Temporary Rear Subframe Fix?

[Znewbie]

I have a Z3 Roadster that has started showing signs of subframe failure. I've noticed a few spot welds that have broken and my subframe is hanging very slightly. My pinky finger cant even fit in the space between the subframe and trunk floor so it's just started to come down.

I'm well aware of the proper way of fixing this problem, however I'd like to enjoy my car for the summer and have it properly repaired when it's off the road anyways in the winter.

I was thinking about re-welding the broken spot welds to prevent any further damage and to strengthen it a little for a few months, but I'm not sure if this would help at all? Has anyone ever done this before? I know someone who can weld so it wouldn't cost me anything except maybe lunch!

Also, I tried to jack the subframe back in place so it connects with the trunk floor, but it won't budge and the car just starts raising up. Is there a way to get it back in place?

 

[t-tony]

If you can get at the floor from underneath the car, apply some pressure then try to knock the floor down from inside the boot. I would weld it best you can and enjoy the summer months, just be gentle with the right foot!

Tony.

ps. Is this an ///M model by any chance?

 

[Sean d]

Take a look at the Forbes vids, he clearly states that welding the spot welds moves the problem elsewhere, however I have strengthened mine with spot welds.

 

[Znewbie]

If you can get at the floor from underneath the car, apply some pressure then try to knock the floor down from inside the boot. I would weld it best you can and enjoy the summer months, just be gentle with the right foot!

Tony.

ps. Is this an ///M model by any chance?

I've tried to raise the subframe by jacking it up and it didn't really move. First I tried from the differential and then from the actual subframe itself. Both times the car just started to rise before the subframe did. Some force from the top may work but I'd be afraid of warping the trunk floor since it's straight at the moment.

Take a look at the Forbes vids, he clearly states that welding the spot welds moves the problem elsewhere, however I have strengthened mine with spot welds.

I've only seen one official Randy Forbes video on YouTube and it didn't say anything. I didn't see anything on his website either. Do you have a link for any specific videos?

Was your subframe sagging when you did it and if so, how did you manage to raise it back up?

 

[Randy Forbes]

Honestly, you'd be better off to do nothing until you can effect a thorough repair.

The wheels aren't going to fall off, so if you can remain mindful of its current and impending condition, drive it through the summer and plan to get it done up right during the fall/winter seasons.

Nearly anything you do now, free or otherwise, will just complicate repairs later. If you merely reweld the fractured spotwelds without getting the floor and xmbr back in their original elevations, it will complicate installation of the reinforcement package that I offer.