnt have incurred any damage.
Has anyone been able to bend it back successfully? There seems to be no room to do so with the control arm still in. The control arm is still good so I dont need to remove it now, but in the future how would I proceed to do so?