Davemca8

Also thanks very much for the link to parts catalog you don’t know how long I spent last night looking for exactly that.

Thanks very much for the detailed reply. You have, rightly so, put the fear into me. I have pretty much all the tools you mention with the exception of compressor and air hammer. I used to tinker with Landrovers so I have some experience with rusty stubborn bolts. The plan in my head was to remove the brake callipers but leave them attached to the line tying them out of the way. Disconnect the harness to head light levelling, disconnect the shocks from either top or bottom, remove rear section of exhaust and lower the entire subframe with everything attached initially using the subframe bolts then onto a trolley jack. From there swap everything over replacing components as required. Then refit in the opposite order. I had scheduled a week due to inevitable bolt from hell but after sleeping on it I think I could using my heart rather than my head. I love the car but maybe it’s time to trade in… I’m in two minds at the moment. If I go through with it I will try and document my pain and keep this thread updated. It might just be too much of a job on my own.

Good evening, I have just joined this forum after owning my a6 avant for 8 years. At the beginning of the year my MOT reviled that my rear subframe was heavily corroded so I took it upon myself to rub it down and give it a coat of paint. In doing this I knocked a fairly large hole in the right supporting arm of the subframe. Rather than give up on this car and rush to we by any car I have decided to replace the rear subframe. I found a replacement on eBay that appears to be in reasonable condition and I’d like to order replacement parts such as drop links, control arms if required and all the fasteners required. I am having difficulty finding part numbers especially for the fasteners. Are there any diagrams with part numbers available? I have found American ones but not exactly what I need. Has anyone tackled this job before ? I have a fair amount of experience working on cars but haven’t tackled anything like this. I’m worried about alignment of the subframe and haven’t worked out exactly where to start. I’d like to remove the entire subframe with all the arms, hubs, brakes etc then swap everything over on the drive before refitting. Any help would be greatly appreciated! 2012 A6 avant C7 2.0tdi FWD