Transmission mount DIY for 3.0

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by 2004bmwx53i

Great link thanks again. One more favor please, do you know of any link to do with replacing engine mounts for X5, and 3i specifically.

There's a lot of threads about this but all the hive-mind information boils down to one post - this one from Overboost -

https://xoutpost.com/1177166-post65.html

[2004bmwx53i]

Great. Thanks a lot for your guidance. Much appreciated.

[2004bmwx53i]

Originally Posted by KMan

After much searching and not finding much info on the subject I thought I could share my experience.

Total cost of this job was $70, $50 for the tool (I happened to get a deal on fleabay) and $20 for the the new bushing. See the first pic for the tool used.

1. Have the car in the air and supported safely.

2. Remove the heat shield around the exhaust to expose the 3 hidden cross member bolts.

3. Using a floor jack (if working on the floor) slightly lift the transfer case to take the tension off the long bolt running through the cross member and rubber mount. Loosen nut and pull out long bolt. I chose to trust my jack for the length of this procedure but it would be wise to now support the transfer case with a jack stand.

4. Remove the 6 bolts holding the crossmember and remove crossmember (see 2nd pic). Now you will have good access to the bushing (3rd pic). As you can see in the 4th pic my bushing is not terrible but it is fatigued with cracks and is quite hardened.

5. Pics 5 and 6 show the the tool installed. Pic 7 is in the action, I recommend lubricating the threads on the tool and try to refrain from using an impact (same goes for installation).

6. Now with the bushing removed pic 8, clean out any dirt and corrosion.

7. You are now ready to install. Spray a little silicone spray on the portion of the mount going into trans (this will help with installation). In pic 9 on your new bushing you will notice an arrow. Line up the arrow with arrow on the trans mount pic 10, and assemble your tool to press in the new bushing pic 12. Last pic installed

8. Reinstall cross member, thread in the 6 bolts loosely. First torque the long nut and bolt running through the mount to 55ft-lbs. (all torque specs from bentley manual)

9. Replace jack stand with floor jack and hold the transfer case in an unloaded position from the crossmember and torque the 6 crossmember bolts down to 30ft-lbs.

10. Reinstall heat shield

As I'm inundated with tools in my small garage, do you think it's at all possible to get the mount out without this tool?
And secondly, how can you tell the difference between bad TC mount & bad engine mounts? Thanks,

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by 2004bmwx53i

As I'm inundated with tools in my small garage, do you think it's at all possible to get the mount out without this tool?

Probably - a blow-torch will remove nearly anything!

But getting the new one in will be much harder.

I'd suggest looking around to see if you can rent one or buy a cheap one from AliExpress etc - afterall, you'll only use it once.

I needed a similar tool for the rear sub-frame bushes - got a very good tool (Kommen) from a local auction site, used but in perfect condition - and cheap ($150).

Kommen actually make the tool you need...

Originally Posted by 2004bmwx53i

And secondly, how can you tell the difference between bad TC mount & bad engine mounts? Thanks,

Can't help much there, sorry - hopefully someone with the same engine as yours will chime in. The engine mounts in my 30d are VERY different - they are even vacuum-controlled!

[zener]

I ordered this bushing too. Gotta figure out to change it without tool, because it's too expensive for one time use.

[wpoll]

https://www.aliexpress.com/i/32825411630.html

You could try to copy this and make a tool..

[Attacking Mid]

As I always say, where there's an auto parts store ball joint kit to borrow, there's a way.

AM.

Here's perhaps a better idea: https://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/407...B221010RENTAL/

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by Attacking Mid

As I always say, where there's an auto parts store ball joint kit to borrow, there's a way.

Yep. Or just buy a Harbor Freight bushing kit and improvise...

Originally Posted by 2004bmwx53i

And secondly, how can you tell the difference between bad TC mount & bad engine mounts? Thanks,

They are all shot at this age. Replace them all. At the age of the E53 X5 the parts cannon is your friend to set a new baseline for maintenance items.