Iky Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 Hi, I'm looking to attempt to change the engine mounts & brackets myself. I've read that the engine needs lifting up and also loosening of the gearbox mount. (mines an auto) 1) can this be done without a engine crane, but by using a trolley jack with good wood blocks strategically placed whilst the car is raised on breeze blocks under front wheels ? 2) Is lowering the front subframe necessary and do any suspension arms etc attached to it need to be removed ? 3) When the gearbox mount is loosened and engine lifted, do i need to loosen/remove anything to do with the gear shifter inside the car e.g plastic trim ? many thanks in advance. I may have more questions later Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jurgen-Jm-Imports Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 you can try option 1) but i would highly recommend an engine crane mate. we can do these in around 2-3 hours Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iky Posted January 5, 2011 Author Share Posted January 5, 2011 you can try option 1) but i would highly recommend an engine crane mate. we can do these in around 2-3 hours Hi Jurgen, Does that 2-3 hrs include changing the brackets? as ive heard these are a bugger. Out of curiosity, what kind of price does 2-3 hours labour cost in a garage these days? (assuming all nuts/bolts are clean, non rusted) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jurgen-Jm-Imports Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 Hi Jurgen, Does that 2-3 hrs include changing the brackets? as ive heard these are a bugger. Out of curiosity, what kind of price does 2-3 hours labour cost in a garage these days? (assuming all nuts/bolts are clean, non rusted) no mate , we have never changed the brackets on any of them, (i cant understand the need unless your retro fitting early ones) but these facelift mounts will last 10 years plus or 60 70,000 miles. £35 an hour labour mate. we use two people on job as its a pain in ass to lower crane and make sure the mounts are seated correctly with two of us (makes life easier).. for the gearbox mounts (we use a G/box cradle) - this one is straight forward enough. with the right tools (its an easy job) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iky Posted January 5, 2011 Author Share Posted January 5, 2011 no mate , we have never changed the brackets on any of them, (i cant understand the need unless your retro fitting early ones) but these facelift mounts will last 10 years plus or 60 70,000 miles. £35 an hour labour mate. we use two people on job as its a pain in ass to lower crane and make sure the mounts are seated correctly with two of us (makes life easier).. for the gearbox mounts (we use a G/box cradle) - this one is straight forward enough. with the right tools (its an easy job) Cheers Jurgen, I have TRD mounts to fit. Mine seemed to last 50k and vibration are quite bad. Have you done an auto before? Do you recall if the surround on the shifter needed removing, i assume that when the gearbox is tilted slightly, the shifter will move also? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooter Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 The passenger side mount and bracket can be removed/changed with little engine lifting, just support.........but its fiddly to get to the x4 bracket bolts (oil filter housing is in the way of 1 bolt)...........the drivers side looks a mare to fit a prefacelift bracket to due to being tucked up under all the turbo stuff.........some specialist (bespoke ie bent to give access!) spanners, flexi air tool? etc may do it (the bracket bolts are nearly finger once 'cracked')........it's only 6 bolts a mount/bracket but access is the stumbling block especially for the home based diy'er. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jurgen-Jm-Imports Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 Cheers Jurgen, I have TRD mounts to fit. Mine seemed to last 50k and vibration are quite bad. Have you done an auto before? Do you recall if the surround on the shifter needed removing, i assume that when the gearbox is tilted slightly, the shifter will move also? no need to move shifter mate.. we have done mostly autos mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLicense Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 You can support the engine from above with something like this:- http://www.expresstools.co.uk/shop/automotive/jacking-lifting/exhaust-engine-stands-supports/sealey-es300-300kg-engine-support-446227.html It sits on accross the top of the engine bay and just lifts the engine a little. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iky Posted January 6, 2011 Author Share Posted January 6, 2011 The passenger side mount and bracket can be removed/changed with little engine lifting, just support.........but its fiddly to get to the x4 bracket bolts (oil filter housing is in the way of 1 bolt)...........the drivers side looks a mare to fit a prefacelift bracket to due to being tucked up under all the turbo stuff.........some specialist (bespoke ie bent to give access!) spanners, flexi air tool? etc may do it (the bracket bolts are nearly finger once 'cracked')........it's only 6 bolts a mount/bracket but access is the stumbling block especially for the home based diy'er. Very helpfull, cheers Scooter. no need to move shifter mate.. we have done mostly autos mate. Nice one Jurgen, thats what i wanted to hear. You can support the engine from above with something like this:- http://www.expresstools.co.uk/shop/automotive/jacking-lifting/exhaust-engine-stands-supports/sealey-es300-300kg-engine-support-446227.html It sits on accross the top of the engine bay and just lifts the engine a little. Good idea that bud, and not too costly either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iky Posted February 9, 2011 Author Share Posted February 9, 2011 Just thought i'd update this. After taking a long look under the car whilst on stands..... I chickened out and handed it in to a jap enthusiast mechanic. http://www.slidemotorsport.co.uk/ He seems like a good chap and is well known on the 200SX owners club. I just got an update that he's just done the turbo side and the other side is left. Can't wait to drive it again minus the vibrations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iky Posted February 12, 2011 Author Share Posted February 12, 2011 Ive just got the car back, what a fooking night and day difference. I could tell from the moment i started her up. Matt at slide motorsport is fantastic. He had quite a few cool cars in that he was working on. I highly reccomend him. I can now get on with the stereo install Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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