DIY: 2006 Acura TL - Side Motor Mount Replacement
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
DIY: 2006 Acura TL - Side Motor Mount Replacement
I've been scouring this Acurazine forum among others to do hw before attempting this DIY.
I ordered the parts from Delray. I forgot to read the service manual carefully and didn't realize that it's recommended to replace a few of the bolts. And had to make a few runs around the Acura/Honda (same part) dealers to find the bolts.
Advice: Buy the bolts when ordering the mounts to save some time.
I replaced the mounts in 2 sessions: side mount and then front mount.
Tools needed:
1. factory scissor jack
2. floor jack
3. 17mm socket
4. 3/8 ratchet
5. 12" 3/8 extension
6. 6" 3/8 extension
7. piece of 2x4x12 (6" would be better)
8. other pieces of 2x4 to prevent the rear wheels from moving during jacking
Procedure:
1. pull the brake fluid reservoir up and out (it's sitting on a slider)
2. loosen top mount bolt (12x45) using 17mm socket
3. loosen 2 bottom bolts using 17mm socket and 18" extension (make sure you clear the A/C lines when ratcheting - don't want to bend/crack it)
4. use factory scissor jack to lift the car up enough to get the floor jack and the 2x4 piece of wood under the oil pan
Note: Oil pan is not flat at bottom. Use the rear surface as the jack point as it is flat while the front surface is a bit angled.
5. use the floor jack to slightly lift the engine up and provide support to remove the top bolt on the mount.
Note: Use patience as there's no hurry and constantly check the bolt looseness after one or two pumps on the floor jack.
6. once the engine is firmly supported on the 2x4 and floor jack, go ahead and remove the top bolt (might have to release a bit of pressure or jack the engine up slightly to get the bolt out completely - should slide out with ease)
7. after top bolt is out, use extension and 17mm socket to remove the bottom bolts (2)
8. slightly jack the engine up a bit more so that the engine bracket does not exert any pressure on the mount
9. slide the mount out slowly careful to not brush the metal edges of the mount's base against the belt assembly. Don't want to scrape the belt as it will eventually result in permanent damage
10. slide in your mount slowly and with patience right-side up and in the orientation that it should sit
Note: There's a black arrow engraved on the base of the mount. Make sure the arrow is pointing to the front (and arrow is in the top right position)
11. slide in the NEW top bolt to connect the mount with the engine bracket again. Might requires some adjustment using the jack. Don't tighten the bolt just yet
12. Hand thread in the two bottom bolts (use the extension without the ratchet as it's easier to turn and ensure that there's no cross-threading)
13. Start tightening the two bottom bolts but do not apply final torque. Want enough tightness to drop the engine down and remove the floor jack.
14. Lower the car and remove the scissor jack
15. tighten all the bolts (top and bottom)
16. slide the brake reservoir back onto the metal bracket
17. finished!
Front motor mount is up next tomorrow. However, need a stronger floor jack (2-ton just doesn't feel enough) to jack the front of the car up at the center-front jack point to insert the 2 jack stands. Pictures coming soon. Flickr is not uploading for some reason.
The car does not feel any smoother at idle yet. Suspecting it's the front mount. Will update on the "jerk" when going into reverse. Car is smooth going into Drive with the broken mounts. But, idle is smoother at lights when in neutral vs Drive.
Feel free to send questions. Grab a service manual if there are plans to work on the car. I can upload a copy (38mb pdf).
Have fun. And remember, it's VERY easy to do and the most important tool is patience.
I ordered the parts from Delray. I forgot to read the service manual carefully and didn't realize that it's recommended to replace a few of the bolts. And had to make a few runs around the Acura/Honda (same part) dealers to find the bolts.
Advice: Buy the bolts when ordering the mounts to save some time.
I replaced the mounts in 2 sessions: side mount and then front mount.
Tools needed:
1. factory scissor jack
2. floor jack
3. 17mm socket
4. 3/8 ratchet
5. 12" 3/8 extension
6. 6" 3/8 extension
7. piece of 2x4x12 (6" would be better)
8. other pieces of 2x4 to prevent the rear wheels from moving during jacking
Procedure:
1. pull the brake fluid reservoir up and out (it's sitting on a slider)
2. loosen top mount bolt (12x45) using 17mm socket
3. loosen 2 bottom bolts using 17mm socket and 18" extension (make sure you clear the A/C lines when ratcheting - don't want to bend/crack it)
4. use factory scissor jack to lift the car up enough to get the floor jack and the 2x4 piece of wood under the oil pan
Note: Oil pan is not flat at bottom. Use the rear surface as the jack point as it is flat while the front surface is a bit angled.
5. use the floor jack to slightly lift the engine up and provide support to remove the top bolt on the mount.
Note: Use patience as there's no hurry and constantly check the bolt looseness after one or two pumps on the floor jack.
