03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

1.8-liter VVTL-i (2ZZ-GE) and VVT-i (1ZZ-FE) engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, and performance tuning discussions
Post Reply
ecchristian
Posts: 13
Joined: Thu Feb 28, 2019 2:36 pm

03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by ecchristian »

Hey y’all, I own a pretty beat up 03 vibe that I’m just trying to keep alive for as long as I can. My current issue is that there is a creaking sound when I turn right exclusively. My own research online made me believe this is a cv axel issue however I took it to a mechanic near me and they said the cv joint was fine and that the creaking was because my engine mounts are going bad. Main question is does this sound like an accurate diagnosis by anyone who has had this issue and also did you change your own engine mounts? I’ve been trying to get into my own auto repair instead of going to mechanics and wasn’t sure how difficult of a repair this is for a normal at home garage.

Thanks!
Bookworm
Posts: 764
Joined: Fri Nov 05, 2010 11:21 am
Location: Houston, TX

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by Bookworm »

Motor mounts, at a minimum, require a good jack with a soft lift point. (wooden block or similar)

Search around, the link for the 03 manual is around on the site, and they're more tedious to replace than difficult.
ecchristian
Posts: 13
Joined: Thu Feb 28, 2019 2:36 pm

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by ecchristian »

Thanks a lot I have a floor jack and some wood blocks so I think I’ll be good, I didn’t know the manual was on this forum thanks for that info!
Bookworm
Posts: 764
Joined: Fri Nov 05, 2010 11:21 am
Location: Houston, TX

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by Bookworm »

You're welcome. Just be glad they're not as much of a PITA to replace as an '81 Ford Escort. That front motor mount was a stone... mother of a puppy.
zbyers
Posts: 1767
Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:12 pm
Location: Sheffield, Pennsylvania

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by zbyers »

The front and side mounts are pretty easy to replace...The rear mount is another story.
'74 Thing, '79 El Camino, '83 VW DoKa '91 Vanagon, '03 Base, 04 GT
'06 CRV, '06 AWD, '07 Base, '12 Highlander Limited, '17 Frontier CCLB

Byerscrew Garage, GenVibe Facebook, How-To Index
Everything You Need To Know About the Pontiac Vibe
ecchristian
Posts: 13
Joined: Thu Feb 28, 2019 2:36 pm

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by ecchristian »

Would just replacing those two be okay or is it kinda like you have to replace all 3 at a time to ensure proper function?
SeattleJeremy
Posts: 1170
Joined: Mon Jun 05, 2006 4:02 pm
Location: Tacoma, WA

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by SeattleJeremy »

If you are going to replace the front one, then the rear one needs to be replaced at the same time. When accelerating and decelerating in a straight line you are loading the rear and front mounts. The engine wants to move around, if you only replace the front, it will move around on the rear mount more.
The trick to change motor mounts on this car is to change the rear one first. Having a squishy front one makes it easier to move the engine around to install the rear one.
*Sold* 06' Vibe Base - Mono Platinum - Manual
Turo'ing 15' BMW 328i Sport - Jet Black - Auto
Daily 19' Toyota Camry SE Hybrid - Galactic Aqua Mica - eCVT
ecchristian
Posts: 13
Joined: Thu Feb 28, 2019 2:36 pm

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by ecchristian »

Thanks! And this work can be done at home with just standard tools and a floor jack and some wood blocks?
SeattleJeremy
Posts: 1170
Joined: Mon Jun 05, 2006 4:02 pm
Location: Tacoma, WA

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by SeattleJeremy »

I hope someone else can chime in on how it went for them. For a while (like a summer) I had a set of poly bushing inserts in my motor mounts, but my mechanic installed/uninstalled them.

Here's one video I found that was helpful for the rear one. I'd recommended a peace of wood between the transmission and the jack.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jj1_iIwHbw
*Sold* 06' Vibe Base - Mono Platinum - Manual
Turo'ing 15' BMW 328i Sport - Jet Black - Auto
Daily 19' Toyota Camry SE Hybrid - Galactic Aqua Mica - eCVT
zbyers
Posts: 1767
Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:12 pm
Location: Sheffield, Pennsylvania

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by zbyers »

They can definitely be done at home, but that rear is an expletive. To do the rear, basically you'll need a lot of extensions to reach it through the drivers side wheel well to loosen the bolt. after the bolt is removed, then it's really a matter of fighting the mount out around everything. you will come out with bloody knuckles, maybe the mount, and lots of swear words you never knew of. also: have adult beverages on hand for when you are victorious. tbh, if the front/rear mount aren't bad i probably wouldn't worry too much because it is a PITA on the rear. lol.

