If you’re looking for a way to save money on car repairs, then replacing transmission mount washers in your vehicle is a great place to start. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to replace the washers with ease. So get out your tools and let’s get started!
1. Slide Under Vehicle with Jack and Block of Wood
Before you start any work on your vehicle, it is important to make sure you have the right tools and safety equipment. To replace the transmission mount washers, you will need a floor jack, a block of wood, and jack stands. Place the floor jack underneath the center of the transmission and position the block of wood on top of it. This will provide extra support for the transmission while you are working. Make sure that you are wearing safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from any debris or sharp edges. Once you have everything in place, slide under your vehicle with the jack and block of wood in tow.
2. Support Transmission with Jack and Block of Wood
Next, you need to support the transmission with a jack and a block of wood. Make sure to use a small piece of wood between the jack and the transmission. Once you have the transmission in place, you can then remove the two bolts that attach the spring support bottom bracket to the transmission. After the bolts are out, lower the rear driveshaft to the ground and pull the front driveshaft out of the transmission. This will allow you to get access to the engine mount washers and replace them if necessary.
3. Remove Exhaust Out of the Way to Clear Transmission Crossmember
To access the transmission crossmember, you need to move the exhaust out of the way. Start by removing the hanger from the transmission crossmember and discarding the old hanger. Then, remove the factory exhaust system from the transmission and muffler hangers. Make sure to evenly support the weight of the transmission with a jack and block of wood before unbolting and removing the tailshaft housing. Once finished, your car should look like this with the hood open and all components removed.
4. Remove Two Bolts that Bolt the Mount to the Trans
After the exhaust is out of the way, it’s time to remove the two bolts that bolt the mount to the transmission. They can be reached with a 13mm socket and ratchet. It is important to remember to loosen them in a star pattern to avoid any issues with the mounts. Once they are loose, you can slide out the mount and replace it with your new mount, starting with the trans bolts first, followed by the cross bolt. If you have an alloy mount, you should position two washers on either side of the mount before securing it in place. With that done, you can move on to jacking up the front of your vehicle.
5. Jack Up the Front of the Vehicle and Position Jack Stands
Once you have located the two bolts that need to be removed, it is time to jack up the front of the vehicle and position jack stands underneath both sides. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for proper jack placement and ensure that you use the factory specified lift points. Place a wheel chock or wooden block behind one of the rear wheels and use a floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle. Once lifted, secure it in place with two jack stands, one at either end and make sure that they are of the same height. Following these steps will ensure that you can safely and securely work on your vehicle.
6. Remove Shifter from Transmission
Before removing the shifter, you’ll need to disconnect the shifter linkage and remove the shifter and its related hardware. To do this, you’ll need to remove 5 bolts from the transmission mount. Once all of the bolts have been removed, you can then carefully remove the shifter and its related parts. If you’re replacing the entire transmission mount, then it is recommended to replace all of the shifter bushings and related parts as well. Once all of the parts have been removed, you can then install the new transmission mount complete with washers and bolts. Finally, reinstall the shifter and check for proper operation.
7. Remove Driveshaft, Transmission Cross Member, Engine/Transmission, and Engine Mounts from Vehicle
Once you have the exhaust out of the way and the two bolts that bolt the mount to the trans removed, it is time to remove the driveshaft, transmission crossmember, engine/transmission, and engine mounts. To remove the transmission crossmember, you will need to remove the 7/16” flat washers, lock washers, and 3/8”-16 x 1” bolts that hold it in place. Once these are removed, you can lift out the transmission crossmember and then remove the engine/transmission and engine mounts. Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, you may also need to remove the shifter from the transmission as well as the battery tray.
8. Remove Two 10mm Bolts Securing the Battery Tray and Remove Tray from Vehicle
Once you have the battery tray removed, you can now move onto replacing the transmission mount washers. Before replacing the washers, make sure to inspect them for any signs of damage or wear. If they appear to be damaged, you will need to replace them with new ones. Use a 3/8” drive torque wrench and secure the new washers in place. Make sure to double-check that they are secure before moving on to the next step.
9. Replace Engine or Transmission Mounts
Once the old engine and transmission mounts have been removed, it’s time to replace them with new ones. Before installing the new mounts, check to make sure that all of the bolts and washers are in good condition. Once the bolts and washers have been checked, it’s time to install the new engine and transmission mounts. Start by reinstalling the two 10mm bolts that secure the battery tray. Then reinstall the transmission crossmember, driveshaft, engine/transmission mount, shifter, engine mount, and finally the two bolts that secure the mount to the transmission. When finished, you should have a much smoother ride due to the improved stability of your new engine and transmission mounts!
10. Enjoy the New Mounts
After successfully installing your new engine and transmission mounts, you can now enjoy the improved driving experience. The new mounts will provide a direct, connected driving experience with less vibration and noise. You may also notice improved handling, improved gear shifts, and improved fuel economy. With the installation of your new transmission mount washers, you can now get back out on the road and enjoy a smoother ride.