Replacing front engine mount; which part?

[UNYboater]

987-375-023-05-M100 Full Mount
987-375-023-05-M69 Also called "Engine Mount" and linked from the full one.

I'm feeling a single 'clunk' sometimes on acceleration that I am thinking is probably the front engine mount. It feels similar to what an old driveshaft would feel like when a U-joint was going; you'd get one clunk going into forward & another when shifting into reverse...it feels a lot like that except it's at a 'random' point in acceleration & only in forward on the Boxster.

So, I started looking at posts for these mounts & I'm pretty well sure this is the correct direction. I saw several posts about Pedro's version but looking at his site, it seems he no longer sells them. I've spent $2k-$3k at Pelican this year so I figured I should support some of the other boards that I frequent, too! No luck there.
When I looked up the mount on Pelican (987-375-023-05-M100), I saw a link for 'Other Brands' & it took me to the info for what looks like just the central part of the full mount (987-375-023-05-M69). Has anyone tried to replaced just that? I don't think the metal portions are damaged but is this a tough part to press into the old 'frame'?
If the outer metal is fine, is there a good reason to replace it?
Tks.

[harryrcb]

you are most likely correct about your clunk being the engine mount. As for just replacing the center portion, it's easy enough if you have the right tools. the metal part is slightly beefier than the original but it will be ok to reuse the old one. You will need a press or access to one and you need a metal sleeve exactly the right size to press out the old without damaging the aluminum. Pressing the new one in is easier. I have read on some of the forums that people cut out the rubber then cut a slit down the metal tube (without cutting into the aluminum) but I would not recommend this unless you are real handy with tools.

[dghii]

I bought the center section last year and planned to press out the old, worn center and press in the new one.

I have access to a 55 ton press but could not find a good way to set and support the mount in the press. There just isn't much material there and I couldn't get things lined up right.

Since I needed my car, I ended up putting the old mount back in and ordering/replacing the entire mount the next week...much easier.

[UNYboater]

Originally Posted by dghii

There just isn't much material there

I actually came to that same conclusion, looking at the pictures here:
Pelican Parts Photos - 101 Projects for your Porsche Boxster: Project 10 - Motor Mounts

While I have the book, these extra pictures really help!
I ordered the full mount a few minutes ago.
Thanks!

[UNYboater]

Follow-up:
I got the new mount yesterday & put it in today. What a difference! The 'Clunk' is gone & it shifts much nicer! Very happy.
When I got the old one out, I was actually disappointed that it didn't look worse; at first glance, it looked so good I wondered if perhaps it had been replaced already by previous owner. However, the bracket looked original (four holes toward the engine, where the new ones are backwards compatible with the 3-holed early one so they have an extra hole). I figured as long as I had it out, I might as well put the new one in, but I was beginning to wonder if I had a different issue.
After disassembly & closer inspection under better light, I could see that the rubber was starting to crack & was probably weakening more every day so that made me feel somewhat better. I'll try to attach a picture. But the best part is, when I feel the difference driving it now I am very glad I decided to replace it!

[UNYboater]

By the way, I left the heater hoses as people had mentioned was fine. I also left the two top engine bolts in place (after loosening them); that made it easier getting it back into place. But the best thing I did was remove the studs that didn't come out with the nuts! I used a 7mm socket to remove the two that stayed up in the body; that made it easier to maneuver the bracket back into place, even with the hoses still there.


Here's a pic of the cracking bushing:

[dghii]

Very good. It does make a big difference.

I just picked up another 98 Boxster yesterday that needs a few things, including the motor mount. I'll get around to it after tackling the cosmetics.

[UNYboater]

6 month follow-up:
Replacing the front mount made a big difference but after not driving it for a few months (stupid winter!), I notice there is still a slight 'clunk' when accelerating after coasting. Hard acceleration doesn't make it worse, in fact I can barely notice it. I notice it most when going back to a minor acceration after coasting; there's just the slightest...I can't even call it a 'clunk' really but that's the closest word I can come up with. Again, in a front-engine, rearwheel-drive vehicle this feeling would have me looking at the u-joints on the driveshaft.
Ideas?

[dad911]

Originally Posted by harryrcb

.......... I have read on some of the forums that people cut out the rubber then cut a slit down the metal tube (without cutting into the aluminum) but I would not recommend this unless you are real handy with tools.

This is very easy to cut out rubber with one of these: Multifunction Oscillating Power Tool - 1.6 Amp, 120 Volt

and this blade: 1-3/8" HCS Multi-Tool Plunge Blade