[:0]OK, finally got the nerve up to tackle replacing the subframe mounts. It was a bit difficult, but was needed.
Plan on an entire day. You will need the help of another person. You will need all of the standard tools plus a couple of very large crowbars. I ended up using a 30+ inch bar on the right side.
Attached are a few pics. The pic below shows the old subframe mounts removed. Sorry, didn’t take a side by side with old and new mounts on the bench. If you have ever seen new mounts, you can see right away that mine had collapsed.
Below are 2 pics comparing the old and new mounts installed. If you look closely, you can see a difference in height between the old and new. The new mount has some very thin loose rubber... looks like its peeling, but really no problem. Looks like the entire mount was dipped in a thin rubber coat for storage. This simply peels off.
I replaced one mount at a time. Since I am in the process of also replacing the rubber on the top of my front springs, my front springs are removed. Here is a summary: have both front wheels off; car sitting on two (2) floor stands at point of front jack points; one hydraulic jack under side of suspension that I am not working on; another hydraulic jack under the center of the subframe itself; disconnected the battery; removed the horns; removed the shocks; removed the CSV for easier access to the plate and bolts on right side; disconnected the brake lines at the calipers; loosened the leaf spring on the side I am working on; loosened engine mount main bolt of side I am working on; jacked up center of subframe, ensuring that tension is off; removed 4 bolts and cover plate; I did notice the mount shifting when I removed the last of the 4 bolts; removed large main bolt holding the subframe mount. Now I carefully lowered the hydraulic jack that was under the center subframe. Lowered a bit, stopped and checked that I wasn’t binding on anything. Looked for tight wires, pinched hoses, checked that fan wasn’t getting caught in the fan shroud…
Now the fun part. Even with the subframe lowered as far as it would go, there still wasn’t enough room to simply remove the old mount. I had to use a crowbar between the body and the subframe. With a lot of prying and a few prayers in between a few other words… I was able to squeeze out the mount from the left, drivers side. The right pass side required the help of my son and a 30+ inch crowbar. He ended up putting all his weight and muscle into pushing down on the subrame on that side in order to get the old mount out and the new mount in. This side was more difficult due to the exhaust manifold and air-conditioning stuff. I know that I was pinching the air conditioning hose and hope all is ok when I start and run it…
Once the new mount was squeezed into the mounting area, to reinstall each mount, I partially screwed in the main center bolt, again not all the way. You need some play in the mount in order to be able to line up the 4 smaller bolts. I then used a few screw drivers, punch, etc, to line up the 4 smaller holes. I did raise the subframe at this point to get the mount to seat in a bit. Then I screwed in the 4 bolts some more. Then raised the frame all the way, as far as it would go. Then finished by tightening the main center bolt, then the 4 smaller bolts.
A tough job, but I am sure that I will notice a difference in ride. Wont know until next week. Still waiting on the rubber for my front springs, so wont have the car on the road for another week.
Another note… While raising the control arms without a spring, I noticed 2 small rubber bumpers located under each of the upper front control arms. Mine are basically in pieces and not sure how what’s there is still hanging on. I have ordered new ones from Millers. Not sure what these do except maybe buffer the upper control arm when hitting some big pot holes?
If you are going to replace you subframe mounts and need some advice, just let me know…
Bob
Download Attachment: Old Subframe Mounts 1.jpg33.59 KB
Download Attachment: Old1.jpg83.95 KB
Download Attachment: New1.jpg77.73 KB
bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320