Subframe removal problems - bolts spinning, odd metal plate (steering rack repair)

[w.overlord]

Hi,

I'm hoping I could get a little help from the knowledgeable folks on this forum. I have a Berlingo 1.6 Multispace HDi manufactured in 2011 that unfortunately has a broken steering rack after only ~85000 KM. Not too uncommon as far as I understand, but still a PITA.

In order to change the steering rack, I understand I will need to drop the subframe a bit. However, some of the 4 bolts holding the front subframe to the chassis are now spinning. Citroen seems to have made an odd design choice where the bolts going through the subframe to the chassis are attached to a small square metal plate (this metal plate/sheet is acting as captive nut). However, there's no way to hold this metal plate as the access room is tiny and it's also hard to get anything to grip on a tiny metal sheet/plate. Cutting in the subframe and the chassis isn't legal under my countries laws.

A few questions:
1. Does anyone have experience with this problem? Preferably a solution that includes pictures
2. Is there a way to access the metal sheet holding the spinning bolt from the floor of the passenger compartment or some other way?
3. Is it really necessary to drop the subframe to change the steering rack?

Thank you.

[Oi69]

Hi Think you posted this in the wrong section your van is a 2011 this section is for the new model

As for your problem my mate has a little garage and has this problem on a few cars he normally cuts the bolt off/out then some welding to be done possibly a nut in there or a new plate to make it all good and structurally safe again

[w.overlord]

Thank you for the reply. I did post in the wrong forum and will post again in the right one.