Rear subframe replacement on C220 W203 that I was given as a gift.

[HellGamer]

Opening a new thread to follow on from

Hello all, Just got a C220 Avantgarde SE for free

An old friend just gave me his C220 as the MOT expired, I'm expecting to have to replace the rear subframe as it's a failure. After seeing a lot of chat on here about subframes I hope someone will be able to answer this question. Is my car a W203? Is there any difference in subframes W203 -...

forums.mercedesclub.org.uk

Received first quote from breakeryard.com this morning, £288 inc delivery, we'll see what else comes.


I managed to get under it this morning just as the rain began to pour so had to be quick. This is what I could see:

 

[bembo449]

it doesn't look to clever and I bet there is worse that you cant see

 

[HellGamer]

My biggest fear with this is that the subframe bolts could snap or the chassis is rotten where the bolts go. I think I'll loosen them off before I spend on a replacement subframe.

Another quote came in from dronsfields.com £240 delivered for a complete rear axle / subframe minus diff and shafts, I've asked them if it has good bushes and control arms ready to go in, fingers crossed.

 

[HellGamer]

Today I managed to get all 4 of the bolts loosened, good squirt of WD40 then extendable socket wrench with E16 bit and they came away easily.
The Chassis looks ok at the mount points so just waiting for a good Subframe to come available.
I've been offered one from A1 Merc £95 delivered which seems a little bit too good to be true, has anyone had parts from them ?

 

[HellGamer]

I travelled 200 miles yesterday to Midland Car Breakers and collected a Rear axle complete, Most of it looks like junk but the Subframe is
in reasonable condition.

2 Hours this morning and turned this:



Into this:



It looks a lot better than the old one, Not difficult to separate mostly 19mm for the arms, 12mm Hex bit for the diff, and a large Torx but can't remember the size.

I've ordered wire brushes and Hammerite to make it look better.

Next job drop the old Subframe and renew the brake pipe rear sections, rebuild the axle and jack it up with new springs in place. Fit new rear exhaust section.
I think maybe another 10-12 hours and it will all be done.

Total so far £268

 

[Doug1234]

Buy some Lanoguard and lather the inside of the subframe and then coat the rest of the car underneath.
Wonderfull stuff , I have used it on my Jeep over a year ago after new front suspension and only rust on the bits I missed. Mild steel brackets on side steps underneath are still free from rust.
I even did the exhaust system , no fuss no smoke no stink.

 

[AnthonyUK]

Buy some Lanoguard and lather the inside of the subframe and then coat the rest of the car underneath.
Wonderfull stuff , I have used it on my Jeep over a year ago after new front suspension and only rust on the bits I missed. Mild steel brackets on side steps underneath are still free from rust.
I even did the exhaust system , no fuss no smoke no stink.

Given the state of the subframe, I don't think this one will be a keeper.