Give your old SL2 some new life!

About every 3-4 years I have to replace the upper torque axis motor mount due
to vibration issues. I noticed lately that my teeth were vibrating on cold
mornings when I would drive to work. So off to Saturn I went to get another
mount. Another new design! Take a look at the difference.

http://members.aol.com/james1549/mount1.jpg

http://members.aol.com/james1549/mount2.jpg

I suggest you change yours over if you have the old style. The new part made it
feel like new again. The part was less than $50 and took about 15 minutes to
install. Now I don't have to go buy a new car!

James

 

I got the semi-solid lower mounts that seem to allow less movement on the
TAM - of course the vibrations are more pronounced all the time and probably
not for everyone...

 

On 14 Feb 2004 15:19:38 GMT, (James1549) wrote:

Other than vibration how can one tell if this is needed??

Rick

 

Other than vibration how can one tell if this is needed??

Rick, I am not sure what the scientific method would be to know if your mount
is bad.

But since I changed the mount, no more plastic rattles in the dash or doors,
and the engine feels much smoother when idling and accelerating.

James

 

50k miles and dash/door rattles at idle is one way to tell. I think I read
that if you can get your finger between the rubber and the bracket (at the
top) with the engine OFF, the mount has collapsed and needs replacing. I've
gone through a couple on my 97SL2 with 80 something K. I quit checking
after I got the semi-solid lower mounts.

 

Where did you get the semi-solid lower mounts?

 

http://www.saturnmotorsports.com and look in the Drivetrain Upgrade
section. And they look just like the Twistec units at
http://www.twistecproducts.com/sat1.htm . Not sure why such a diff in
price...

 

When they go, the collapse. If you can fit more than a pencil in diameter
between the metal bracket on the fender and the part bolted to the engine
block, it's time for a new one.

 

I just ordered a set of the mounts from Twistec. $73.00 for the pair
right now, including shipping (sale price). I'm getting some funny
noises right now and those mounts look like they've got a lot of slop.
Even if they don't fix the noises the old ones need to be replaced.

Ken

 

....just a heads up that you're going to get some vibration with the mounts.
They definitely have the cool factor (to me). How's the TAM holding up?

 

They sure look cool. I've been getting some vibration anyway, even
with a new TAM. The 1 I got had the openings in it, which I filled
with windshield urethane. It seems to be doing OK, but I'm going to
give it a close inspection when I put the new Twistecs in.

Ken

 

....too funny - one of the gearheads at the Saturn speedshop suggested the
same thing as a temp fix for the gap in the TAM - he didn't specific what
kinda of caulk other than silicone...

 

Seems pretty solid. It's been in there for about 2 years or so. I'll
update when I check it out. Waiting for the new lower mounts.

 

I just replaced mine on my 94 SL2. All I can ask is "why did I wait
so long?" I replaced it yesterday and when I started it this morning
I was amazed at how smooth it was. I guess I had grown accustomed to
the vibration. Of course, I was in the parts store picking up some
oil so I got stuck with a cheap aftermarket one. If the original
lasted 10+ years I hope this will last at least a year or two.

Rick

 

I have a 98SL2 ... should I replace some mount on it? ... Roy

 

Do you know what the upper motor mount looks like? Usually if you can
stick your index finger inbetween the bracket and the rubber its time
for a new one. Thats a real quick way to check them while they're being
serviced.

I cant find a pic of one but its on the front of the engine (passenger
side of car) right on top. Its sorta shaped like a upside down "U"
infront of the valve cover.