Hi all,
My TD6 has just failed its MOT due to front subframe corrosion. Over the years I have patched it but it is now time to replace.
I am intending to do this without removing the engine but I am torn between buying an engine support bar or an hydraulic hoist.
If I go for the hoist would a 1 ton hoist be enough or should I go for a 2 ton? Does anyone know where I can but engine hoist brackets and where on the engine do they fit?
This will be the biggest job I have attempted in my 15 year ownership of the car and any help or advice before I start would be gratefully received.
Many thanks
Mike

Cant help, but out of interest did the MOT give advisories before the fail?

No and it had passed last year with very little change.
A different tester this time, luck of the draw.

Mine had subframe corrosion mentioned last time but not serious enough to weaken the structure - my local experienced indie said it was probably a novice tester putting everything down he could see and he'd never personally known an RR to fail because of a dodgy subframe - and he's looked after loads FFRR
2010 TDV8 3.6 Vogue
Stornoway Grey

Obviously we can't see the car but I would tend to echo Hozza's view. The subframe is a fairly hefty bit of kit and although mine did have surface rust it was nowhere near enough to affect structural integrity.

Before you go to all the effort of swapping I would be inclined to get under with a wire brush, clean off the surface rust and have a look for yourself. IMHO to be an MOT fail it would need to be heavily corroded to the degree where you could see perforation of the tubular steel.

If you can't then maybe worth cleaning up and taking to another MOT station for an opinion. You can be upfront with them as the fail will be on the MOT system records anyway so they will see it when they book the car in.

Also would allow you to check that it is the subframe itself that is corroded and not the chassis mounting points.....

cheers,

MM 2011 TDV8 AB
2006 TD6 AB (Gone to Wales)

I will get under the car this weekend and investigate further.
I will keep you posted.
Cheers
Mike

Hi Mike, did you get a chance to have a look? I realise it's been a damp weekend so not ideal!

asking for a friend  FFRR
2010 TDV8 3.6 Vogue
Stornoway Grey

An update at last.
The tester had punched a small hole in the subframe - so I guess it was weakened.
I welded a plate and resubmitted and thankfully it passed.