the side mounts are easy, and the front mount is straight forward...pun intended :lol:

as others side, if you do them replace the pairs (sides together, front/back together).
'74 Thing, '79 El Camino, '83 VW DoKa '91 Vanagon, '03 Base, 04 GT
'06 CRV, '06 AWD, '07 Base, '12 Highlander Limited, '17 Frontier CCLB

Byerscrew Garage, GenVibe Facebook, How-To Index
Everything You Need To Know About the Pontiac Vibe
blue_can
Posts: 209
Joined: Fri Jul 13, 2007 4:21 am
Location: San Diego

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by blue_can »

I would not rely on a jack to hold up the engine while doing this if that is what is being suggested. I would suggest getting and using an engine support beam. There should be a hook on the engine designed for lifting the engine out which you can attach the beam to. You can use the jack as a secondary support from below if necessary. The beam should also allow you to raise and lower the engine as needed in order to do the job.

I've not changed mounts on a Vibe so I don't have any specific advice on doing this on a Vibe.
'07 Vibe
zbyers
Posts: 1767
Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:12 pm
Location: Sheffield, Pennsylvania

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by zbyers »

blue_can wrote: Fri Apr 05, 2019 12:48 pm I would not rely on a jack to hold up the engine while doing this if that is what is being suggested. I would suggest getting and using an engine support beam. There should be a hook on the engine designed for lifting the engine out which you can attach the beam to. You can use the jack as a secondary support from below if necessary. The beam should also allow you to raise and lower the engine as needed in order to do the job.

I've not changed mounts on a Vibe so I don't have any specific advice on doing this on a Vibe.
The engine is not being removed from the vehicle, nor are all mounts being removed at the same time. you could remove 3 of the 4 mounts (usually i leave the passenger side mount in) and let the engine rest on the subframe while you're doing what you need. this is exactly how i've replaced the clutch.
'74 Thing, '79 El Camino, '83 VW DoKa '91 Vanagon, '03 Base, 04 GT
'06 CRV, '06 AWD, '07 Base, '12 Highlander Limited, '17 Frontier CCLB

Byerscrew Garage, GenVibe Facebook, How-To Index
Everything You Need To Know About the Pontiac Vibe
blue_can
Posts: 209
Joined: Fri Jul 13, 2007 4:21 am
Location: San Diego

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by blue_can »

zbyers wrote: Mon Apr 08, 2019 10:34 am
The engine is not being removed from the vehicle, nor are all mounts being removed at the same time. you could remove 3 of the 4 mounts (usually i leave the passenger side mount in) and let the engine rest on the subframe while you're doing what you need. this is exactly how i've replaced the clutch.
The procedure in the FSM for motor mount replacement is to use a support bar - not a jack. Now I've not replaced the mounts on a Vibe so if the procedure can be carried out safely even if the jack suffered hydraulic failure then I guess you can use that method. I generally use support beams when the engine needs support such as when puling the transmission or the mounts.
'07 Vibe
zbyers
Posts: 1767
Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:12 pm
Location: Sheffield, Pennsylvania

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by zbyers »

Engine cradle does provide support. Wouldn't hurt to find a way to use a hoist and/or jack stands. But a few other members and myself have never done so doing it. The subframe provides a natural support and works great. As long as you leave one mount in, the whole engine is still lined up. It'll take a little bit of shifting, but everything will line up much easier than if you were to remove all 4 mounts at the same time.
'74 Thing, '79 El Camino, '83 VW DoKa '91 Vanagon, '03 Base, 04 GT
'06 CRV, '06 AWD, '07 Base, '12 Highlander Limited, '17 Frontier CCLB

Byerscrew Garage, GenVibe Facebook, How-To Index
Everything You Need To Know About the Pontiac Vibe
brandon4987
Posts: 24
Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2018 5:30 pm
Location: Pennsylvania

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by brandon4987 »

I just replaced front and rear on mine. Rear was indeed a pain. The replacement mount I bought anchor 9155 was too long on right side to drop into the bracket like the OEM one does. It does fit, the trick is to slide it behind and underneath the bracket that's bolted to transmission (easier said than done) you can just shave the right side with an angle grinder using the OEM as a guide. The front it a peice of cake which took about 15 minutes and didn't even have to jack the car up. Just used a wood block and jack to support it while bolts were out.
SeattleJeremy
Posts: 1170
Joined: Mon Jun 05, 2006 4:02 pm
Location: Tacoma, WA

