AmyLou83 Posted 25 May 2023 Report Posted 25 May 2023 Hi everyone! Sadly I haven't gotten around to using this forum as much as I wanted but I'm hoping the experienced among you can me some advice. My Celica (gen 7 54) has a broken back axle and my mechanic buddy who looks after her for me isn't confident it's something that he can fix for me. I'm gutted! I haven't got the time, money or know-how myself to sort her out and I think this might be the end of road for us. The stinging point is, other than the axle she is fantastic. Blue edition, 140, 46K, runs like a dream, all original (except for brakes). Should I sell her to someone who will fix her or sell her to someone who will break her down? It seems such a bloody shame to break her but I'm thinking that is the reality. Any advice much appreciated guys Amy x
Old Red Celica Posted 25 May 2023 Report Posted 25 May 2023 Sound like you really mean the rear Subframe. Some on here have done the swap themselves. If you add your location someone may be able to point you in the right direction of a good mechanic. 1
celicagen6parts Posted 25 May 2023 Report Posted 25 May 2023 Just find a good rear axle and swap it over, can't be that difficult to swap it so don't see why your mechanic can't do it if you provided the part. If I had the money I'd buy it and repair it, but right now I'm a bit broke. 1
AmyLou83 Posted 25 May 2023 Author Report Posted 25 May 2023 Hi both! An axle has been found and she will be fixed! I'm so relieved! Thank you for your replies, I appreciate it!!! Amy
_Chris_ Posted 25 May 2023 Report Posted 25 May 2023 It's getting very very hard to find parts for older cars through the normal channels. I think many supply chains broke during covid and the less lucrative ones have never been re-established. I this is one of the main reasons mechanics are tending to avoid working on older cars and are so keen to write them off for simple problems. Forums such as this one are a godsend as they provide information on specialist suppliers, specialist garages and even the technical knowledge for DIY. 3
A Pair Of Flabby Wings Posted 25 May 2023 Report Posted 25 May 2023 That's great news. When I read the first post, I thought it sounds like it's just the rear subframe and - with a bit of willingness and ability - it's eminently fixable. As others have said it's finding the parts, and garages that are willing and able, that's becoming harder. It's great when you do though. And again, as said before, thank heavens for good forums too. 1
AmyLou83 Posted 26 May 2023 Author Report Posted 26 May 2023 Thanks again All! It's hard to know what to do. It's going to set me back £700 (axle from Germany, repair, tyre, MOT) but she is such a fab car. Its better the devil you know I guess! Hopefully I'll have no more issues.... fingers crossed! Amy 1
Xanadu Posted 26 May 2023 Report Posted 26 May 2023 7 hours ago, AmyLou83 said: It's going to set me back £700 (axle from Germany... Before you start spending that amount of money, please find out exactly what part needs to be replaced. I can't be the only one who is curious by your term "axle". If it is actually the subframe that needs replacing - as people have already mentioned - then I can tell you that they are £240.00 inc' delivery (Probably cheaper still via TCB Parts) for a genuine Toyota replacement. Just trying to help you save some money, that's all.
AmyLou83 Posted 26 May 2023 Author Report Posted 26 May 2023 Well he can get an axle from Toyota but they are on back order until July and I need transport of some description ASAP for work. Even not having a car for a few days has been a pain. Subframe/axle = bit attached to the wheel *shrug* I am no expert. All I know is I'm lucky it didn't break while I was driving her, would have been nasty! Amy
Xanadu Posted 26 May 2023 Report Posted 26 May 2023 This is a subframe... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/354067776796
AmyLou83 Posted 26 May 2023 Author Report Posted 26 May 2023 Ok, thanks. I'll send it on to my friend and see what he says! He trades on eBay all the time for buying and selling his car parts so I'd be surprised if he missed this but who knows perhaps he did, we will see! Amy
A Pair Of Flabby Wings Posted 26 May 2023 Report Posted 26 May 2023 There's no shame in not always knowing. eBay listings are not always 100% clear, and you really have to know the cars (and the specific parts) to know if it's the right part or not. I did look at that subframe myself not so long ago, but I thought buying it and keeping it in readiness for a future failure was taking pessimism a bit too for. It's always pleasing to know you're looking at the right part though.
_Chris_ Posted 26 May 2023 Report Posted 26 May 2023 I suspect the £700 is all the parts required for MOT and labour,not just the subframe.
Xanadu Posted 27 May 2023 Report Posted 27 May 2023 2 hours ago, _Chris_ said: I suspect the £700 is all the parts required... I presumed that too, but ordering from a UK supplier should be cheaper and quicker than getting one from Germany.
bazz54 Posted 28 May 2023 Report Posted 28 May 2023 (edited) There are quite a few threads on the forum where people have replaced their G7 subframes. Given that the subframe is ~£240 (they were still available direct from Toyota not too long ago), then for sure, various other parts are needed but I would not thought they would total £700 in parts, but the old threads might give some guidance. I guess it may be a case of asking whether while the subframe is off, it may be worthwhile replacing various braking or suspension parts etc, which may be currently OK, but best done at the same time? Edited 28 May 2023 by bazz54
AmyLou83 Posted 28 May 2023 Author Report Posted 28 May 2023 Morning Everyone, Ok, whatever is broken is not just the subframe. There's another part that's needed that isn't available and on back order with Toyota. Its all good and yes, the £700 includes my MOT, labour, parts, tires and whatever else is needed to get her through. Last year she flew through the MOT. This year, different story! That's cars for you I suppose. For a bit more context, my mechanic friend -who is my best friends partner, has been a mechanic for 35 years working in the trade. I trust him 100%. He wouldn't let me spend more money then absolutely necessary and he also loves my car. So don't worry everyone and I appreciate all your help ☺️
celicagen6parts Posted 28 May 2023 Report Posted 28 May 2023 I've got the other arms available for the rear.
bazz54 Posted 30 May 2023 Report Posted 30 May 2023 (edited) On 28/05/2023 at 10:00, AmyLou83 said: Ok, whatever is broken is not just the subframe. There's another part that's needed that isn't available and on back order with Toyota. Its all good and yes, the £700 includes my MOT, labour, parts, tires and whatever else is needed to get her through. Last year she flew through the MOT. This year, different story! That's cars for you I suppose. £700 sounds very fair. Can you tell us what the part is that Toyota are no longer supplying? I have no idea what's not available and what (if anything) is still available from them. Edited 1 June 2023 by Xanadu Typo
_Chris_ Posted 31 May 2023 Report Posted 31 May 2023 There are specialist suppliers than can source pretty much anything for these cars, worth asking on here.
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