Topic

I did my underfloor coolant pipes this weekend and while I was under the car I noticed one of my wishbones has a terminal crack in it.

My question is, has anyone done a how to on removal of these?I've had a look but can't seem to find one.

I believe it's a drop the sub frame job

Best I could find was this link Bob: http://www.1020mg.org.uk/2013/10/mgf-tech-lower-wishbone-plate-replacement/

Looks like you do need to drop the subframe.

Edit: Found this one right here: http://www.the-t-bar.com/forum/54-how-tos/91859-front-wishbones

Start pre-soaking the sub-frame mounting bolts with WD40/GT85 or similar.... well in advance. Get the fluid in any chassis holes you see around those mountings to try and get it to the top of the bolts. They rust in as they are 'cutting' bolts and the water gets up the cutting part! Then when you undo them do a small bit out, spray, small bit in ... and keep doing that GENTLY until each one is out. I did it this way and not a single one snapped! Then I replaced mine with new stainless hex head bolts just in case I wanted to do it again!

To fit new bolts you may need to clean the captive nut threads with a tap and die set, just to remove any rust and stop threads stripping.

Cheers for the links Rich.Thanks also Adam I might soak me nuts a little in advance

I have a mate who is a mechanic and has a unit with a ramp, I may chicken out and let him help me out.

I recently replaced a wishbone on my wife's F. I used an impact gun to remove the 6 rear subframe bolts all 6 came out, not one sheared off. I think the hammering of the impact gun is the trick to getting the bolts out.

Thanks for the heads up.I do have one and it made removing the underfloor panel and pipes doddle.Took me a couple of minutes to remove the lot, with a ratchet spanner it took ages last time I did the same job on my old F.

I must admit the hammer type action seems to break the rust lock without sheering the bolt.

Fingers crossed.

If a rattle gun breaks a bolt......it needed replacing anyway!

All done and dusted,wishbones on,it's a long job and only one of the front mount bolts snapped .I added two new stainless front mounts for good measure.

Thanks for all the help.

Well done that man!