Good afternoon to all!!

Looking to upgrade to Mk3.5, 1.5tci wagon, model 2017. Mileage cca 57kmiles, price is good. Ford's daughter company is handling the sale and they also get the car MOT ready, string attached is service with them for the next 24 months (also giving some kind of warranty).

I spoke to them today and beside replacing the front disc, pads, battery, wiper blades, engine oil and filter, informing that they are waiting for a new engine H holder, one on the car is bent. 

Would anyone clarify how serious is engine H-holder damage, what may have caused it, is it affecting the car structural integrity? Cause I still have some space and time to walk away form this purchase....

 

Had a look at Mk2 parts list, Ford p/n is 1734687 - Cross Member Assy....or H-holder...not sure what's Mk3.5 p/n

I wonder if they've made a mistake with the name.

Never heard anyone use the term h-holder before.

If they do mean the front subframe then it takes a hell of an impact to bend that.

54 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

Never heard anyone use the term h-holder before

See !!

I warned you what would happen if you started allowing WING mirrors 🤣🤣

Hi Tom, Uno, yes this is the front subframe. Have not seen it, but if Ford service says replace it than I'm wondering on the car integrity and possibly safety. I have seen the vehicle (not on the workshop hoist), almost perfect w/o any sign of the damage, as well as the rest of the car. On a short test drive I did notice that the steering is kind of 'ultra light', same with the engine off.

Still not sure should I go ahead for it or not?

40 minutes ago, Ned_Mk2_1.8tdci said:

Hi Tom, Uno, yes this is the front subframe. Have not seen it, but if Ford service says replace it than I'm wondering on the car integrity and possibly safety. I have seen the vehicle (not on the workshop hoist), almost perfect w/o any sign of the damage, as well as the rest of the car. On a short test drive I did notice that the steering is kind of 'ultra light', same with the engine off.

Still not sure should I go ahead for it or not?

That is very strange.  I can't recall ever seeing a bent one in person, even on minor crash damaged cars.  Usually a side impact would bend the wishbone and/or shock before the subframe.  So this sounds more like a front impact.  If there's no sign of that on the bumper then it's potentially hit a hard but low object.  Could be a piece of building debris on a dark road, or an old tree stump while off roading.  Or I guess there is the possibility that someone put a jack right in the centre of it without using anything to spread the load.  Subframes used to be strong enough to cope with that, but perhaps they aren't on modern cars.

The steering shouldn't be light with the engine off, unless you mean during stop start?  It is fully electric, so will be much lighter than the MK2 during slow manoeuvres.

I think I would want to see the results of a full geometry check after the subframe is replaced.  That will show whether there is any other invisible suspension or steering damage.  If it's all clear then the car should be fine.