Motor mount sag

[GranburyChuck]

I suspected there was an issue with my motor mounts last Christmas. I have been using the engine as a rear jacking point and last year noticed a coffee like fluid coming out of one of the mounts. I also noticed that I could easily see my catalytic converters when standing behind the car. When I pulled out the old motor mounts they had extended about 2 inches longer than the replacements. Put them in yesterday and now can't see the converters. With 8 years and over 100k miles on the car I guess time has taken its toll. So if you can easily see your catalytic converter then perhaps you should consider changing your motor mounts!

[wvicary]

I have read other post where owners have lifted the vehicle using the engine and damaged the mounts causing them to leak.... maybe it's not the best way to lift.

[Orient Express]

The issue is not if the car is lifted using the engine, it is just that thee fluid-filled motor mounts fail over time regardless if the car is lifted using the engine.

I would argue that it is good to lift the car using the engine, because it makes you look at the condition of the motor mounts. The nice thing is that the 996 motor mounts are a simple DIY replacement.

In your case with 100K miles , it was time for them to be replaced.

[londoner06]

Where are the motor mounts? :(

Alex

[wvicary]

I have read reports on the net where DIY's have lifted using the engine and after noticed the mounts leaking.... not saying that the lift was the cause of the damage or age or a combination of both but as there are better ways to lift the vehicle so why not use them.

[RFM]

True wvicary!

[londoner06]

there are better ways to lift the vehicle so why not use them.

The quote does not cite what the 'better ways' are. I would love to have a garage lift but my one-car garage is quite small and not very tall so it's impractical. I have been using Orient Express's directions and have not had any problems. I ONLY use the engine to lift the car so I can get the rear jackstands on.

Alex

[GranburyChuck]

I have resorted to using the rear suspension mount points on each side as a lift for the rear of the vehicle.

[Foster]

How much do your new mounts sag? Where are you measureing?

I'm trying to decide if mine need replaced.

My transmission mount is split so I figure the engine mounts may be shot as well.

[GranburyChuck]

Trying the image again.

Doesn't seem to allow me to upload a file, sorry

[Loren]

Trying the image again.

Doesn't seem to allow me to upload a file, sorry

What is file type?

[1999Porsche911]

Would you lift the front of your Chevy Chevelle by hoisting the car up by the engine? I didn't think so. Porsche specifically states in the owner's manual to never lift the car by the engine. Lifting by the engine can cause the mounts to leak and extend.

Nothing more than common sense here. There are numerous ways to safely lift the back of the car.