Rear subframe / crossmember

Dan MR2 · February 23, 2016, 19:10

Hi, I've checked my subframe over when I brought the car couple of weeks ago and it seemed OK, found no big rust holes underneath or on the top, but today I've felt along the back edge near the exhaust manifold and the seamed edge is quite pitted/rusty, my mechanic mate is replacing the manifold tomorrow so I'll get him to check the subframe when he's got the manifold and plastic tray off.

The question is though where can you buy new subframes from and roughly how much?

I would like to get one so I've got one to replace down the line, paint it/ treat it, etc.
I've done numerous search's on the forum,but can't find anything recent about where to buy one.

Thanks Dan.

Treboeth · February 23, 2016, 19:15

MrT seems to be one of the only ones left or I think Cabbydave know a supplier from Japan maybe send him a PM.

Dan MR2 · February 23, 2016, 19:33

Ok thanks

Carolyn · February 23, 2016, 19:54

I just rescued one. rusted through in one place. Sub-frame off, give suspect areas a bash with the ball end of a hammer to find the weak spots, cut out bad stuff, weld in new metal, wire brush all over, rust treatment on spots, remove rubber pugs and spray in waxyol, replace plugs, zinc primer and top coat of grey stone-chip paint. I also sealed up the holes at the corners where the water gets in. Some (I've seen pics) are too far gone, but if it's not too bad, it can be repaired.

Dan MR2 · February 23, 2016, 20:22

That's good to know, mine could very easily be welded on the back end/side because the top and bottom of the subframe are solid with no rust, I just would be concerned about the levels of rust inside, also I would have to pay someone to weld mine/remove and refit, so with labour costs plus welding costs it probably would be better for me personally to have a new one fitted if needed.
I could remove one myself but if I run into problems I can't have the car off the road as its my wife's daily driver, which is why I'm having the manifold fitted, incase the bolts snap!!

Carolyn · February 23, 2016, 20:30

Quote from: "Dan MR2"That's good to know, mine could very easily be welded on the back end/side because the top and bottom of the subframe are solid with no rust, I just would be concerned about the levels of rust inside, also I would have to pay someone to weld mine/remove and refit, so with labour costs plus welding costs it probably would be better for me personally to have a new one fitted if needed.
I could remove one myself but if I run into problems I can't have the car off the road as its my wife's daily driver, which is why I'm having the manifold fitted, incase the bolts snap!!

If it's not rusted through, a good paint and waxyol will preserve it. Even if there is rust inside, sealing it up to stop air a water getting in will stop it going further. No air -no water = no rust!!

Toyota no longer supports parts supply for these cars so a new sub-frame is very hard to get. Yours sounds like you could paint and preserve without taking it off the car. Then just keep an occasional eye on it. Make sure it's strong around the suspension mounts.

Dan MR2 · February 23, 2016, 20:38

Ok, I'll get it looked at tomorrow when it's on a ramp and better access to see it all, thanks for your help/advice.

lamcote · February 23, 2016, 20:54

This was discussed a little while ago and I thought Toyota still had these available. If not this is a serious problem.

Dan MR2 · February 23, 2016, 21:18

Quote from: "lamcote"This was discussed a little while ago and I thought Toyota still had these available. If not this is a serious problem.

I'm going to ring my local Toyota dealer tomorrow for availability and price on subframe/crossmember just out of interest, will let you know what they say.

Carolyn · February 23, 2016, 21:56

I've just put an enquiry into Toyota Parts Direct. That's official Toyota online parts. I'll let you know what they say.

beavisrules · February 24, 2016, 00:54

Is the USA model going to be the same?.
for about £99+99p&p and possible customs (duty on the 99+inspection fee) you can get a rust free one on ebay from the USA.
m http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161805350836 m ?

just an idea, as I guess these will all go eventually.

Treboeth · February 24, 2016, 02:42

Quote from: "beavisrules"Is the USA model going to be the same?.
for about £99+99p&p and possible customs (duty on the 99+inspection fee) you can get a rust free one on ebay from the USA.
m http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161805350836 m ?

just an idea, as I guess these will all go eventually.

Second hand and states 2000/5 is it FL or PFL big differnce there s:? :? s:?

