Subframe pins

[johnnyroper]

One for the ford people. I am needing to align a subframe on mark 3 mondeo after clutch change. Do I need The correct pins or is there a substitute I can use like a bolt/deep socket?

[Mirez]

 I have done two in the past and the last one I did I just aligned it back up to the clean patch. The pins are crap but if you do want to use them I would suggest using some M20 bolts and wrapping insulation tape around the threads until its snug as its not worth buying the proper ones!

[johnnyroper]

Ok thanks that sounds like a good idea,is it same size hole in subframe and floor pan?

[Mirez]

It tapers slightly IIRC, been a fair few years since I dropped one sorry!

[johnnyroper]

Cheers mark,I will take a look and cobble something together

[insanitybeard]

Hm, they used to be fairly readily available from the likes of Draper and Sealey but not so now by the looks of it, they must be obsolete. If you haven't seen them before they look like this.

[mike wilson]

Loads of info here.
http://www.talkford.com/community/topic/186647-clutch-dmf-diy/

And here.
http://www.fordwiki.co.uk/index.php?title=Clutch_replacement

[johnnyroper]

I was googling them and the draper and sealey ones come up but no one seems to have them,suspect like you say obsolete now.

Hm, they used to be fairly readily available from the likes of Draper and Sealey but not so now by the looks of it, they must be obsolete. If you haven't seen them before they look like this.

[johnnyroper]

Cheers for the links it all seems fairly straightforward to do.

Loads of info here.
http://www.talkford.com/community/topic/186647-clutch-dmf-diy/

And here.
http://www.fordwiki.co.uk/index.php?title=Clutch_replacement

[johnnyroper]

Another question about the gearbox out job, when adjusting linkage cables dr google says I need a tool to lock stick in neutral and then something about putting box in 3rd and adjusting the cable.
Is it possible to do it without the locking tool?

By the way it's a 5 speed box.

[insanitybeard]

I know the Ford locking/ alignment tools were usually little plastic collars designed just to lock the gearstick in a set position whilst adjustment was being carried out, how accurately you can do it without them depends on how centrally an assistant can hold the gearstick whilst you do the adjustment!

[johnnyroper]

From looking online it seems the tool just holds it still in the natural neutral position,so thinking about it I reckon I should be able to knock something up to lock in that position prior to popping cables off.
And as it also says have box in 3rd the cable adjuster must be a ratchet design that clicks up once stick is unlocked?

[insanitybeard]

Yeah, the cables have usually got a studded end with a snap-lock type collar that takes up the adjustment.

[johnnyroper]

4 cable ties to hold it central prior to removing cables should hold central to adjust them I reckon.

That makes sense as you are locking in neutral but setting cables in 3rd, this cable setting is all new to me Vauxhall had just started using them when I left the trade so never got involved.

[johnnyroper]

Prior to doing the mondeo I have been tackling my x type gearbox out job today,all I can say is what a crap job on the deck!! Got to the point where ready to drop subframe rack off,ARB disconnected and 3 bolts out. Drivers side rear decided to spin its captive nut so I was thinking got to get the grinder out to gain access, but clearly ford anticipated this as there is a little grill under carpet by pedals directly above captive nut. Called it a day and left frame on jacks ready to tackle in the morning...... this is the reason why I am no longer a fan of working on cars

On the plus side though tomorrow should be easy now and I have found out the person who reversed in to me is paying the body shop Ã,£800 to fix the damage for me without any quibbles.

[insanitybeard]

One of your motors got clobbered did it, which one? Much damage?

[johnnyroper]

Yes the x type got reversed in to on Saturday,glad the business owner is paying though as insurance would write it off with the damage. That would annoy me after new brakes,tyres etc in recent weeks.

[insanitybeard]

Yeah, galling to have an otherwise sound and roadworthy vehicle written off a) for relatively minor damage which you yourself could sort for not huge aggro or expense or b) when you've just spent a load of money on it- money which you would never get back! 

[johnnyroper]

That's exactly right I am just glad they are paying for it to be done to save me hassle with insurance and sorting alternative car. Once I get it back together and the bodywork sorted it will be just fine as a workhorse going Bristol and back every day.

[johnnyroper]

Managed to get it all pretty much back together today used some old washing machine transit brackets to line frame up as they were a perfect fit in floor pan,the dirty marks where frame was fitted was miles off against the makeshift pin and by eye which could account for the tyre wear. All looks fairly spot on now so will have 4 wheel align done.

Only stumbling block is nearside shaft does not want to come out of the old box,I have tried shocking with lever bars and beating a drift from other side,there is no shifting the circlip to free it from final drive gear. New shaft on way from j&r hopefully it will either be delivered this week or will pick it up when in brum Friday as car booked in for bodywork next Tuesday.
Always something that needs doing!!