To check the engine/transaxle mounts, raise the vehicle and secure it on jackstands. There are four mounts, all nearly identical; three are attached to the transaxle housing, while the fourth is connected to the engine. Each mounting insulator assembly consists of two brackets, one bolted to the frame and the other to the transaxle or engine, connected by a rubber insulator and through-bolt. Over time, the rubber insulators can dry out and crack. Inspect each mounting insulator for visible cracks, as dried and cracked insulators need replacement. Even if an insulator appears intact, it may still be worn; use a pry bar to check its condition by applying leverage between the brackets. If deflection is excessive, replacement is necessary. To replace a mounting insulator, position a floor jack under the
Oil Pan with a block of wood, then raise the engine just enough to relieve the weight on the insulators. Remove the through-bolt from the worn insulator, then take off the bracket bolts and discard the bracket half with the worn insulator, as the new insulator comes with its own bracket. Install the new mounting insulator bracket and tighten the bracket-to-body bolts to the specified torque. Connect the mounting insulator bracket to the engine/transaxle bracket with the through-bolt, adjusting the floor jack as needed to align the holes. Tighten the through-bolt to the specified torque. When replacing the front mounting insulator, bounce the engine to ensure the insulator is centered on the bracket before tightening the through-bolt. Finally, lower and remove the floor jack, then take away the jackstands and lower the vehicle.