Cracked Subframe

[ccollins108]

My car failed its MOT, yesterday, because of a cracked subframe. I'm not really clear what the subframe is, but the garage - where the car remains - have said that this can be fixed by welding - the cheapest option, about �80 - or replaced altogether for almost 4 times as much. If anyone knows about these things, how safe/strong would a welded subframe be?

[stanleyman]

A sub frame is where the suspension parts and engine are mounted. This in turn is bolted to the car body, minis have them. �80 sounds quite reasonable for welding which should be fine, many parts have some welding in the construction. The MOT station will need to do a good safe job so the crack is probably minor otherwise they would have to fit a new one.

[wacky racer]

As SM says subframes are both repairable and replaceable. You didn't say what the car and its age is If the cracking is due to age/corrosion be prepared for more expense next year.

[ccollins108]

Thanks for the info, guys! The car's only about 5-6 years old and the crack is almost certainly a result of my own unique driving style... yes, less said the better. Just got the bill from the MOT - like they said, the 'welding' cost about �85 but with another 3 hours labour, for removing the subframe, etc, etc the total (for repairing the subframe) came to �269 plus VAT... I also needed a new tyre, as well! Ouch.

[kepla]

So that's �85 for welding (which represents one hell of a lot of welding if it doesn't include the necessary dismantling) from a total of �269 for the job, leaving �184 (�269 - �85) for the three hours removal/re-fitting work. Therefore your garage is charging you around �61.33 per hour for labour ? ? ? Are you actually happy with that ? It seems that the grease monkey at your garage who does the basic spanner work, not specialist work like the welder, earns about the same as the prime minister ! Well, if you are happy with that then fine. You probably could have done the job yourself in less than a weekend and spending under a tenner on welding rods.

[stanleyman]

Well that's a lesson you've learned, get an all in written quote next time and hold them to it. Seems they've been less than honest with you. If �80 is quoted it should be for the job complete, that's the basis you went ahead I presume, I would complain.

[DirtyHabit]

�80's worth of welding to a subframe after it has been removed....thats a lot of welding. I would be worried that after that amount of welding,(without a jig?) that everything was still in-line. Subframes are meaty things to keep steering and or suspension correctly set and if welded bad can throw everything out.