Subframe Dropped and cracks found

[scotty737]

I dropped my subframe today and did a quick clean and found cracks at the front two mounting points. The rear mounts looked fine. For the larger crack, it is just a drill the ends and weld correct?

Going to do a deep clean tomorrow and check the spot welds around the wheel wells.

For reference: 2006 with 92.5k miles

[Thonas]

While you have access I would recommend full reinforcement with a high quality reinforcement plate like these,

https://www.redish-motorsport.com/RedishMotorsportE46RearSubframeReinforcementPlateKit.html

[scotty737]

While you have access I would recommend full reinforcement with a high quality reinforcement plate like these,

https://www.redish-motorsport.com/RedishMotorsportE46RearSubframeReinforcementPlateKit.html

That’s what I am doing. I have the subframe dropped to install the redish V3 plates.

[Syfon]

Correct. Stop-drill & weld.

Are you doing topside reinforcement too?

[poss]

Are you doing topside reinforcement too?

You beat me to it . Those cracks are the symptom of a structural issue that band-aids on the wounds (plates) will not cure.

[scotty737]

I’m using redish new v3 plates that include plates for the trunk and under the rear seat area. I’m going to give those a try.

[gixxer]

While you have access I would recommend full reinforcement with a high quality reinforcement plate like these,

https://www.redish-motorsport.com/RedishMotorsportE46RearSubframeReinforcementPlateKit.html

V3 or V2? The page only lists V2?

[scotty737]

V3. They are unreleased on the page at this time. I was randomly selected when I ordered the v2 to get the new v3. I’ll post pics when I get it installed.

[gixxer]

V3. They are unreleased on the page at this time. I was randomly selected when I ordered the v2 to get the new v3. I’ll post pics when I get it installed.

Thanks!

[MTiz]

So Redish plates for underside, got it. What is everyone using for topside reinforcement that can be bought today, since I see you said the V3 isn't released to the public yet?

[scotty737]

So Redish plates for underside, got it. What is everyone using for topside reinforcement that can be bought today, since I see you said the V3 isn't released to the public yet?

They said it was supposed to be released at the end of the month(July) so I would assume it is any day now.

vince bar or the cmp top side seems to be what everyone does.

[Mattn1192]

You beat me to it . Those cracks are the symptom of a structural issue that band-aids on the wounds (plates) will not cure.

How do u fix that issue?

[Tbonem3]

How do u fix that issue?

"Topside" reinforcement. A bar for the rears (cmp, vince, "gtr style" bar like SME, DMG, Mason) and cups for the front or the CMP brace that connects all 4.

[gixxer]

Looks like the subframe kit has has seen some improvements over years. I had installed the kit from Turner back in 2007, i think they were the only game in town back then, if i recall.

[Mattn1192]

"Topside" reinforcement. A bar for the rears (cmp, vince, "gtr style" bar like SME, DMG, Mason) and cups for the front or the CMP brace that connects all 4.

Subframe doesn’t need to be dropped for this right? Since it’s being done at the top.