FRONT Passenger side (bad side)



FRONT Driver side (good side) Hey everyone,

Attached are some photos showing the part of my front subframe that holds the lower control arm, specifically the passenger side, which is the damaged one. You can see how much better shape my driver side is in by comparison.

Mechanics have always had trouble getting my alignment perfectly dialed in, but no one could figure out why. Recently, when I replaced the control arms and ball joints, my mechanic showed me this damage. He suggested getting a used subframe from a junkyard for around $500, but I wanted to get some opinions here before deciding.

Since the subframe is aluminum, I know welding can be tricky, but I do have a friend who’s capable of aluminum welding. So, my question is: would you guys recommend replacing the entire subframe, or is a proper weld repair a viable option here?

Appreciate any insight or experiences from anyone who’s dealt with this before.

 

Personally, if I had this issue, a used subframe would be installed.
Depending on your location, they can be had for as low as $125 before shipping on car-part.com.
Or search the part # below on ebay to find further options.



Good Luck!

 

Thanks for the quick response! Yeah I figured that may be the ideal way to go on about it, but I always like to get feedback from others before going on ahead and making a decision. I'm going to save money for parts and labor then get it done which may be a couple months. Thanks again!

 

^
Good call, besides you are never going to get the passenger side #15 lower arm flange bolt & #18 flange nut secure enough (under load) to 'stay put' in the current wallowed out subframe mounting point.


You can clearly see the wear has been ongoing to cause the 'egg shaping' below.

 

Tis is how my subframe look in area of lower control arm front bushing. I do not have any problem with driving. man just slide some U shaped hook there or whatsoever. Need not replace entire frame IMO. Or someone add little weld there.

 

You don't feel anything different while driving? When I drive, I for sure feel a weird noise whenever going over small bumps. Almost sounds like the bolt hitting from ear to ear since it's not perfectly circular and an egg shape instead.

Like you said though, if I really want I can just keep driving and ignore it 😂. I just like babying my car lol. Anyways I appreciate the reply.

 

Get a used one and save $$$, might be also a good opportunity to do motor mounts depending on their condition and any other work such as oil pump reseal, timing belt, etc at the same time and save $$$.

 

Put some sleeve in parallel with bolt or put some tiny metal rod just to fill that area that is worn out. Like 1/8 or 3/16. I would not even weld it but you can ask someone to weld.
No I do not have any problem driving but my worn out area is different. No one would replace entire subframe because of it.