Front Subframe Drop - B4 80 TDI

Needs to get out more Joined: Mar 02, 2011 Posts: 113

I've been tarting the 80 Avant TDI up a bit for its MOT - wishbones, top mounts, rear discs and pads, and a few other odd jobs.

In the process I've noticed a couple of other things that need doing. One of the front struts is seeping a little bit. I've cleaned it up and sneaked it through the MOT, but I'll need to change it. I've got new inserts, so no worries there, other than getting the caps off that hold the insert into the strut body.

The main job is that the front subframe is getting a little bit crusty in places, and the subframe bushes look pretty tired - probably original.

So I'm going to drop the subframe, wire brush and paint it up. I've been looking underneath, and in VAGCAT (no decent pics in there) but I can't see very well. What's bolted to it that I need to unbolt and support? Is it just the wishbones & rollbar, or is the engine / transmission attached to it as well? Looks like the steering is completely separate.

Any handy hints would be great!

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 1:32 am

The subframe has the anti roll bar, wishbones and gearbox mounts. Think it's only 1 gearbox mount on the fwd cars.

I've just changed them on my 90q 20v. It wasn't too bad a job.

Needs to get out more Joined: Mar 02, 2011 Posts: 113

Doesn't sound too bad then. Hopefully the subframe bolts will all come out reasonably easily.

I was scouting around for poly bushes for the subframe, but can't find any listed on the web. Are Audi the only option for the bushes?