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by SeattleJeremy »

On the part that you angle grinded, did you seal the metal edge with paint or primer? I can't imagine they'd make that part with stainless.
*Sold* 06' Vibe Base - Mono Platinum - Manual
Turo'ing 15' BMW 328i Sport - Jet Black - Auto
Daily 19' Toyota Camry SE Hybrid - Galactic Aqua Mica - eCVT
zbyers
Posts: 1767
Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:12 pm
Location: Sheffield, Pennsylvania

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by zbyers »

SeattleJeremy wrote: Wed Apr 24, 2019 8:32 am On the part that you angle grinded, did you seal the metal edge with paint or primer? I can't imagine they'd make that part with stainless.
I did something similar, and did paint over it after cutting. we actually ended up cutting the rubber dampener totally off (not recommended SOOOOO much vibration). But the mount fell right in after we did that. :lol:
'74 Thing, '79 El Camino, '83 VW DoKa '91 Vanagon, '03 Base, 04 GT
'06 CRV, '06 AWD, '07 Base, '12 Highlander Limited, '17 Frontier CCLB

Byerscrew Garage, GenVibe Facebook, How-To Index
Everything You Need To Know About the Pontiac Vibe
brandon4987
Posts: 24
Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2018 5:30 pm
Location: Pennsylvania

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by brandon4987 »

SeattleJeremy wrote: Wed Apr 24, 2019 8:32 am On the part that you angle grinded, did you seal the metal edge with paint or primer? I can't imagine they'd make that part with stainless.
The thought crossed my mind, but honestly I didn't bother. Would definitely be wise to hit it with some paint to prevent corrosion. The reason for replacing mine was terrible vibration when idling in reverse or drive. I bought the 3 motor mounts and 1 transmission mount. I was pretty bummed after replacing the front and back with no noticeable difference, however I changed both side mounts earlier today and the vibration is totally gone now.
Bookworm
Posts: 764
Joined: Fri Nov 05, 2010 11:21 am
Location: Houston, TX

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by Bookworm »

If I get motivated to do this, I'll head over to my folks. The replacement garage building has an I-beam extension coming out of the front. I'll just hook a block and tackle on it, and lock the other end with a marlin-spike to the building.
Relativist
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2018 7:45 pm

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by Relativist »

Is it ok to just do the side supports? I suspect that’s all mine needs.
zbyers
Posts: 1767
Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:12 pm
Location: Sheffield, Pennsylvania

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by zbyers »

Relativist wrote: Thu Sep 12, 2019 11:55 am Is it ok to just do the side supports? I suspect that’s all mine needs.
Yes, when replacing the mounts it is okay to do the pairs. Sides together, and front/rear together. Do not replace just one.
'74 Thing, '79 El Camino, '83 VW DoKa '91 Vanagon, '03 Base, 04 GT
'06 CRV, '06 AWD, '07 Base, '12 Highlander Limited, '17 Frontier CCLB

Byerscrew Garage, GenVibe Facebook, How-To Index
Everything You Need To Know About the Pontiac Vibe
svt4cam
Posts: 18
Joined: Fri Aug 23, 2019 8:53 am

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by svt4cam »

I could be way wrong, but the op's problem really sounds like cv's and not motor mounts.
2003 Vibe 5 speed
2021 Honda CRV
2006 Xterra 6 speed
1990 Mustang GT Convertible 5 speed
1976 Triumph Spitfire 6 speed (od)
2017 Leprechaun 260QB
Cookie
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Oct 29, 2019 7:20 pm

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by Cookie »

Hello,

I am a new member of the GenVibe community and thank you for letting me join. I am an owner of a "Salsa Red" 07 VIbe base model (ithink) and I am getting a vibration in the cabin and steering wheel while the car is idling. The :ugeek: Vibe-bration :ugeek: becomes stronger in reverse and while in drive when held at a stop. When I shift gears I can see some significant engine movement as well. I suspect I have some old motor/trans mounts that are going out. I inspected the front and I am not seeing any obvious cracks, but it does look weathered and dry. I can see a small crack in the rear mount's rubber and it looks pretty dry too. I have a belt tensioner that looks like its starting to go as well, but I don't think its the main culprit for the vibrations.
The car has lived in California since its birth at the NUMMI plant. Currently has 125,500 miles on the ticker. I am comfortable replacing the mounts, but I am curious if anyone has ever purchased the OEM Toyota parts? If so what ones and did you think it was worth it? I can get the Toyota OEM pair for $189 with shipping. The price is pretty steep compared to nearly all of the aftermarket options but am I wrong for not skimping out on the mounts. The plan is to replace the other pair later this year. Let me know what you folks think before I pull the trigger on this purchase.

