Sub frame welded by a local mechanic?

Tiny
ASKNRUN
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
  • 3.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 181,000 MILES
Recently a local mechanic welded it for me. Prior to having the sub frame welded by a local mechanic. I visited a Car-X shop that told me while I was getting a oil change. They told me I was driving a dangerous vehicle because previous welding done to the sun frame near motor had rotted away. Although, one nice Russian guy I visited his local auto shop over two years ago. Had told me the motor won't fall out. And that would just here noise. Although the mechanic o recently visited, that I trust. Had told me his welding the area would last a while. He did same if the welding came lose or rotted again. That he suggested I look for another car.
Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 AT 5:57 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,233 POSTS
I wouldn't pass a car that was in that condition. However if the rest of the vehicle isn't in bad shape you could go online and look for a replacement subframe from an area that doesn't see the rusting. Try searching on car-part. Com, you enter the vehicle information and where you are, then select an area that they don't see rust, I like to try Midwest or Southwest. Then have the replacement shipped to you and have it installed. If you don't see one there are places like Ebay that have a few. The thing is that the subframe not only holds the engine but also the entire front suspension and driveline, if it fails while you are driving, it doesn't end very well.
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Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 AT 4:37 PM
Tiny
KRAKENAUTO
  • MECHANIC
  • 69 POSTS
Your previous mechanics seem to have just given you a temporary fix to buy some time. From what you describe the vehicles overall metal integrity is no longer there and is now unsafe to keep driving.
It sounds like the prior welding repairs and the vehicle overall has pervasive rust damage and your last mechanic that said it was dangerous likely saw most of the structural components are compromised now. At this point you're just fighting a losing battle against rust and need to start seriously thinking about a replacement vehicle.
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Thursday, October 9th, 2025 AT 10:34 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Please respond
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Tuesday, October 14th, 2025 AT 12:52 PM

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