Results 1 to 14 of 14

Thread: Lowering subframe procedure... (advice/insight needed)

  1. #1
    Registered User 4.2Crew's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    MN
    Posts
    333

    Lowering subframe procedure... (advice/insight needed)

    It seems the front differential leak (gear oil) I've been chasing all Winter is NOT the passenger-side axle flange seal... After replacing THAT seal several times, I finally determined the gear oil is actually leaking from the respective differential cover plate. The O-ring behind the cover plate needs to be replaced. To do this, the sub frame needs to be lowered or removed to gain access to some of the 12 T-40 bolts securing the cover (namely the lower ones.) Any advice or insight lowering or removing the subframe?

    BTW, I do have a lift and access to an engine transverse support bar...
    Thanks!
    2003 RS6 l SE Exhaust l Koni Yellow Sports w/stock springs l Lowered 1"F 1.25"R l EPL Tuned l 19 x 9.5 VMR V713 & 265 PSS's l 50% window tint l Protective film on entire hood, bumper and front quarter panels l

  2. #2
    Registered User ttboost's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    CT
    Posts
    2,457
    Been a while, but I seem to recall just supporting the engine, near the rear, loosening the front bolts about 3/4 of the way, and completely removing the K frame altogether...then run the bolts back up a little to help support the weight, leaving it hanging a just a little.
    2013 Audi S8

  3. #3
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Park City, UT
    Posts
    1,106
    I used a lift and my engine hoist to support the motor/trans/k member. 4 bolts for the K as I recall. Close to 1500 lbs for the engine/trans/K as it tipped my Kubota over so be careful.

  4. #4
    Registered User ssassc1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Adelaide Australia
    Posts
    39
    Good to hear.

    Quick question...

    Is it possible to remove to gearbox by lowering subframe or is it engine out?

  5. #5
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Park City, UT
    Posts
    1,106
    Yes...my guy did it.

  6. #6
    Registered User ssassc1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Adelaide Australia
    Posts
    39
    Is there a technique on how to do it?

  7. #7
    Registered User ttboost's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    CT
    Posts
    2,457
    I seem to recall passenger turbo must come off...stock trans won't fit between turbos coming out...passenger side is easier to get off. You have to unbolt turbo AND undo all the oil/coolant lines...some you access from the bottom, others you access from the top as I recall...you will not have fun doing this...
    2013 Audi S8

  8. #8
    Registered User V8weight's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    St. Paul, MN
    Posts
    2,249
    I kind of outlined how to support the engine and lower the subframe in this thread.. http://www.rs6.com/showthread.php/21...ghlight=Gutted
    It wasn't necessary to remove the upper strut mounts or driveshaft though..
    Pat - Eisenmann race exhaust, Catless downpipes, KW V3's, H-Sport sways, 034 Control arms, Apikol diff mount, Sterns motor mounts, Forge dv's, Stainless brake lines, Venair hoses, Sportec vent mod, Euro tails, Viper Tuned ecu/tcu, DPE S20's 19x9.5, 275/30/19's

  9. #9
    Registered User ttboost's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    CT
    Posts
    2,457
    If you have a lift, I think you can remove the whole K frame and just let the engine sit in it's mounts.
    2013 Audi S8

  10. #10
    Registered User 4.2Crew's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    MN
    Posts
    333
    Thanks, Pat! I did see your specific post, but still a bit confused... Where did you actually mount the transverse bar---the fender rails, or the on strut tower?

    ttboost: Yes, I have a lift...Can the engine be suspended briefly using the transverse bar, then set back onto the mounts once the k-frame is removed?

    ....Never done anything like this before, but think it may be a valuable technique to learn!
    2003 RS6 l SE Exhaust l Koni Yellow Sports w/stock springs l Lowered 1"F 1.25"R l EPL Tuned l 19 x 9.5 VMR V713 & 265 PSS's l 50% window tint l Protective film on entire hood, bumper and front quarter panels l

  11. #11
    Registered User ttboost's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    CT
    Posts
    2,457
    Engine never has to be lifted up. Support it from the bottom, unbolt all the bolts to the engine and trans cradle, and you should be able to slide the frame (under the trans) out, (might take a little jiggling), then snug the bolts back up. Motor should be sitting there in the motor mounts alone. You can use a pole jack to help support some weight.
    2013 Audi S8

  12. #12
    Registered User 4.2Crew's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    MN
    Posts
    333
    Quote Originally Posted by ttboost View Post
    Engine never has to be lifted up. Support it from the bottom, unbolt all the bolts to the engine and trans cradle, and you should be able to slide the frame (under the trans) out, (might take a little jiggling), then snug the bolts back up. Motor should be sitting there in the motor mounts alone. You can use a pole jack to help support some weight.
    Ah, know I get it!... Thanks ttboost! From your description and the attached pic, it's now obvious the motor mounts do not just attach to the subframe---like I thought they did. The motor mounts attach to a bracket which attaches to another crossmember AND the subframe.

    One more question: In the attached pic, what is the other circled component---just rearward of the PS output flange? Is it part of the transmission mount? It has a spring attached...

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMAG4895_zps124fbca7 (2).jpg 
Views:	128 
Size:	87.3 KB 
ID:	15118
    2003 RS6 l SE Exhaust l Koni Yellow Sports w/stock springs l Lowered 1"F 1.25"R l EPL Tuned l 19 x 9.5 VMR V713 & 265 PSS's l 50% window tint l Protective film on entire hood, bumper and front quarter panels l

  13. #13
    Registered User ttboost's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    CT
    Posts
    2,457
    Quote Originally Posted by 4.2Crew View Post
    Ah, know I get it!... Thanks ttboost! From your description and the attached pic, it's now obvious the motor mounts do not just attach to the subframe---like I thought they did. The motor mounts attach to a bracket which attaches to another crossmember AND the subframe.

    One more question: In the attached pic, what is the other circled component---just rearward of the PS output flange? Is it part of the transmission mount? It has a spring attached...

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMAG4895_zps124fbca7 (2).jpg 
Views:	128 
Size:	87.3 KB 
ID:	15118
    Yes, I think you have it now.

    I think that other circled part is part of the downpipe. I seem to recall a small bracket with the spring on it on the downpipe itself, that mounts to the trans.....
    2013 Audi S8

  14. #14
    Registered User 4.2Crew's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    MN
    Posts
    333
    Quote Originally Posted by ttboost View Post
    Yes, I think you have it now.

    I think that other circled part is part of the downpipe. I seem to recall a small bracket with the spring on it on the downpipe itself, that mounts to the trans.....
    Thanks.... Never done this before, but gotta believe with the subframe removed, it opens up a lot of space and provides tons of otherwise limited access? Perhaps swapping to a bufkin pipe too?
    2003 RS6 l SE Exhaust l Koni Yellow Sports w/stock springs l Lowered 1"F 1.25"R l EPL Tuned l 19 x 9.5 VMR V713 & 265 PSS's l 50% window tint l Protective film on entire hood, bumper and front quarter panels l

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •