Hello fellow clubmans,
I am in the middle of replacing my clutch on my 2008 clubman S and I am at the step where I need to remove the front subframe. Does anyone have a link or pdf of the steps involved here. Looks like the exhaust system is in the way. Do I just remove the clamp near the o2 sensor and where do I disconnect exhaust towards the rear? I have to say this is probably the biggest job I have attempted, but I know it will be the most rewarding when I roll it out of the garage.

-Brent

 

I'd start by looking at r56 instructionables. There aren't as many r55s out there, but the front end (I think) is identical to the r56.

 

If you don't have a Bentley manual I'd stop right now and get one. It'll be helpful for not only the instructions but all the torque specs as well.

If the R55 subframe is the same as the R56 then the subframe removal isn't too terrible. It's just big and unwieldy so make sure you support it well when you lower it and don't drop it onto yourself or get something pinched. If this is your first clutch job it's going to take you a while. Lots of stuff to remove on this car.

The exhaust disconnects at the end of the downpipe. There should be a joint right by the subframe. Disconnect that and drop the rest of the exhaust off the hangers and get it out of the way. Then go inside the car and disconnect the steering shaft where it goes through the firewall. Just a single bolt and the bracket swings out of the way. If it's your first time I'd recommend removing the front bumper cover. Makes dropping the subframe much easier. You don't have to put the car in service mode like the Bentley says. Pop outer ball joints and tie rods on both sides. Remove lower engine mount. Disconnect one end of the swaybar endlinks. There are some wires that route along the subframe in a few places so loosen those. Unclip the connector at the electric steering pump. Off the top of my head that's about it. Put a jack under the center of the subframe and it'll balance there really well. 6 bolts in the front of the subframe and 6 bolts at the rear and 2 in the middle and the subframe drops right out. Just be careful and lower it really slowly in case you forgot to disconnect something.

 

If it is like the Gen1, wouldn't you also have to loosen the clamp that holds the power steering fluid reservoir to the firewall?

 

Gen 2 cars have electric power steering. So it's one consolidated unit. Just disconnect from steering shaft and unplug the wires

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I didn't realize that the Gen2 steering had no fluid.

 

There may be fluid. IDK exactly how the electronic power steering works. But there is no reservoir separate from the steering rack.

 

I'm trying to lower subframe to remove transmission oil pan. I only need about .5 inch lower then I can fit the tourqe bit and use a wrench. Do I need to go through all of those procedures just to lower subframe .5 inch?

 

You'll need to disconnect the pinch bolt on the steering column. Then support the subframe with a jack. Then remove the 6 bolts in the two plates at the rear of the subframe. Then remove the 4-6 bolts at the plate at the front of the subframe. Then you can slowly loosen the two long bolts at the top of the subframe arms that go up into the frame horns. Slowly lower/tilt the subframe as much as you need still supporting it with the jack just in case. Make sure there aren't any wires or anything getting caught up or stretched out. You may have to unplug the power steering electrical connector that goes to the car harness.

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Hey Brent, I'm looking at replacing the clutch too: mind if I learn from you?
Is it only necessary to drop the subframe 1/2" to change the clutch? Any other tips you could give me on this job? How high the car needs to be off the ground, etc?
Can the trans be separated from the engine without disconnecting front axles and steering, etc.?
And are you replacing the flywheel? Is that necessary, or can the dual-mass flywheel be resurfaced?
Thanks, and good luck with your job,
- R