Engine Mount Help!

[JINKATIN]

I am replacing the engine mount on the driver side, I removed it without any problem, my problem is I can not align the crossbar to install the center bolt. Can anyone please advise me on how to fix this problem I am having?


Thank you,

Jinkatin

[RWebb]

loosen all 4 of them - then jiggle it around on the jack a little so the bolt goes in EASILY

the bar bends easily also

you do NOT want to strip the threads in the body for the trans. mount!

also once you run the car a few hundred miles, loosen all 4 again and let it 'settle' - re torque

[JINKATIN]

Thanks RWebb, I'm heading outside to try this, I had to take a break. I really appreciate the help.

Jinkatin

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by JINKATIN

I am replacing the engine mount on the driver side, I removed it without any problem, my problem is I can not align the crossbar to install the center bolt. Can anyone please advise me on how to fix this problem I am having?


Thank you,

Jinkatin

Junkatin,

I had this same problem several weeks ago and was very frustrated after spending an hour lining up the engine mounts. The last one was very difficult to start and I almost gave up.

With the engine properly supported from the bottom, loosen the four (4) bolts securing the crossbar on the engine bracket. Do not remove them just loose enough to make the two (2) engine mounts line up. And soon after loosening the 4 bolts, you'll be able to thread the 2 rear engine mounts bolts. Then gradually tighten the bolts and torque them accordingly. HTH.

Tony

[mthomas58]

In addition to loosening the 4 cross bar bolts it may also be helpful to loosen the 2 small engine mount bolts that attach to the body. This will help you with the alignment.

[JINKATIN]

Thanks guys, I really do appreciate all the help. I gave up for the day, I will try again tomorrow morning.


Jinkatin

[Tigerrat]

For what it's worth I had to put some muscle in to it and bend the crossbar a bit to get mine in. If you took it completely out be sure you have it facing the correct way. I have seen them in backwards. Ken

[JFairman]

You should replace both rear motor mounts together at the same time just like shock absorbers so the compliance is equal now and down the road.
The big washer on top hides the condition of the rubber bushing underneath.

Hopefully your car has never been walloped in a rear corner changing the location of the motor mount mounting points.
Only way to tell is measure the pickup points diagonally and look for waves and wrinkles on the longitudinals, crossmembers, and sheetmetal under the carpet behind the rear seats.

[JINKATIN]

Thank you to everyone who has responded, I will try again tomorrow with your guy's advice and hopefully have better luck. I will keep you guys posted.

Thanks,

Jinkatin

[JINKATIN]

I found the reason why I could not line up the center bolt

[JINKATIN]

I would like to thank everyone again for all the help.

Thank you,

[JINKATIN]

Here is the pictures of the new engine mounts finally installed

[jimbauman]

OK, how did THAT happen???

[JFairman]

This is why it's good to put anti seize on the bolt.

The bar can bend easily and turning the bolt will do that if the threads are stuck.

[efhughes3]

Originally Posted by jimbauman

OK, how did THAT happen???

That was my thought exactly....I'd get a new cross bar before I drove the car again. If it was bent like that, it was severely weakened. I suppose you could straighten and weld in a stiffener, but I'd not be comfortable with that at all.

[JINKATIN]

It happened as I loosened the center bolt, apparently the PO did not use any anti-seize on them. I did replace the crossbar with a new one from our host. Welding was not an option.

[Tigerrat]

Don't sweat it. Same thing happened to me and if you search you'll find more. Good news, with the experience and some anti-seize, it won''t happen again.

[JINKATIN]

I hear you brother, anti-seize is my new friend.

Thanks,

[MH911]

Well, here I am in the very same boat. I was attempting to replacing the engine mounts and could not get the right side to thread. I then went ahead and loosened the left side thinking it might help with the alignment. Then I noticed that the cross-bar is cracked almost all the way through.

I guess it's time to order a new cross-bar.

So, our host has a few choices for me. I don't need a full race ready top of the line bar, but then I don't want to pick the worst of the bunch. My hardware threads strait into the bar with no nut on the bottom.

What one would you all suggest I order here? Do I need to also order the nuts that go on the bottom ( on older cars )?

Thanks for the help.

[MH911]

I should also add that the engine isn't supported now, except for my crummy jack.