Rear mount Toyota Part # 12371-0D110
Front mount Toyota Part# 12361-0D100

Fairly sure those are the right part numbers as there are couple alternatives depending on engine and type of transmission.
07' Pontiac Vibe Salsa Red
zbyers
Posts: 1767
Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:12 pm
Location: Sheffield, Pennsylvania

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by zbyers »

IMHO, as long as you don't get the absolute dirt cheap mounts, nor used mounts from a junkyard, anything will be an improvement.
'74 Thing, '79 El Camino, '83 VW DoKa '91 Vanagon, '03 Base, 04 GT
'06 CRV, '06 AWD, '07 Base, '12 Highlander Limited, '17 Frontier CCLB

Byerscrew Garage, GenVibe Facebook, How-To Index
Everything You Need To Know About the Pontiac Vibe
cptnsolo77
Posts: 1645
Joined: Sun Jul 29, 2007 4:05 am

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by cptnsolo77 »

Cookie wrote: Tue Nov 12, 2019 10:09 pm Hello,

I am a new member of the GenVibe community and thank you for letting me join. I am an owner of a "Salsa Red" 07 VIbe base model (ithink) and I am getting a vibration in the cabin and steering wheel while the car is idling. The :ugeek: Vibe-bration :ugeek: becomes stronger in reverse and while in drive when held at a stop. When I shift gears I can see some significant engine movement as well. I suspect I have some old motor/trans mounts that are going out. I inspected the front and I am not seeing any obvious cracks, but it does look weathered and dry. I can see a small crack in the rear mount's rubber and it looks pretty dry too. I have a belt tensioner that looks like its starting to go as well, but I don't think its the main culprit for the vibrations.
The car has lived in California since its birth at the NUMMI plant. Currently has 125,500 miles on the ticker. I am comfortable replacing the mounts, but I am curious if anyone has ever purchased the OEM Toyota parts? If so what ones and did you think it was worth it? I can get the Toyota OEM pair for $189 with shipping. The price is pretty steep compared to nearly all of the aftermarket options but am I wrong for not skimping out on the mounts. The plan is to replace the other pair later this year. Let me know what you folks think before I pull the trigger on this purchase.

Rear mount Toyota Part # 12371-0D110
Front mount Toyota Part# 12361-0D100

Fairly sure those are the right part numbers as there are couple alternatives depending on engine and type of transmission.
Where are you getting the mounts for that price ? Cheapest I found is 186 PLUS shipping. Im in the same boat as you....vibration in steering wheel and ALL my mounts have visible cracks.No check engine light and my gas mileage is great, also cleaned everything that can be cleaned. Only thing left is the mounts. OEM is signifigantly more than aftermarket, but I have read most aftermarket ones have fitment issues and giving owners headaches during install....that's why Im going with OEM...the quality is MUCH better too. I found some great DIY vids on all the mounts and I can post them if you need.
* 2003 Vibe Auto Satellite Silver w / Moons & Tunes
* Kenwood Excelon KDC-X597
* Polk DB651-Speakers
* Soundproofcow Roadblock R sound deadening in all doors
* Drop In K & N Filter
* NGK Iridium IX Plugs
* 27 MPG City/Highway with AC on
zbyers
Posts: 1767
Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:12 pm
Location: Sheffield, Pennsylvania

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by zbyers »

cptnsolo77 wrote: Wed Nov 13, 2019 4:45 pm Where are you getting the mounts for that price ? Cheapest I found is 186 PLUS shipping. Im in the same boat as you....vibration in steering wheel and ALL my mounts have visible cracks.No check engine light and my gas mileage is great, also cleaned everything that can be cleaned. Only thing left is the mounts. OEM is signifigantly more than aftermarket, but I have read most aftermarket ones have fitment issues and giving owners headaches during install....that's why Im going with OEM...the quality is MUCH better too. I found some great DIY vids on all the mounts and I can post them if you need.
These guys have some of the best prices for OEM Toyota parts.

https://parts.conicellitoyotaofconshohocken.com/
'74 Thing, '79 El Camino, '83 VW DoKa '91 Vanagon, '03 Base, 04 GT
'06 CRV, '06 AWD, '07 Base, '12 Highlander Limited, '17 Frontier CCLB