1979scotte · February 24, 2016, 04:18

I got one from MRT no problems September last year.
Not only do they rust through but the camber bolts can rust solid too.
Mine had been welded once the stuck bolts were preventing correct wheel alignment so off it went to the scrapies.
A brand new one gives me confedence that looked after properly it will last me another 10 years.
Pretty sure it was less than 300 quid fitted powdercoated and treated.
There will be a podt somewhere about it.

Dan MR2 · February 24, 2016, 10:30

I've rung my local Toyota dealer, ask for a rear subframe/crossmember for mr2, gave them my reg as well,
They said its £104 including vat for the subframe, widely available, can get me one in for Friday.
Does anyone know the part number so I can double check it that way?

jeffsimply · February 24, 2016, 10:37

The part you want is £300 from Toyota. They're looking at the wrong thing.

MisterK · February 24, 2016, 10:40

Quote from: "Dan MR2"I've rung my local Toyota dealer, ask for a rear subframe/crossmember for mr2, gave them my reg as well,
They said its £104 including vat for the subframe, widely available, can get me one in for Friday.
Does anyone know the part number so I can double check it that way?

Odd...I asked Mr T in December same question. £320 ish. I don't think £104 is correct, but if so I'll have one at that price s:D

s:D

Jock · February 24, 2016, 10:50

Price indicates the wrong part to me - too cheap.
Think this is the FL 51206A or 51206-17040
Your MrT should be able to email you a diagram with the part number from your reg. Mine does anyway s:wink: :wink: s:wink:

Dan MR2 · February 24, 2016, 11:18

They have just emailed me the diagram and I've spoke to someone there that knows more about the mr2, they have confirmed that the rear subframe is a discontinued part and no longer available!!

1979scotte · February 24, 2016, 13:16

That is terrible.
The newest cars should still be covered under 12 year anti corrosion warranty if FTSH is present.
Last year headcase got me one no problem.

Dan MR2 · February 24, 2016, 13:32

I hope it's not discontinued, the person I spoke to said that he's worked for Toyota for 25 years and said he's never heard of a rear subframe/crossmember corroding?!?!? that's why it's discontinued, it's never needed!! hopefully he's wrong.
If anybody can give me the part number I'll try elsewhere, thanks.

Carolyn · February 24, 2016, 17:38

These cars went past the Ten Year Since Production Barrier this year. So Toyota will not be re-stocking parts. Bit-by-bit re-cycling/aftermarket will be the only way for lots of stuff. I've seen a pile of sub-frames at a breakers and they are all reusable. We just have to get used to being a bit more creative!!

Dan MR2 · February 24, 2016, 17:59

My subframe has been checked all over today by me and a mechanic and thankfully is totally solid all over with minor surface rust on the back edge, which I've treated/sorted out.

If it is a discontinued item now, it doesn't look good for the long term future of MR2's, but they are a mass produced car so surely a aftermarket company should eventually start producing subframes, because there will be a market for them.

Carolyn · February 24, 2016, 18:28

Quote from: "Dan MR2"My subframe has been checked all over today by me and a mechanic and thankfully is totally solid all over with minor surface rust on the back edge, which I've treated/sorted out.

If it is a discontinued item now, it doesn't look good for the long term future of MR2's, but they are a mass produced car so surely a aftermarket company should eventually start producing sub-frames, because there will be a market for them.

People are fabricating sub-frames from tubular steel and they are for sale. But the moral here is look after the one you've got, I think. They rot from the inside out because water gets in the top corners (up by the chassis rail) and then just sits inside at the bottom. A good dollop of sealant in those holes will keep it dry. A couple of small holes at the lowest point on both ides will allow it to drain.

I'm pleased that yours is OK - good result.

jeffsimply · February 24, 2016, 19:24

Quote from: "Dan MR2"They have just emailed me the diagram and I've spoke to someone there that knows more about the mr2, they have confirmed that the rear subframe is a discontinued part and no longer available!!

TBH it does sound like you've spoken to numpties at Toyota. Try a different dealership. I'd be surprised if they discontinued it.

Carolyn · February 24, 2016, 19:48

There is no legal obligation for manufacturers to supply spare parts for a specific period. The better companies do support for ten years, these days. When you think of all the models and parts - there has to be a limit somewhere.

Toyota does its best for ten years. There's loads of very old cars still running and on the road which have had most specialist parts discontinued decades ago. If you have pre-facelift it's at least 14 years old this year. Bit bit, the new parts will dry up.

Not the end of the world, just time for a different approach.