Engine mount condition

Post by **FireFox31** » 16 Jun 2023, 15:45

What do you think of the condition of this lower rear engine mount? How hard is it to change?

It's on neglected rusty Geronimo, the 2000 V70 with 350k miles. Its lower front mount looks terribly cracked and rusted, upper mount is split, subframe mounts are cracked, etc. I assume this is failed but it looks decent. Thanks.

Post by **Krons** » 16 Jun 2023, 18:20

If more than 15 years old pretty tough to have the rubber be good. I know a lot of folks recommend OEM parts but I always question if a new Chinese motor mount is better than a 15 year old Volvo original, I personally think it is.

EDIT: As later posts have noted difficulty of job should play into whether to replace or not. On my P2s I’ve done the easy three and left the difficult two before. If you are there though—worth doing.

Post by **abscate** » 16 Jun 2023, 19:31

I would leave that alone. You can try having an assistant torque the motor to see if it moves, but it’s in compression and pretty tough.

Post by **foggydogg** » 16 Jun 2023, 21:14

Catastrophic failure would let the juice run out; unless you're planning on dropping the subframe, getting it out can be quite the Tetris exercise. I'm with the Doctor, let it be.

Post by **scot850** » 16 Jun 2023, 22:23

It can be removed without dropping the sub-frame but you have to be careful. Volvo instructions state not raising the engine more than 25mm or you can damage the axles, in particular the RH one. You have to disconnect the upper torque mount from what I recall and gently raise the rear of the engine just enough to clear the rear mount threads. There is a small pin on the rear mount that is a locator that has to be aligned with the upper mount than can be a bit of a pig to do.

The wire around the body is a failsafe should the mount rubber fail. The mounts collapse with age which puts more load on the other mounts so replacing if you get the opportunity is worthwhile. I know I found my 00 V70 had dropped almost 10mm as I had difficulty getting the upper torque mount to fit until I also replaced the front one as the engine had tilted backwards.

It is not urgent, but if you replace the others it makes sense to do this one too.

Neil.

Post by **FireFox31** » 16 Jun 2023, 22:38

Thanks for the input. Since I plan to replace the other, terrible looking mounts, I wouldn't want this old weak link to fail next. I am planning to pull my axles to rehabilitate the right and do a transmission fluid flush, so maybe I'll do it then.

Post by **scot850** » 17 Jun 2023, 07:40

Good plan!

Neil.

Post by **FireFox31** » 17 Jun 2023, 13:14

Is it reasonable to support the engine and slightly lower the subframe to replace the subframe and engine mounts? I have access to a lift for the car and an engine/transmission jack to support the engine from below. I'm curious to know how much has to get unbolted to lower the subframe. And are there subframe mounts on the rear two corners? Thanks.

Post by **abscate** » 17 Jun 2023, 16:02

You are in for about $40 of new bolts if you that route

Post by **scot850** » 17 Jun 2023, 17:24

As it is FWD, if I recall I was able with some strong engineering words, able to support the engine and remove the rear mount bracket which made the job a little easier.

But then if you have the axles out the way you should have a reasonably good access.

Neil.