Byerscrew Garage, GenVibe Facebook, How-To Index
Everything You Need To Know About the Pontiac Vibe
cptnsolo77
Posts: 1645
Joined: Sun Jul 29, 2007 4:05 am

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by cptnsolo77 »

zbyers wrote: Thu Nov 14, 2019 4:11 am
cptnsolo77 wrote: Wed Nov 13, 2019 4:45 pm Where are you getting the mounts for that price ? Cheapest I found is 186 PLUS shipping. Im in the same boat as you....vibration in steering wheel and ALL my mounts have visible cracks.No check engine light and my gas mileage is great, also cleaned everything that can be cleaned. Only thing left is the mounts. OEM is signifigantly more than aftermarket, but I have read most aftermarket ones have fitment issues and giving owners headaches during install....that's why Im going with OEM...the quality is MUCH better too. I found some great DIY vids on all the mounts and I can post them if you need.
These guys have some of the best prices for OEM Toyota parts.

https://parts.conicellitoyotaofconshohocken.com/
Thx ! I created a separate post with vids on how to replace engine mounts in maintenance bay.
* 2003 Vibe Auto Satellite Silver w / Moons & Tunes
* Kenwood Excelon KDC-X597
* Polk DB651-Speakers
* Soundproofcow Roadblock R sound deadening in all doors
* Drop In K & N Filter
* NGK Iridium IX Plugs
* 27 MPG City/Highway with AC on
Cookie
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Oct 29, 2019 7:20 pm

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by Cookie »

zbyers wrote: Thu Nov 14, 2019 4:11 am
cptnsolo77 wrote: Wed Nov 13, 2019 4:45 pm Where are you getting the mounts for that price ? Cheapest I found is 186 PLUS shipping. Im in the same boat as you....vibration in steering wheel and ALL my mounts have visible cracks.No check engine light and my gas mileage is great, also cleaned everything that can be cleaned. Only thing left is the mounts. OEM is signifigantly more than aftermarket, but I have read most aftermarket ones have fitment issues and giving owners headaches during install....that's why Im going with OEM...the quality is MUCH better too. I found some great DIY vids on all the mounts and I can post them if you need.
These guys have some of the best prices for OEM Toyota parts.

https://parts.conicellitoyotaofconshohocken.com/

Check McGeorge Toyota's online parts. It's about $400 for all four mounts.
https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com/ ... gL1d_D_BwE

On a 06 Volvo XC90 we replaced a front lower mount with an aftermarket over a year ago and it has worked out fine thus far. Took out the shake and appears to be in good condition still. It's one of those hydraulic types so I hope it holds up. But even then that aftermarket part was still pretty pricey only being ~20% less than the OEM. I recently did the upper mount with an "aftermarket" that was actually the OEM but they grinded off the word "Volvo" off the mount. Not completely sure why and how that works but Hutchinson was able to sell a brand new OEM to me for significantly less than the branded OEM part. Not sure who actually manufactures the toyota mounts so I haven't figured out that option for the Vibe.

The cliche that "you get what you pay for" rings in my head everytime I look at those deals where all four mounts cost the same price of one OEM mount. I have talked to folks where they bought those packages and it worked out fine. My neighbor with a Chevy Astro van put them in and they are fine. But I hear too many other stories where the common complaints are that aftermarket mounts are a PITA to install, don't fit properly, don't perform well, and don't last. With the plan to replace them myself I figure the cost I save in labor can go towards the mounts.

I ordered the front and rear I'll let you guys know how it works out for me.

Here is a Pontiac Vibe Youtube playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... -_hvcCozZF
Last edited by Cookie on Sat Nov 16, 2019 1:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.
07' Pontiac Vibe Salsa Red
Bookworm
Posts: 764
Joined: Fri Nov 05, 2010 11:21 am
Location: Houston, TX

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by Bookworm »

I'll be honest. I'm not too fussed about how long they last, considering how old these cars are.

I don't see dropping $267 on an ACDelco, when _all_ of the aftermarkets are under $50.

What I'm confused about is things like this -
"Front Right; Automatic trans.; w/o HO; w/ MU5"

Okay - HO would be 'high output' - but what defines high output? I have no idea what MU5 might mean.

It looks like there are three different sets depending on manual/automatic transmission, and something to do with 'high output' and MU5.

