Fiestas and subframes?

[murcod]

Do the WP/ WQ Aussie Fiestas have front and rear subframes?

[Ives]

Should be, yes.

[murcod]

OK then, does anyone know what the tool looks like to align them? I've got one I bought from the UK and was wondering if it suits the Aussie Fiestas- I know if fits Fiestas and Mondeos, just not what model Fiestas.

This is what I've got:


(Sorry for the cryptic questions- I've got them on Ebay and it would be good to be able to say they will fit Aussie Fiestas. I know they fit the Mondeos sold here, because I bought them for my old ST24.)

[Adsy01]

theres no rear sub frame on Fiestas.

[murcod]

Thanks, they still might work on the front one then???

[Ives]

What the heck is that thing anyway?

[murcod]

Originally Posted by Ives

What the heck is that thing anyway?

A lot of cars have what's called a "subframe" at the front and/or rear. Basically all of the suspension components are mounted onto this frame and then the frame is bolted onto the car's body.

Because the subframe is bolted onto the body it requires alignment or else you'll never be able to properly do a wheel alignment. These tools are fastened onto the subframe (the subframe and car body are designed with alignment points for the tool) and then the subframe is placed onto the car body using the two tools to align it. While the tools are still fitted the subframe is bolted to the car body and then the tools are removed. ;) In the case of my Mondeo the rounded end of the tools fitted up into holes in the body floorpan.

If a clutch is replaced then the alignment needs checking. My Mondeo never handled to my satisfaction from new, so I bought these from the UK to check the alignment of the front and rear subframes. They were both slightly out from the factory!?

Here's some instructions on how they're used: http://www.sealey-tools.co.uk/parts/VS013.PDF

[Piotr]

What are they for? The front subframe pretty much only holds the radiator and front bumper. The engine and suspension are bolted to the chassis, so if you have problems with them its not good news at all.

*On the Fiesta

[murcod]

Originally Posted by Piotr

What are they for? The front subframe pretty much only holds the radiator and front bumper. The engine and suspension are bolted to the chassis, so if you have problems with them its not good news at all.

No, it's to do with the suspension being on the subframes - NOT the chassis. ;) Hence why the alignment of them is important.

[Piotr]

Sorry yes. Mounted on subframe

[murcod]

Have a read of this : http://www.sae.org/automag/globalvehicles/01-2002/

The pics look like a WP Fiesta?

At the front of the car, a rigid subframe is bolted to the main structure onto which a MacPherson strut suspension and steering system are mounted. The subframe, which is quickly installed during assembly and easily replaced in the event of collision damage, helps isolate noise from the main body structure.

[Piotr]

Have a read of what I wrote 10minutes b4 you posted that

[murcod]

Ummm.... you've modified your first post to say:

What are they for? The front subframe pretty much only holds the radiator and front bumper. The engine and suspension are bolted to the chassis, so if you have problems with them its not good news at all.

*On the Fiesta

So are you saying on the Fiesta the subframe only holds the radiator and front bumper?? It doesn't- it also has the struts and steering system mounted on it.

I posted that link more for Ives as it explains about the subframe on Fiestas, but it also clarifies your confusing posts.

[Piotr]

Originally Posted by Piotr

Sorry yes. Mounted on subframe

Someone need to get new glasses

[murcod]

Originally Posted by Piotr

What are they for? The front subframe pretty much only holds the radiator and front bumper. The engine and suspension are bolted to the chassis, so if you have problems with them its not good news at all.

*On the Fiesta

So perhaps you could explain what that post is saying? You modified it after I pointed out subframes have suspension components bolted onto them to include

* On the Fiesta

On second thoughts don't bother. It will just result in another thread going off track and ending in silly arguments.

It does appear that the subframe aligment tools would work on WP / WQ Aussie Fiestas which is all I needed to know. Thanks everyone for your input. If anyone is interested in them they are listed on Ebay.