Top Motor Mount Question

[oreoucky]

Good afternoon,

I have a 2002 Saturn SL1 with approx. 95K. I have never changed any mounts before. I have recently been hearing some rattling in my dash. I hear it on the drivers side.

From the research I did and watching RichPin's video I think it might be my Top Motor Mount. I am able to pass a pen right through the bracket and the rubber piece underneath.

If it needs replacement, which I think it does is it still safe to drive with until I get a chance to fix it? I am a novice but after watching his video I think I should be able to do this project myself.

Any tips on which part to get?

Thanks,

Justin

[OldNuc]

Get an OEM mount. Yes, it still should be drivable while waiting for delivery.

http://www.gmpartsgiant.com/parts/gm...-21012185.html

Lowest price part no 21012185
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/

[fetchitfido]

If you can find it get the OEM style mount. The only one rockauto and most other places seem to sell isn't worth the $20 they cost. I only got the cheap one because the only GM dealer in my area failed at getting the right one.

[OldNuc]

The OEM lookalike at the parts store are not of the same quality as the OEM.

[oreoucky]

OldNuc,

Thanks. Good to know it is safe to drive on. It is something that I should replace though, correct? I am pretty sure it is bad cause I can slide a whole pen through the gap between the bracket and rubber stopper.

You recommend to only get the OEM correct? Can I get it from the dealer or is the website you provided good as well? I assume it will be more at the dealer.

Is this an easy task for a novice? It doesnt look to difficult in the video. I need to do my tranny fluid/filter so I figured I could do this at the same time.

Justin

[OldNuc]

You can replace it. Dealer will get into your pocket for 80.00+ so order it. the only hard part is finding a board and jack to hold up the engine while changing it. There are several sets of detailed instructions on how to properly install that mount. You have to torque it to the cover evenly. Do not just torque one stud to max and then the next one. The mount has to sit all the way down on the studs before torquing. The jack is supporting the engine.

You need a decent socket set and a torque wrench.

[southaeastpunk]

i just replaced mine the other day.
it's one of the easier repairs i've done thus far. and you'll be really surprised how smooth the car runs after you change the mount.
i used one of the cheapo "frown face" motor mounts from autozone because GM laid me off and i'm broke.
I figured since the mount comes with the lifetime warranty, i don't mind swapping it out every 2 years and it'll be free, it's that simple!
of course i use to put them in VUE's 40 hours a week for 3 months at the plant.
still should be pretty easy for the average joe it's pretty straightforward.

i didn't even put my car on jack stands, i just got an old bed sheet folded up and used it for a cushion between the oil pan and the floor jack.
just do exactly as rich says and you'll do fine.

[lost_wreckage]

I will attest to the fact that trying to save money on a cheap mount will only give you heartache. You might want to replace all the mounts while you are at it because I have found that replacing one mount only transfers vibration to the others. The cheap frowny style mount improved my situation for about 2 weeks and the vibration was back and the mount is now failing to give 2mm clearance in the frown part of the mount. New upper mount needed after less than 2 months.

[oreoucky]

Thanks guys for all the help. I went ahead and ordered the OEM part early this AM. Once it arrives Ill try to replaement. Ill keep you posted on any questions or inquiries.

Thanks,

Justin

[southaeastpunk]

i've already put 1000 miles on the the new crappy "frown" upper motor mount, so far it's holding up well.
we'll see how much longer it lasts though.

[fmctaurus]

Purchased non-frowny mount from Pepboys for $35. Part Number is 2827.

[ShawnV]

Originally Posted by fmctaurus

Purchased non-frowny mount from Pepboys for $35. Part Number is 2827.

That looks good, but it only ha a 90 day warranty?!?

[fmctaurus]

That looks good, but it only ha a 90 day warranty?!?

I know, but I needed one, it's not frowny, and the price was okay.

[oreoucky]

hmmm I order the OEM non-frowny one as posted by OldNuc above, but waiting for it to be shipped.

Do you think the one you purchased at PepBoys will be just as good? It is quite a bit cheaper.

Justin

[alordofchaos]

Originally Posted by fmctaurus

Purchased non-frowny mount from Pepboys for $35. Part Number is 2827.

That's the same mount I got, a year and a half (18k miles) ago. It's held up well so far. It's hit and miss at pepboys, though. Another saturnfans member went to the exact same store I did a few months later and all they had were frowny mounts - carried under the same stock number.

[southaeastpunk]

i read somewhere down the line on the forum that it may look OEM but the rubber may actually softer compound making it prone to failing sooner.
i swear, these aftermarket guys need to get it right.

[OldNuc]

The compound of the aftermarket mounts is questionable at best.

[oreoucky]

Was a very simply process. Big thanks to Richpin's video and all of your guys tips. The car is so much quieter. Was impressed. Feels a little smoother too.

Justin