|
|
Need help replacing motor and transmission mounts on 97 protege
|
|
|
| |
|
|
sad mazda
New User
Apr 19, 2011, 5:14 PM
Post #1 of 1
(1829 views)
|
|
Need help replacing motor and transmission mounts on 97 protege
|
Sign In
|
|
1997
Mazda
Protege
1.5L
145000
I bought this car a few months ago and it seems like it's a never ending problem. since its purchase I've had to replace all four tires (not such a big deal), the rear break drums, the front tie rod ends, the entire front end break system (the calipers were completely frozen out and reeking havoc on everything else). Since all of that I recently had my vehicle in the shop for a full diagnostic on an oil leak that seemed to persist even after the first guy i took it to said it was just a misinstalled filter, a few low tone hesitation noises (almost sounds like a very faint rhythmic revving in higher gear at consistent speeds over 35), a moderate to significant shake in the idle (which seems to increase with warmer weather), and a hard shift in first and second gear.
The end result of the diagnostic was four bad motor/transmission mounts, a bad valve seal, break shoes that will need to be replaced soon, and super sludgy transmission fuel that I've been urged to flush in the interest of the cars longevity. I had them go ahead and fix the oil leak but I was hoping to save a good bit of money by doing the breaks and the mounts myself. From what I've been told two of the mounts are completely broken and the other two are worn and beginning to crack. Given the state of the mounts its hard to diagnose the "noises" properly while driving it until they have been replaced but its definitely a priority to get them fixed before I go driving it around too much.
The breaks I feel fully equipped to deal with but the mounts are another story entirely. I've been quoted between $650 and $850 for parts and labor by two different shops but after talking with a few folks and doing some online research on discounted parts I've gotten the impression that it's possible to spend alot less if I just order the replacements myself and spend an afternoon in the driveway with a jack and some tools. The problem is that I am not a mechanic by any means and need some guidance as to the best way to go about accomplishing the task. Also I'm having trouble deciding on which mounts (manufacturers) to buy. I know that all for parts are different and specific but from everything I've looked at each manufacturer seems to have a different terminology for whats what and where it goes. Ive only had the car for 3 months and its the first non-volvo or american vehicle I've ever tried to work on. In short I'm sort of flying blind in unfamiliar territory and fast running low on funds and patience for repairs on a car that isn't really worth all that much to start with. my first instinct with replacement parts is to hit the junkyard and just grab the parts I need from the same car but as theres currently a service advisory out on failing mounts for this particular make and model I feel like it would be prudent to buy new ones but I honestly don't know anything about the reliability of any of the parts manufacturers who seem to be selling what i need at discounted rates.
Ultimately my goal is to get this issue out of the way as inexpensively as possible while still ending up w/ a safe and reliable vehicle. I've already spent too much on it and Im not in a position to be able to trash it and start over with another purchase. Can anyone offer some insight or instruction to aid me in this project? I feel a little in over my head but I'm motivated and will make the time if armed with the correct information and know how.
|
|
| |
|
| | |
|
Auto Repair Home
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG 