Dogbone fitting argh!!

[PP200t]

Right, I'm a bit of an idiot but here goes.
I went out, jacked up my car (ph2 172) put axle stands under and began to change my dogbone mount for a powerflex one. I could undo the big end easily but the gearbox end wouldn't budge. I was Using all my strength and it just wouldn't budge. How on earth do I get it out? It felt like it was going to snap or break something. Is there a chance I could snap the bolt? Also noticed that on the guide the bolts are listed as the same size, mine are not. The gearbox bolt is larger than the big end bolts/nuts?
Any help is much appreciated.

 

[MJRacing]

Soak in wd40, have a cup of tea, go undo bolt.

 

[PP200t]

Ok, I'll give that a whirl when I next get some free time. Thank you. I was more worried it would snap off and leave me up #### creek. Thanks

 

[GrahamS]

use a breaker bar. Make sure you're turning it the right way Easily turned the otherway when working underneath!!

 

[PP200t]

use a breaker bar. Make sure you're turning it the right way :wink: Easily turned the otherway when working underneath!!

I did think that but was certain it was right. Made me think for about 5 minutes though. Always the simple jobs take me ages!!

 

[iimushroomzii]

Use a couple of ring spanners hooked together to make them longer if it's a bit tight. Or man up and pull like f**k

 

[TarkMalbot]

Impact gun you could borrow?

 

[PP200t]

Impact gun you could borrow?

Unfortunately not. I'll give it another go Monday when I'm free. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[PP200t]

Use a couple of ring spanners hooked together to make them longer if it's a bit tight. Or man up and pull like f**k

I probably do need to man the f**k up to be fair, though I was more worried about snapping it.

 

[MJRacing]

1) Take to a garage, ask nicely to whizz off with air gun and do back up just enough to get you home. Buy the man who suggested a beer and live happily ever after.

2) See if their is a friendly member near by to give a hand, buy said member a beer and live happily ever after.

3) Man the f**k up and get it done. Go get yourself a beer :smile:

 

[dablyz]

I had this same problem when I did mine mate. I found the trick was to undo the gearbox bolt first, then the larger chassis one. If you do the gearbox bolt last, the engine mounts flex and you don't get any torque on the bolt.

 

[PP200t]

I had this same problem when I did mine mate. I found the trick was to undo the gearbox bolt first, then the larger chassis one. If you do the gearbox bolt last, the engine mounts flex and you don't get any torque on the bolt. :smile:

Ahh now that's an idea, thank you. I did think of that but got annoyed and worried so gave up. I'll take a dose of man the f**k up and try your way!!

 

[dablyz]

Ahh now that's an idea, thank you. I did think of that but got annoyed and worried so gave up. I'll take a dose of man the f**k up and try your way!!

Haha! It was so frustrating until I sat there and realised what was happening. I would also recommend torqueing the bolts after as well for extra peace of mind. Good luck!

 

[-Dan]

Also, be persistent when you put the powerflex one back in it's a tight fit, I had to lever mine in!

 

[Diagro]

I did this:
Put bluetack in socket, Stuck socket on Bolt. Attached ratchet.
Rolled out from under car. Can by the side of car

Kicked the hell out of the ratchet with my heel 3 times. It came undone.

 

[PP200t]

Thank you for all the advice. Well the novice won this battle!!
I went out, put the car on axle stands and came at it from the front. Eventually got it out and the powerflex one fitted.
What a difference! Tighter gearchange, less movement in gearstick and feels like it puts the power down slightly better, though that might be a placebo effect.
The old dogbone looked ok but had easy movement in the big bush with little pressure so I guess that was goosed.
Thanks again to all who gave suggestions.

 

[MJRacing]

Well done mate. So satisfying when you win, now go get a beer! :beers:

 

[Welsh.Dan]

Have one to fit myself. Hopefully changes easier than yours. Lol.

Already have another mount with bushes in it. So out with one in with other. What could be easier?! [emoji11]

 

[RS Charlie]

FWIW how much more noise does the Powerflex mount add in the short and and long term.

Failing that, what is the best mount to get for noise and location?

 

[TarkMalbot]

Glad you got it sorted in the end and worth the trouble.

FWIW how much more noise does the Powerflex mount add in the short and and long term.

Failing that, what is the best mount to get for noise and location?

I didn't find much increase in noise at all or vibration but my car is already very noisy.

If you WANT noise and vibration then you can get uprated engine and gearbox mounts or go the whole hog and get solid mounts but I wouldn't advise this unless a full on race car and I feel it will add a lot of stress to the mounting points.

 

[PP200t]

I've noticed that there is noticeable rattle in the car at idle. I wouldn't say its a lot or annoying really. The benefits I'm seeing are worth it to be honest. Much more precise gearchange, less engine movement which means less jerkiness especially when engine braking and pulling off. So imo well worth it.

 

[RS Charlie]

Glad you got it sorted in the end and worth the trouble.



I didn't find much increase in noise at all or vibration but my car is already very noisy.

If you WANT noise and vibration then you can get uprated engine and gearbox mounts or go the whole hog and get solid mounts but I wouldn't advise this unless a full on race car and I feel it will add a lot of stress to the mounting points.

Sorry, I phrased my question incorrectly.

I was meant to ask which mount is best for OE levels of engine vibration and noise (I.e close to nothing) whilst providing one with a solidly mounted engine? I can appreciate that the two are conflicting attributes but one has to ask .

 

[Amos91]

Sorry, I phrased my question incorrectly.

I was meant to ask which mount is best for OE levels of engine vibration and noise (I.e close to nothing) whilst providing one with a solidly mounted engine? I can appreciate that the two are conflicting attributes but one has to ask :smile:.

Most people say OE spec upper engine & gearbox mount then powerflex dogbone.

Although even with that combo the vibration increase is noticeable (I did mine last week). However, it is not as bad as some people say, for instance my rear view mirror does not notably vibrate - once the car warms up its pretty much okay.

It does however feel better to drive and I expect the vibrations will decrease over time.

 

[davo172]

Best solution IMO std new engine and gearbox mounts and in the dogbone just fit the big bush powerflex leave smaller one std rubber
did mine like this years ago no movement but it is not harsh and there are no vibrations all the good points none of the bad :up: