Recently I discovered my Toyota Tercel was in need of engine mount replacement. The metal portions of the mounts were as strong as ever but the rubber centers were broken, allowing the engine to bounce around. If not repaired quickly, broken engine and transmission mounts can lead to damaged axles, CV joints, transmissions, differentials and more. But when I saw my engine mounts were almost $80.oo each I decided there had to be a better way.
So I came up with a free way to repair the motor and trans-axle mounts on Toyotas and other cars that will outlast the factory installed mounts.
Step 1. Remove the remaining rubber from the center of the mount making sure to recover the bolt and steel sleeve.
Step 2. Get your hands on a worn out steel belted radial tire and cut squares that will just fit inside the round holes on your mount. You'll need to cut several squares for each mount. A circular saw will do just fine.
Step 3. Drill a hole in the center of each square that is just big enough to fit the steel sleeve.
Step 4. Tightly pack the squares into the mount and push the sleeve inside.
Step 5. Reinstall the bolt through the center of the mount.
