Oh boy, this could have been catastrophic! I was under the R53 replacing my emergency brake cables, one thing lead to another and to my surprise I see that! Those PF LCABs were installed almost a year ago when I upgraded my old bushings... 😵

Does anyone else think I installed it backwards? 🤔

 

Yes. The purple bushing should be sandwiched between the control arm and the outer press fit bushing. That could certainly cause alignment problems.

Wait, didn't I keep telling you that your alignment specs suggested something bent or broken in the front end? I think you found it.

 

Yeah, looks like it was assembled backwards:
https://www.powerflexusa.com/fitting...roduct_id=2006

 

Ah, it's the clash of the US and UK links.

 

LOL, I didn't see the link in your post

 

You did and turned out to be 100% correct. Good thing that handbrake cable broke when it did, I feel like this could've been one helluva accident.

Looks like I'll be dropping the subframe. While it's out I might as well replace the power steering pump hoses and try to fix an oil leak.

Any idea what would cause a leak on the rear motor mount? I'm thinking oil filter housing as I've replaced the usual suspects except for that housing gasket. (it was a PITA and I gave up)


*I was replacing "lifetime" Power Flex poly bushings with new Power Flex units and installed 1 backyards, what a dunce.

 

 

I'm glad you caught it . At least the arm would have been held vaguely in place by the outer bushing, but that sill wouldn't have been fun.

I think the only major engine oil leak suspects back there are the filter housing and the oil pan, right? I guess the valve cover could, too? The only leak I've really needed to address thus far is the crank position sensor.

 

I was able to pull the insert out by hand, of course the car is on jack stands, so no load on the suspension. But still, I'm not exactly brimming with confidence in my auto mechanical skills at the moment. 🫠

The crank position sensor is in the front of the engine iirc. It's only sealed in with a small o-ring. I tackled that job when I last changed my S/C oil. Also tackled the other's you mentioned.

I guess with the subframe out it will allow better clearance to get to that hidden bolt in the oil filter housing.

*Thanks for putting up with me!

 

Right, the crank position sensor is under the intake manifold on my R50, which is a real PITA. I haven't had to mess with any seals or gaskets on the back though, so I'm not super familiar with possible issues (plus the R50 doesn't have an oil cooler).