Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Andy A on 29 June 2015, 20:51:37

Title: Is it an easy job to take off the front cross member?
Post by: Andy A on 29 June 2015, 20:51:37
Is it an easy job to take off the front cross member?

Thanks
Title: Re: Is it an easy job to take off the front cross member?
Post by: 05omegav6 on 29 June 2015, 23:04:39
Do you mean the bumper crash bar, the lower cross member under the radiator or the slam panel?

All equally removable but only the bumper crash bar bolts on...
Title: Re: Is it an easy job to take off the front cross member?
Post by: Andy A on 30 June 2015, 12:19:41
Al, It's the one in this photo that is just at the back of the sump.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/53447058@N05/19293302445/in/dateposted-public/
Title: Re: Is it an easy job to take off the front cross member?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 30 June 2015, 13:49:41
That's the sub frame  :y
Title: Re: Is it an easy job to take off the front cross member?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 30 June 2015, 13:58:25
Might be wrong but I believe you will have to reset your front geometry is the front sub frame is moved  :-\
Title: Re: Is it an easy job to take off the front cross member?
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 30 June 2015, 14:48:32
In theory you can refit the subframe back in the 'same place' using the old rust/dust marks as a guide... however, expect it to have moved if only a fraction. Of course that's something you'll only know in 9k when your inner edges of the tyres are bald... or not.  :)
Title: Re: Is it an easy job to take off the front cross member?
Post by: sjc on 30 June 2015, 14:53:27
I'd say the short answer is, no.

The front subframe is what holds the engine and front suspension to the car so you'd have to support the engine and separate the wishbone ball-joints from the steering knuckles and disconnect the ARB drop-links.

If you have an engine crane, then the whole job would be much easier.  You'd also have to paint alignment marks between the sub-frame and the chassis rails to get it re-aligned as close as possible, but you'd still need a full geometry check afterwards.

Why do you need to remove it?
Title: Re: Is it an easy job to take off the front cross member?
Post by: Andy A on 30 June 2015, 15:50:41
I'd say the short answer is, no.

The front subframe is what holds the engine and front suspension to the car so you'd have to support the engine and separate the wishbone ball-joints from the steering knuckles and disconnect the ARB drop-links.

If you have an engine crane, then the whole job would be much easier.  You'd also have to paint alignment marks between the sub-frame and the chassis rails to get it re-aligned as close as possible, but you'd still need a full geometry check afterwards.

Why do you need to remove it?

So I can get to the back bolts that hold the oil sump pan on. The one in the photo. Its leaking and needs to be changed urgent. Engine is Z22XE.
Title: Re: Is it an easy job to take off the front cross member?
Post by: sjc on 30 June 2015, 15:57:34
I'd say the short answer is, no.

The front subframe is what holds the engine and front suspension to the car so you'd have to support the engine and separate the wishbone ball-joints from the steering knuckles and disconnect the ARB drop-links.

If you have an engine crane, then the whole job would be much easier.  You'd also have to paint alignment marks between the sub-frame and the chassis rails to get it re-aligned as close as possible, but you'd still need a full geometry check afterwards.

Why do you need to remove it?

So I can get to the back bolts that hold the oil sump pan on. The one in the photo. Its leaking and needs to be changed urgent. Engine is Z22XE.

I've never worked on a Z22XE Omega so can't suggest anything other than raising the engine to improve access.
Title: Re: Is it an easy job to take off the front cross member?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 30 June 2015, 16:03:43
You can get to them by disconnecting the engine mounts and lifting the engine slightly, its tight but do-able.
Title: Re: Is it an easy job to take off the front cross member?
Post by: joff on 30 June 2015, 16:10:46
You can get to them by disconnecting the engine mounts and lifting the engine slightly, its tight but do-able.

What he said :y
Title: Re: Is it an easy job to take off the front cross member?
Post by: Andy A on 30 June 2015, 16:27:49
You can get to them by disconnecting the engine mounts and lifting the engine slightly, its tight but do-able.

Mark,

1. Will I be able to use a socket set or will I need a special spanner?

2. What part of the engine is safe to jack from?

3. I'm using a genuine gasket. Will I need sealant as well?

Thanks
Title: Re: Is it an easy job to take off the front cross member?
Post by: 05omegav6 on 01 July 2015, 06:57:39
Use a hoist and the lifting eyes :y
Title: Re: Is it an easy job to take off the front cross member?
Post by: Andy A on 01 July 2015, 07:53:43
Use a hoist and the lifting eyes :y

Don't own one. So might be a garage job.  :'(  :-\
Title: Re: Is it an easy job to take off the front cross member?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 01 July 2015, 08:59:47
A method that can work involves rope and a scaffold pole.

Unbolt one half of the engine mounts
Place a block of wood under the sump
Jack the engine up off its mounts on the sump CAREFULY
Place a scaffold pole of suitable length behind the turrets, it does fit with a  few bits shoved out the way
Rope the engine via its lifting eyes to the scaffold pole
Remove the jack.



Title: Re: Is it an easy job to take off the front cross member?
Post by: Andy A on 01 July 2015, 09:52:49
I'll have a look later.  :y