Is this weldable ?

[Truzo]

Hi, I would just like some advice on my subframe.

Is this mess weldable or is it a new subframe job ?
As you can see the hole is directly next to one of the rear control arms. (Hidden behind it)






Cheers, Truzo.

[androo007]

Given you can find a good replacement subframe for around £50, i'd say that's had it's day!

[SonicSW20]

I think W30 subframes go for a bit more than that but still, I'd be replacing and treating the replacement so it won't rust like that one has.

[JD]

Like Gazza says, just replace with a good one, blasted and powder coated/sprayed, then spaff some dynax s-50 (or any decent cavity wax) inside to keep it from rotting from the inside out.

[Truzo]

Thank you all for the input it's much appreciated.

I had a look on ebay for a replacement but the one I found was for a pre facelift. Mine is a 2003 facelift 6 speed, Am I right in thinking there is two types of subframe ?

Cheers Truzo.

[toxo]

Pre and post facelift are different subframes. The main difference is that the post facelift has more underbody bracing, and as a result there are mounts for the additional braces on the later subframe. You can run a pre facelift subframe on a post facelift car, you just lose the extra braces.

When mine rotted through I ran a pre facelift frame I picked up for cheap for a while until I found a decent post facelift one. I ended up buying a brand new one from Camskill at half the price it would've been from Toyota (they are about £280 new from Mr T if I remember right). Unfortunately for you, Camskill don't do OEM parts anymore.

Post facelift subframe part number is 51206-17040.

[Truzo]

OK so I took the car down to my local import specialist in Derby,(Brian at Power House) he also advised me that it would be best to just replace. I can't find a face lift one anywhere so I'm gonna have to buy a new one from toyota. I can only assume they put extra bracing on for a good reason. I will also give it a few coats.of hammer right or similar and fill it full of waxoil. I did spot a post while looking for subframes of a chap who went round the hole thing with seam sealer but maybe that's a bit much.

Cheers Truzo

[toxo]

Yeah, it sucks but it's the best course of action really. I tried pursuing Toyota's 10yr anti corrosion warranty at the time but they weren't having it. The only saving grace is that the subframe is very easy to replace! It's light and there's not much holding it on and only 1 exhaust pipe in the way. It can easily be done on the drive, but you will want a wheel alignment afterwards.

[Truzo]

OK, So I have just picked up a new subframe from a Toyota "stealership" and new bolts just in case.

After looking the new part over I can 100% see why they rust so bad.
The weld looks like Stevie Wonder had a crack at it, lots of pin holes undercutting and a mess.
They didn't clean the welds before painting it so there is a lot of paint missing on the welds. And the paint itself is super thin.

I am considering going round it with seam sealer before re painting it, Do you think this would be a good idea ?

Cheers Truzo.

[toxo]

I think anything you can do can only protect it more. You could even get it powdercoated!

If you don't mind saying, how much have they increased in price?

[Truzo]

It was just shy of £348 including vat so not a cheap part considering it needs painting and possibly sealing.


Quick Edit. This post should be in the off topic thread under "Worst pain you've experienced"

[toxo]

*sharp intake of breath*

[pistol pete]

I got my subframe from tcb. Genuine toyota. Pretty sure it was just over 200 delivered