Just wondering how to remove engine mount crossbar
 

http://i62.tinypic.com/2e17mzm.jpg

Sorry for the dumb question but what is the correct approach to removal
(in case it breaks during engine mount replacement, I like to know what can of worms I'm potentially opening)

Do you remove the AC belt to get clearance for the bolt heads?
I see that you can get a ratchet and socket onto the bolt heads facing the fan.

But, there is very little clearance for the nuts that are facing outside.
The lower ones definitely do not have clearance for a socket.

Do you put a socket on the bolt head and try to wedge a wrench for the nut counter-force?
Do you use the lip of the bracket as a way to jam the wrench against something?

You should start collecting tools now if you want to work on these cars.
Your basic socket set ain't gonna cut it. I have 4 different wrench sets depending on the need (long for leverage, stubby for space, offset for things like this, 5 degree ratcheting for those cases where you can't get anything else in there). Probably 6 or 7 different full metric socket sets, 2 different hex socket sets, yadda yadda yadda.

If you had offset wrenches, you'd have those bolts out already.

The best solution right now is to not break your crossbar when you're working in there. ;)
Go slowly, jam something in to support the crossbar while you crank on the bolt, use an impact instead of a ratchet, etc. You can tell if you're flexing the crossbar, so don't let that happen.

You want to remove it while the engine is still in the car?

Eh, don't sweat it. Offset wrench is a good suggestion.

But first I would raise the engine a bit and spray some lubricant down the nut, We like Kroil but pretty much any lubricant will do to help loosen any hard deposits, lower and let sit over night.

Break her loose by hand or breaker bar, do not use an impact wrench.

Now for the bar replacement.

Removing the belts will give you more space to work.

Remove the rear bumper and assuming you have taken the engine mount bolts off, lower the engine a bit no more than 3-4 inches, if you need to go more disconnect the shift coupler until you have access to the nuts. Place a box wrench or offset wrench inside the cover and use your socket set.

Don't forget to torque them properly.

If you are swapping out out your engine mounts. I would recommend using a floor jack to rest upon the engine as support and take out one mount at a time.

I am not sure the torque specs...Just google it...

Yes, I was curious how to remove the crossbar with the engine still in the car.
In another thread, it was stated that it is simple to remove the crossbar without removing the engine.
I do have flex head ratcheting wrenches, stubby wrenches, jumbo wrenches, and flare nut wrenches.
I will add HF offset to the collection for $15

Engine bracket removal........
 

Sugarwood,

You can remove and replace the engine bracket in situ without removing the AC drive belt. But you have to support the engine underneath it to keep it from dropping. A floor jack under the engine is needed for support. First, you have to loosen the two (2) engine mount bolts and the four (4) bolts on the engine console bracket.

If you could not figure out how to loosen these bolts, you are better off not attempting to do this task. You could do damage or sustain physical injury doing this project. Or find someone to assist you.

Tony

be sure to block the wheels and put it in gear before you start messing with this stuff.. especilly if you support it on a roller jack... jeez lots to go wrong here if no experience and incorrect tools...

crossbar to engine: 29 lb-ft
engine mount big bolt: 58 lb-ft
engine mount little bolts: 18 lb-ft