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Draining hydro suspension fluid and removing subframes
https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=89843		 Page 1 of 3
Author:  Flute [ Wed Jul 01, 2015 10:35 am ]
Post subject:  Draining hydro suspension fluid and removing subframes
Just to re-open this thread

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=75687&p=854526&hilit=remove+subframes#p854526

When I am draining the fluid from the valves will it spray out or dribble out?

I managed to strip the whole car down to the shell except for engine and subframes which I took to get done but for various reasons I now have the car back with engine out but subframes still on. I want to get the subframes off for a full resto of them and the car but I must admit I am a bit nervous and was wondering if I will need too many specialized tools to do it? Should I have a go and learn how it is done or is it best left to a mechanic? The manuals aren't making all that much sense to me. Just not sure where to start or even if I should. Cheers.

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Author:  michaelb [ Wed Jul 01, 2015 10:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Draining hydro suspension fluid and removing subframes
Hi,

Its is easy to drain the hydro without a pump.
I have done it in the past you just need to be aware that the lines have about 300psi pressure in them so the fluid does spurt out.
If in your garage then I cover the floor under the rear subframe with newspapers to catch the spray and place a bucket or container under the subframe valves.
If you have goggles and gloves then it is a very good idea to put them on at this point.
Mine had a dust cap on the valves which is unscrewed and then very carefully press the centre of the valve with a small Phillips screw driver or similar.
When you do this make sure your head is behind the valve direction and not in front, for obvious reasons.
The fluid will in initially come out quite fast and as the pressure dies down then it should be possible to place your container under the valve and catch the fluid.
Once the fluid is down to a dribble then repeat the other side.
The main caution is to keep your eyes protected as the fluid stings. :shock:
Good luck!
Author:  sitnlo62 [ Wed Jul 01, 2015 12:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Draining hydro suspension fluid and removing subframes
You could avoid all this B.S. and mess with the use of a Valve Chuck, A short length of suitable hose joined to the valve Chuck and an empty Drink Bottle.
Push the valve chuck onto the valve as you would when pumping up a tyre and drain the fluid into the bottle..................
Author:  1071 S [ Wed Jul 01, 2015 1:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Draining hydro suspension fluid and removing subframes
Getting it out is simple. Poke the valve with a small screwdriver as already suggested....and that's it.

As suggested (strongly:) wear goggles - it is under pressure and will squirt out (initially) ....... IMHO gloves are optional.

The fluid is basically engine coolant (mostly water) but you don't want the antifreeze etc in your eyes....

Don't do it on the lawn as it will kill the grass... As described, catch as much as you can and wash the rest away with the hose.

You can do it outside and then wheel the car back into the garage for the subframe removal. Just place some layers of plywood between the body and bump stops in case the wheels jam on the body when fully deflated. I drove mine about 10 kays like that to the shop to get it re-inflated. Back then, there were still BMC/Leyland dealers ..and its how the drivers handbook recommended you do it :)

I've done the re-inflation at home as well using a converted grease gun and home made fluid. You don't need any terribly exotic tools....

Cheers, Ian
Author:  simon k [ Wed Jul 01, 2015 3:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Draining hydro suspension fluid and removing subframes
squirt it into a cordial bottle and put it in the kitchen cupboard ;)
Author:  Flute [ Wed Jul 01, 2015 4:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Draining hydro suspension fluid and removing subframes
Haha, I laughed at your comments in the old thread too!

Thanks for replies, I will have a go at releasing hydro fluid with this tyre inflator.
I guess then I just disconnect hydro lines and brake hoses, remove handbrake cables and start undoing bolts. Does it matter if you start with the front or the back sub frame first?

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Author:  mini_mad_matt [ Wed Jul 01, 2015 5:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Draining hydro suspension fluid and removing subframes
Once the pressure it out of the system it doesn't matter what end you work on first
Author:  Morris 1100 [ Wed Jul 01, 2015 5:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Draining hydro suspension fluid and removing subframes
You will get more fluid out if the car is sitting on its wheels.
You won't get the jack under it if it is sitting on its wheels.
Author:  Mick [ Wed Jul 01, 2015 6:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Draining hydro suspension fluid and removing subframes
I dunno, I've come to like the tang of the green stuff.
Author:  Morbo28 [ Thu Jul 02, 2015 5:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Draining hydro suspension fluid and removing subframes
Off topic question - what colour blue is that?
Author:  gtogreen1969 [ Thu Jul 02, 2015 6:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Draining hydro suspension fluid and removing subframes
Indigo Blue
Author:  Morbo28 [ Thu Jul 02, 2015 8:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Draining hydro suspension fluid and removing subframes
gtogreen1969 wrote:
Indigo Blue
cheers
Author:  dirty hands [ Thu Jul 02, 2015 8:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Draining hydro suspension fluid and removing subframes
I got tired of the hydo system and these kind of issues

good rubber bags were hard to get locally was my main problem
only ones offer was used back ones ...got too expensive
never worked out why it was always the drivers right to fail first

so changed to rubber cone
never looked back
Author:  Flute [ Fri Jul 03, 2015 1:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Draining hydro suspension fluid and removing subframes
Yes, colour is Indigo blue / snow white roof which I will be doing again. Here it is in different light.

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Author:  Mick [ Fri Jul 03, 2015 3:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Draining hydro suspension fluid and removing subframes
Sweet image. A foggy Essendon morning?
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