How To: S14 Subframe Removal

[bllabong89]

Before we start, I just want to say this is to remove the subframe if you already have the rear suspension/hub assembly removed. Also, If I have missed anything and/or have something incorrect, please give your input. This is here to help people who may be a little overwhelmed by the task. And lift off......

Difficulty: 1-2 out of 5

Tools Needed:
-Motorcycle Lift(or jack or a few people, you pick)
-Air Impact
-Have on hand
-10mm socket
-14mm wrench and socket
-17mm socket
-19mm socket
-Large Pry Bar or Pry Tool
-Liquid Wrench(can make life easier)
-Brake Parts Cleaner

Alright, to start things off you will need your car off of the ground...of course. You will want to have sufficient lighting to keep things safe. The circled areas are the 4 main nuts that hold the subframe up but I will get to the removal of them later.
http://forums.nicoclub.com/images/spacer.gifhttp://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab210/anhill88/SB1.jpg

First things first, drain the fluid from your diff. I guess its not required but it can make things a little lighter and easier to drain the doing it in the future. If yours is like mine, it will be a 1/2" square drive like you would find on an impact gun or a socket wrench(what you attach the socket to).
http://forums.nicoclub.com/images/spacer.gifhttp://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab210/anhill88/SB3.jpg

Once drained and re-plugged, you can remove the bolts for the drive shaft. I found that it was easier by fitting the end of the wrench into the lip of the subframe. From here, you can put your pry bar thru the holes in the joint and turn the shaft to brake the nuts loose.
http://forums.nicoclub.com/images/spacer.gifhttp://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab210/anhill88/SB2.jpg

The first thing from here is to put a jack under the subframe so it doesn't drop on your toes...After that, you can remove the suspension arm that doesn't allow you to remove the furthest back nuts on the subframe. You can also detach the ground and the vent house(not sure if that is completely correct).
http://forums.nicoclub.com/images/spacer.gifhttp://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab210/anhill88/SB4.jpg

http://forums.nicoclub.com/images/spacer.gifhttp://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab210/anhill88/SB7.jpg

After those are removed, you can now start to take the nuts and bolts out to drop the subframe. You will want to remove an L-Shaped bracket on the front of the subframe. This has two bolts and one nut. You will need to remove all three but once they are removed, I suggest putting the nut on until all of the nuts are loose(just to prevent possible accidents). The L-Shaped bracket is circled in a later picture.
http://forums.nicoclub.com/images/spacer.gifhttp://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab210/anhill88/SB5.jpg

After the front nuts are loose, you can loosen the rear two nuts.
http://forums.nicoclub.com/images/spacer.gifhttp://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab210/anhill88/SB1.jpg

After all of them are loose, it is safe to remove them as long as you have people holding the subframe or are using a sturdy jack. Note that you do NOT want to drop it all the way yet because you still need to remove two brackets that hold the e-brake cable in place.
http://forums.nicoclub.com/images/spacer.gifhttp://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab210/anhill88/SB6.jpg

http://forums.nicoclub.com/images/spacer.gifhttp://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab210/anhill88/SB8.jpg

Once those are removed, you can now slide the subframe out from under the car. Below are locations of all of the bolts/nuts that are on the subframe itself.
1-Differential Vent
2-Ground Cable
3-Suspension Arm Bolts
http://forums.nicoclub.com/images/spacer.gifhttp://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab210/anhill88/SB9.jpg

I hope this helps and if you have any questions/comments, feel free to add them.

Thanks,
Andrew

[ManoNegra]

You don't need to remove the arms, uprights or drain the pumpkin
if you're bringing down the subframe
it's actually easier to do this after is out

[bllabong89]

That is good to know. This was the first time I had removed a subframe so live and learn but to anyone else doing this, take note of what ManoNegra said. It will make life a little easier.

Thanks for the Input,
Andrew

[japslapsilvia]

i like to remove the subframe with the rear wheels still attached, just disconnect rear strut, brake line and e-brake cable. then a floor jack under the diff and it will roll right out from under the car.

[nathanong87]

the cliffs notes version of this is..

1. unbolt the coilovers from rear towers
2. put jack under diff
3. unbolt driveshaft
4. unbolt those 6 bolts that hold up the carriage
5. unclip, un hose those little misc things.
6. have another set of hands to help u wheel it away

[satek]

I like guides that have a lot of pics, goodjob