Are you a car enthusiast looking for an easy DIY project? Are you a driver who wants to save money on repairs? If so, this blog post is for you! We’ll show you how to replace the transmission mount bracket nuts in your vehicle. With just a few tools and some basic knowledge, you can do it yourself and save money!
Step 1: Schedule Engine or Transmission Mount Replacement
The first step in replacing the transmission mount bracket nuts is to schedule a service appointment with your local repair shop. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the local Chevrolet dealer’s shop may be able to provide the necessary services. In some cases, you may need to sublet the repair job through a local repair shop if the local Chevrolet dealer’s shop cannot do the job. Make sure that the technician replacing your engine or transmission mount has all of the necessary parts and components, such as bolts and clamps, ready and available.
Step 2: Find the Appropriate Size Socket and/or Wrench
Finding the right socket and/or wrench size is essential when replacing transmission mount bracket nuts. To begin, use a wrench or ratchet with the appropriate socket to remove the two to four nuts or bolts that secure the transmission mount to the frame. If the nut is smaller due to corrosion, use a next smaller metric or SAE size for a better fit. Once you have loosened the nuts, proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: Remove the Frame Mounts from the Factory
The next step is to remove the frame mounts from the factory. This can be done with a K-member. As you remove the factory mount, take note of how much play there is when you pull the dogbones up. Once all of the frame mounts are removed, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Loosen the Mount-to-Frame Bolts
Before proceeding to Step 4, it is important to make sure that the vehicle is properly supported with jack stands. Once the jack stands are in place, you can then safely crawl under the vehicle and loosen the mount-to-frame bolts. It is important to use the correct size socket or wrench for this step. A second floor jack could be used under the middle of the factory skid plate to support it while the factory bolts are removed. After the bolts are removed, the transmission mount can be lifted away from the transmission.
Step 5: Jack-up the Engine a Little at a Time
Once the nuts and bolts are loosened, it’s time to jack-up the engine a little bit. This can be done using a low profile jack, which should be placed underneath the front of the vehicle. Look for a circular lift point underneath the car – this is where you will place the jack. To ensure safety, it’s best to place jack stands on either side of the car and lower the car onto them. Once your vehicle is secure, you can start to raise the engine a little at a time with the jack, until the motor mounts are free. This should give you enough room to access and remove the bolts from the transmission mount.
Step 6: Remove the Two 10mm Nuts for the Battery Tie Down Bracket
Once the bolts from the frame mounts have been loosened and removed, it is time to move onto the battery tie down bracket. This is a small bracket mounted to the firewall that holds down the battery. To remove it, you will need a 10mm socket and ratchet. Simply remove the nuts, and then gently lift the battery off of the bracket. If you encounter any difficulty with this step, it is important to contact an automotive professional for assistance.
Step 7: Using a 13mm Deep Socket, Remove the Bult Underneath the Cross Brace and Old Transmission Mounts
In Step 7, you will need to use a 13mm deep socket to remove the bolt underneath the cross brace and the old transmission mounts. This bolt is crucial for the removal of the transmission mount bracket, as it holds everything in place. Be sure to take note of how much play there is when you pull the dogbones up, as this will help you determine how much pressure to apply when tightening the bolts when reinstalling.
Step 8: Take Note of How Much Play There Is When You Pull the Dogbones Up
When you pull the dogbones up, it is important to take note of how much play there is in the mount. If you notice that there is too much play, you may need to replace the mount as well. It’s also important to check for signs of wear or damage on the mounts and brackets for any signs of corrosion or rust. If either of these are present, replace them as soon as possible to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive. Taking the extra time to check for any signs of wear or damage will help ensure the longevity of your vehicle’s engine and transmission mount system.
Step 9: Torque the 5-1/2” Bolts Connecting the Mount Pads and Frame Brackets to 70 ft. lbs.
Now it’s time to torque the 5-1/2” bolts connecting the mount pads and frame brackets to 70 ft. lbs. Using an appropriate torque wrench, slowly increase the pressure until you reach the specified level. Take your time and make sure to double-check that the nuts are properly tightened before moving on to the next step. Additionally, don’t forget to inspect any other bolts and nuts that may need replacing in order to ensure a secure connection.
Step 10: Using a 17mm Rachet, Remove the Bolts From the Upper Motor Mounts Where They Attach to Engine
Once the upper motor mounts are disconnected from the engine, you can then proceed to remove the two 13mm bolts which hold the mounts to the bracket. Make sure to take note of how much play there is when you pull the dogbones up, as it will be beneficial when reinstalling the new mounts. Once the bolts have been removed, you can then carefully lift the engine and place a floor jack underneath it. Raise the engine slowly, being sure to keep an eye on how much play there is in the dogbones as you do so.