engine mounts, all or one?

[Chris-White]

hi guys,
think i have an engine mount knackerd on my 16v gti. got the classic signs (a bit of clunking on deceleration, and the engine throwing itself around like a bastard when i accelerate).
what i want to know is, a) how do i determine which is knackered
b) can i change one at a time even if i go for uprated vibratechs or the like
c) is it ok to leave for a while as im considering an engine change or conversion in may anyway

thanks!

[turbodub]

Get a mate to sit in your car with the handbrake on and first gear engaged. Slowly release the clutch until it starts to bite and you should be able to see which mounts are allowing movement. It sounds like yours are quite bad, you might even be able to stick your hand into the engine bay grab the engine and lift it up near each mount seeing which one gives the most play.

[rubjonny]

just buy a new solid rubber 1.3 front & gearbox mount from http://www.vwspares.co.uk, dirt cheap!

[Uku]

better off going for the g60 stuff imo? its a little more but worth it
1.8 G60 2WD (Hydro) Febi 03599 £38.12
16v & G60 (Not Rallye) Febi 01101 £38.68
G60 and Rallye Febi 15954 £8.53  (not sure if this will fit tbh im sure some one knows)

[rubjonny]

for the front mount you're better off using the bonded rubber ones, the hydro ones are crap.  Also, notice the late 16v gearbox mount is identical to the 1.3 one
You cant use the G60/Rallye one as its a different shape for the cable shift 02a gearbox, and its also solid rubber just like the 1.3 mount

For the rear engine mount you do want the 16v/G60 one you posted up, much stronger.  But its a nightmare to change with the engine in, so I'd do the front & box mounts 1st and see if that sorts it!

Oh and if you do fit the 16v/G60 rear mount, you have to unbolt the old mount bracket from the subframe, the new mount will then bolt on in its place

[Chris-White]

cool, thanks! Will have a look when i get some free time on friday. Is it ok to change them in situ or will i need to lift the engine slightly with a crane etc?
cheers.

[rubjonny]

front you just need to remove the nuts/bolts, then jack it up under the gearbox bellhousing untill you can swap it out. But remember, don't lower the engine all the way onto the new mount till you have all the bolts/nuts threaded a few turns, then drop it & tighten

The gearbox one is a bit more tricky:
1. Remove the header tank, gives you lots of room to work
2. Undo the big bolt in the middle of the mount 17mm I think
3. Undo all the 2 linkages with the plastic ends which are connected to the lever on the gearbox, watch the ends they like to snap off!
4. Jack the gearbox up till the clutch release arm is just about to hit the chassis leg
5. Undo the 3 bolts holding the bracket for lever you disconnected above, then remove. The bracket is the one that sits under the gearbox mount bracket with the 17mm bolt above.
6. Remove the 2 13mm bolts holding the mount to the subframe
7. Swap the mounts over, and put everything back together

[Chris-White]

Thats a geart help! thanks very much.