Also, wouldn't toyota corolla mounts work for the Vibe? At least for the 03-08 years?
Cookie
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Oct 29, 2019 7:20 pm

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by Cookie »

Yeah probably something to do with the transmission types. I think the Corolla, Matrix, and Vibe all rock the same mounts.
07' Pontiac Vibe Salsa Red
Bookworm
Posts: 764
Joined: Fri Nov 05, 2010 11:21 am
Location: Houston, TX

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by Bookworm »

Just as a note. As a replacement for support beams that isn't hydraulic, you can use a screw jack.

I know people will immediately go 'no way!' but there are good reasons why cars still come with screw jacks.

1) No seals to fail.
2) Because it's a rotational tension, the amount of force transfer necessary to make the screw spin is more than a car can weigh.

Basically, it's a jack stand that you can adjust by mils. (not millimeters, mils) I wouldn't use four screw jacks in place of jack stands, but for fine adjustments on lifting and lowering an engine? Sure. Mind you, they _have_ screw jack stands, but $230 is a bit much for one stand.

There's a reason they use them for leveling houses.

(Personally, I'd rather have one of those portable vehicle hoists using a screw jack, rather than a hydraulic cylinder. I don't think anyone makes them.)

I keep meaning to track down some old ones, maybe I'll hit up a salvage yard and see if they have a set. I'll get big square plates welded to the bottom to give them better bases. With a hex fitting on the end, I can use a drill to gently raise and lower my car without the lurching side to side that going with a hydraulic jack and jack stands causes.
zbyers
Posts: 1767
Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:12 pm
Location: Sheffield, Pennsylvania

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by zbyers »

Bookworm wrote: Sat Nov 16, 2019 1:41 pm
Okay - HO would be 'high output' - but what defines high output? I have no idea what MU5 might mean.

Also, wouldn't toyota corolla mounts work for the Vibe? At least for the 03-08 years?
MU5, I believe, is the trans code for the 2003-2006 AWD.

As for Corolla mounts, they might work. Comparing to toyota website would be best.
'74 Thing, '79 El Camino, '83 VW DoKa '91 Vanagon, '03 Base, 04 GT
'06 CRV, '06 AWD, '07 Base, '12 Highlander Limited, '17 Frontier CCLB

Byerscrew Garage, GenVibe Facebook, How-To Index
Everything You Need To Know About the Pontiac Vibe
Cookie
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Oct 29, 2019 7:20 pm

Re: 03 vibe diagnosing and replacing motor mounts?

Post by Cookie »

Whelp, I have changed three of the four mounts. Yesterday it was the front mount which is technically on the right side of the engine if you are facing the front of the engine. It was relatively easy to replace. I did end up loosening the fan shroud to make getting the mount out easier. Didn't have to remove the shroud completely just enough to make room to clear the mount coming out. The mount was in fair condition with a little cracking. The rubber seemed old but may have had some life left in it.
After which I went after the rear mount. It was PITA for sure. :evil: I didn't struggle with getting in and out, but more so on getting the engine bracket hole to line up with the center rubber hole on the mount. Out of all the mounts thus far it is definitely the one it can help to have an extra pair of hands. The old mount that came out was original and shot. Had a crack clean thru the rubber reaching each side. Not terrible terrible but definitely worth changing. After changing both the front and rear (left and right (transverse)) mounts the engine was definitely smoother at idle. But when I shifted it around the gears things were still pretty shakey. I took it for a test drive and that seemed to help it out. The engine did seem to shift better through the drive gears as i was driving around. I wasn't sure on torque specs for these mounts and I did find some specs but it seemed to only cover the center bolts that went thru the rubber. For the most part i just made sure they were good and tight and I did apply a small dab of red locktite on the bolts. I haven't yet found numbers for the bolts that secure the mounts to the sub assembly. Once I find the numbers I'll post them here. All and all it took about 4 hours to get the front and rear. With the rear chewing up about 3 hours.

Today I changed out the tranny mount (actual rear?) and it was super easy to do with the biggest pain in the (removed) being that I had to remove the air box and battery. Which provided a great opportunity to clean up the air box and that section of the engine bay. The mount itself was totally shot with big cracks in the rubber going clean thru. Definitely the worse one yet. I supported the tranny with a jack while I was removing it and it didn't shift at all. Which was a welcomed after messing around with the rear mount. So all I got left is the front mount (passenger side) which is by the belt. It looks like its in fair condition so maybe the last owner changed this one out already but we'll see. Im planning on doing a more thorough write up and ill post it here when I am done with the job.
07' Pontiac Vibe Salsa Red
Post Reply