Free Motor Mount Repair

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.

Toyota Transmission Tip

Your's truly spend last weekend replacing a Toyota Tercel transmission/trans-axle because a previous owner failed to keep the differential portion of the transmission filled with the proper fluids. You see, unlike some front wheel drive cars, my 91 Tercel has 2 separate compartments for ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) that must be kept filled and 2 separate drain plugs for the two no so distinct parts of the transmission/trans-axle.

The drain plugs are easily found on the bottom of the trans-axle but the filler/check fluid level plug is harder to see as it is located on the back side in the middle of the rear cover. To check the fluid level you simply remove the plug and stick your little finger in the hole. If the fluid isn't up to the top of the whole you'll need to add more by using a funnel connected to a hose that you run into the same hole where you check the fluid level.

Taking the time to check this one fitting could save Tercel owners hundreds of dollars in repairs and add many years to the life of a great little car.

Not As Bad As I Thought

The other day I mentioned that I thought the transmission had locked-up in my car. Turns out the problem is a brake problem. The good news is that brakes will be cheaper to fix than the transmission. The bad news-- I still have to do the work myself.

Oh well, at least I've got Greensboro Junkyards to help me find any part I may need.

PS. Rumor has it that a new motorcycle junkyard might be coming to Greensboro soon.