Snapped rear subframe

[g60bv]

so far it appears to effect 2000+ cars. haven't checked mine yet.- too cold. any reports of this happening to b5 cars- modified or not.
and those cars effective. what arb are you using. std or not. uprated bushes, mileage, powermods. lets try to get a poll going. whose cars and types which are showing signs of cracking/braking. and whose are fine. should make interesting reading

[S4]

Managed to fit my Apikol rear diff mount today by dropping the exhaust mounts. In doing this I had a better look
at my subframe and it looks fooked. I am going to complain to H&R but I don't suppose it will go anywhere.
Other vendors are shipping support brackets with their stiffer bars.
This car has turned into a serious money pit over the last few months...

could there not be a plate, and say some longer lots or whatever? what do the brackets look like the others supply?

Darren

[JonnyX]

Here are some ideas:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2257610
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/showpho ... user=12502

I did start a separate thread on this by the way. I think the best solution is to weld up some thicker plates and also
some supports. The holes where the link arms connect also need reinforcing in my opinion.

[MarkB]

I need to replace a rusty Milltek clamp at the weekend so I'll take a look at my subframe. I'm only running a 19mm rear bar so it may not have put as much stress on the frame...

What sort of miles have people run to get the cracking?

[JonnyX]

Mine is < 15000 miles.

[S4]

I would say that it would be easy for any fabricating engineering place to do this. ever to a busted one or to reinforce one.

I know my brother could do this ( he is in Southend )


Darren

edid: this looks good info as well http://www.fastaudi.net/a4/library/swaybar.html

can the brackets be bought on there own?

[S4]

Also has anyone wrote (not e mail) to H+R this is serious sh*t

[JonnyX]

Also has anyone wrote (not e mail) to H+R this is serious sh*t

I emailed. I agree, it's serious <beep>. Mine is almost certainly attributable to
the 22mm H&R bar I have fitted. What about everyone else?

I need to take some good photos. It would help if there were several of
us and that the condition is well docuemented.

[S4]

yes it will have to be a stick together thing... most garages wont want to know, only when are you booking it in to have a new one $$$$$$$$

I would think you would be able to get quite a few together.

Darren

[Nodds]

Just checked mine (2000) phew its fine no signs of any cracking.
Car has covered 48k with the last 15k (ish) on the early type H&R supension (and lowered), but with the standard Audi ARB and standard bushes (power upgrade to 330bhp)

H&R ARB was the next mod, but not anymore...........

I hope this is useful

Nodds

[S4]

there are so many with the H+R rear bars... looking around other makes have decent brackets... I thought there would be more response to this thread... as so many have H+R, it looks like the stiff bar, without any reinforcement you have a good chance of it cracking.


Darren

[s4woody]

http://www.fastaudi.net/a4/library/swaybar.html
that is a very good piece of kit..even with a few welds put in place on the cracked part that would help to stop anymore cracking until it could either be replace with a newer subframe of welded up totally..

[S4]

Yes Simon. the Neuspeed ones http://www.neuspeed.com/products/produc ... o&p_id=242 have a nice bracked, to give the subframe much more support

also see the note in the link!

NOTE: Audi A4 Quattro and S4 rear suspension subframes should be inspected carefully prior to the installation of any rear anti-sway bar. If you find any fractures or cracks in the subframe, repair or replace the subframe prior to installing your new anti-sway bar.


Darren

[BRETTCOLLINS]

I need to replace a rusty Milltek clamp at the weekend so I'll take a look at my subframe. I'm only running a 19mm rear bar so it may not have put as much stress on the frame...

What sort of miles have people run to get the cracking?

My Car is only running the 19mm rear H&R bar and the sub frame is fine..

[JonnyX]

OK, This is what I got back from H&R:

Dear Mr. Anderson,

we never have had such problem with our bar yet. Please send us detailed pictures that we can see some more information.
Please let us know from which country you are.

So, if anyone has information please post. I will start:

RS4 (B5) Suspension
22mm H&R on max stiffness for ~15000 miles.
Cracking on support plates. It also looks like a crack has penetrated from the link arm hole to the outer edge
of the subframe on the offside.

I think if you fit coilovers at the same time you will be OK as they control body roll a lot
better than standard springs and dampers. I would have thought that other manufacturers making
support brackets would be a big clue that this is a problem.

I will try and get some photos of this from my car. If anybody else has similar evidence, please get
in touch. Thanks.

Jon