Removal Of Front Sub-frame And Control Arms

[nick3814]

I've got my 1983 911SC nicely jacked up quite high at the front, all the bumper assembly removed and the wheels off and I'm intending to remove the whole subframe (if thats the right word for it, suspension arms and frame) as its seen better days so I want to get it bead blasted and powder coated. I've never removed these sort of parts before, is there anything I have to be aware of?

How do I detach it from the bottom of the dampers and brake assembly (Billstiens are fitted) I've looked in all my manuals and its not that clear.

Once detached can the dampers and hubs be left hanging?

Any helpful advice on tackling this would be great thanks.

[LM3929]

I would (did) took the shocks off at the same time .

Knock the pins out of the struts to remove the struts off of the lower unit

[nick3814]

How easy is it to remove the shocks?

[RWebb]

easy but you'll want to get a Bently manual and do some searches - there are many threads on this.

It sounds like you aren't very familiar with the car's suspension, so be sure to read up first.

If no background in mechanical DIY be sure to read all the boring safety admonitions in the very front of the manuals.

Work carefully and as slowly as you need to...

take pics; mark things & draw sketches of how everything came apart.

The goal would be that someone else could walk in and re-assemble the the whole thing.

[LM3929]

If you are removing all of the suspension leave the struts on until the last to use the weight of the lower sub frame assembly to help pull the struts off of the ball joints.

Then remove the struts and look for the 6 MM pin holes on the bottomof the tube.
Use the same size or slightly smaller drift to knock out the pins, don't loose them. when putting the pins back in, the split in the pin must not go against the shock.

go to smartracingproducts dot com and look thru their stuff they show several good examples of what you can do.
LM

when the

[Superman]

Heck, you could remove it all as one unit. That would make sway bar removal easier. Remove the complete struts including shocks, crossmember, everything. Be aware that the big nut in the trunk at the top of the shock tower holds the shock together. Do not remove that nut. Remove the two smaller ones, on either side. Those are the ones that release the shock from the strut tower.

[nick3814]

I've done a lot of work on her so far but its all been at the rear which always appears more simple. If I take it all out as one unit does that mean removing he steering mechanism? I only really want to remove the subrame and control arms so I can get them cleaned up and repainted and also take the discs (rotors) off as I need to fit new brake dust shields, can I do all this with out rmoving the strutts?

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by Superman

Heck, you could remove it all as one unit. That would make sway bar removal easier. Remove the complete struts including shocks, crossmember, everything. Be aware that the big nut in the trunk at the top of the shock tower holds the shock together. Do not remove that nut. Remove the two smaller ones, on either side. Those are the ones that release the shock from the strut tower.

Nick,

Remove the whole front suspension as a 'unit' as suggested above. Don't forget to disconnect the steering universal joint from the steering rack assembly. For the assembly later on, you could do piece by piece installation. Take pictures and jot down notes if you're doing this for the first time. This is not a very difficult job to do but feels intimidating initially. Keep us posted of your progress.

Tony

[nick3814]

Right, my only other question which is probably stupid is do I have to disconnect the brake pipes from the calipers?? I've not disconnected brake pipes before and am a little concerned about brake fluid going all over once I disconnect them and how to bleed them once fitted back on!!

Thanks lads

[LM3929]

The easiest way is to remove the calipers completely or you can cut the brake line holder on the struts to get the lines off and the hang the calipers from a wire.

But if your rubber brake lines are old then you will probably have more problems after.

LM

[nick3814]

I've got goodrich stainless flexis fitted so that wont be a problem, might try and cut the brakeline holders on the struts like you suggest cheers.

[911pcars]

Depress the brake pedal about 1/2 way and hold it in this position with a mechanical stop. The MC piston in this position blocks the fill port from the reservoir. The only fluid that leaks out is in the lines, no more.

Sherwood

[rusnak]

Nick,

You are asking good questions, and I see you are justifiably cautious.

I also think you should read the Bentley manual. Also read the tech articles on suspension rebuilding on this website.

I think you should probably enlist the help of an experienced DIYer, or a friend who is a mechanic. I don't think this is the type of job that an inexperienced person should undertake.

To answer your questions, I take the suspension apart bit by bit to make removal easier (lighter assembly to lower). Re-assembly is much more critical. Use new wedge pins, and locktite on the suspension mounting bolts, caliper mounting bolts and upper strut mounting nut. Remember to take your brake pads out before attempting to remove the calipers or disconnect the brake lines. You should tighten all bolts according to the torque specs using a good 1/2" torque wrench, then take the car for a front AND rear alignment, since the changed front alignment will affect the rear alignment.

[nick3814]

Thats good advice, thanks very much. I get the impression that although tricky its one of those jobs that fills you full of satisfaction once complete, thanks for the advice, definately going to have a go but will take my time, thanks again.