I was having difficulty removing the driver side bolts for the lower control arm. Then, I noticed the end of the transmission case was sitting on the sub frame, blocking the bolt(s). I take it this is a bad thing and an obvious symptom of bad engine mounts? A quick inspection of the front and driver side mounts doesn't reveal any torn or otherwise damaged looking mounts. Are these things deceptive looking? Any help on this matter or replacement tips would be greatly appreciated. BTW, this the 2.5l engine.
They can "sag" without being obviously deformed or torn. Your check of the clearance between the transmission and the sub-frame is a pretty good indication the Left and Right (Driver/Passenger) side mounts have "sagged". There should be about 1/2" clearance in there.
An easy way to check the integrity of the "roll-resistors" (Front and Rear mounts) is to: leave the car in Gear/Park (without parking brake on), open the hood, grab one of the front tires and just "rock" the car back and forth while watching the engine. Any significant fore and aft movement of the engine means those mounts are probably in need of replacement.
'97 Mercury Mystique Zetec/ATX (Wife's)
'96 Ducati 900SS (Mine!)
'86 Toyota P/U (it gets the bike to the track...)
Thanks, WillBob, that's exactly to kind of advice I was hoping to find. There is only maybe 1/8 to 3/16 inch gap at best. Now, if I can EVER get that lower ball joint separated from the knuckle, I'll replace the mount innards next.