6. once the engine is firmly supported on the 2x4 and floor jack, go ahead and remove the top bolt (might have to release a bit of pressure or jack the engine up slightly to get the bolt out completely - should slide out with ease)
7. after top bolt is out, use extension and 17mm socket to remove the bottom bolts (2)
8. slightly jack the engine up a bit more so that the engine bracket does not exert any pressure on the mount
9. slide the mount out slowly careful to not brush the metal edges of the mount's base against the belt assembly. Don't want to scrape the belt as it will eventually result in permanent damage
10. slide in your mount slowly and with patience right-side up and in the orientation that it should sit
Note: There's a black arrow engraved on the base of the mount. Make sure the arrow is pointing to the front (and arrow is in the top right position)
11. slide in the NEW top bolt to connect the mount with the engine bracket again. Might requires some adjustment using the jack. Don't tighten the bolt just yet
12. Hand thread in the two bottom bolts (use the extension without the ratchet as it's easier to turn and ensure that there's no cross-threading)
13. Start tightening the two bottom bolts but do not apply final torque. Want enough tightness to drop the engine down and remove the floor jack.
14. Lower the car and remove the scissor jack
15. tighten all the bolts (top and bottom)
16. slide the brake reservoir back onto the metal bracket
17. finished!
Front motor mount is up next tomorrow. However, need a stronger floor jack (2-ton just doesn't feel enough) to jack the front of the car up at the center-front jack point to insert the 2 jack stands. Pictures coming soon. Flickr is not uploading for some reason.
The car does not feel any smoother at idle yet. Suspecting it's the front mount. Will update on the "jerk" when going into reverse. Car is smooth going into Drive with the broken mounts. But, idle is smoother at lights when in neutral vs Drive.
Feel free to send questions. Grab a service manual if there are plans to work on the car. I can upload a copy (38mb pdf).
Have fun. And remember, it's VERY easy to do and the most important tool is patience.
The following 3 users liked this post by EagleEye:
#2
Instructor
Thread Starter
New mount and top bolt:
![](http://www.flickr.com/photos/33945648@N07/5129644155)
Cracked old mount:
![](http://www.flickr.com/photos/33945648@N07/5129642213)
Scissor jack to lift the car up:
![](http://www.flickr.com/photos/33945648@N07/5129645575)
Support the Engine via Rear Surface of oil pan:
![](http://www.flickr.com/photos/33945648@N07/5130249060)
Mount is out:
![](http://www.flickr.com/photos/33945648@N07/5129647705)
New mount vs old mount:
![](http://www.flickr.com/photos/33945648@N07/5130249600)
Bottom bolts - front one is dirty probably due to leaked oil from the cracked mount:
![](http://www.flickr.com/photos/33945648@N07/5129648797)
New mount is in:
![](http://www.flickr.com/photos/33945648@N07/5129649497)
Not bad - took 1 hour.
Cracked old mount:
Scissor jack to lift the car up:
Support the Engine via Rear Surface of oil pan:
Mount is out:
New mount vs old mount:
Bottom bolts - front one is dirty probably due to leaked oil from the cracked mount:
New mount is in:
Not bad - took 1 hour.
#3
Instructor
Thread Starter
Did the front mount today... It was long. The 4 bolts to the subframe - 4th one was a pain in the butt. Actually, I still can't get it in. It's sitting on 3 right now. 4th one is the one on the top left. Hard to reach and not sure if I stripped it on the way out because the other 3 went in fine and the hole seems to be perfectly aligned and yet it won't go in.
Other time consuming part was not being sure how much to jack the engine up before it's no longer loaded. You need to jack a good 4-5 inches and yes the entire car goes up, which made me nervous about putting too much stress on the engine.
New front mount resolved the "clunk" when going into "Reverse" and it also idles smoother in gear (same as neutral).
Clunk is probably caused by the breakage on the top part of the mount. That causes the vacuum to not function leading to less cushioning. And causes the rougher idling. I am exhausted (cold up north) and would probably not want to change the rear mount myself when it comes to it.
Good info is that you do NOT need to remove the engine bracket. Read some DIY that instructs you to remove the engine bracket. There's no need as you can slide the mount out under the bracket, move to the right, and finesse it out.
New mount goes in very easy. Just the lining up of the 4 bolts that's not fun. Not sure what to do about the 4th bolt now. Will attempt it another day. Will need a flash light to inspect the threads.
Full instructions next week. Too much work work to do now.
Other time consuming part was not being sure how much to jack the engine up before it's no longer loaded. You need to jack a good 4-5 inches and yes the entire car goes up, which made me nervous about putting too much stress on the engine.
New front mount resolved the "clunk" when going into "Reverse" and it also idles smoother in gear (same as neutral).
Clunk is probably caused by the breakage on the top part of the mount. That causes the vacuum to not function leading to less cushioning. And causes the rougher idling. I am exhausted (cold up north) and would probably not want to change the rear mount myself when it comes to it.
Good info is that you do NOT need to remove the engine bracket. Read some DIY that instructs you to remove the engine bracket. There's no need as you can slide the mount out under the bracket, move to the right, and finesse it out.
New mount goes in very easy. Just the lining up of the 4 bolts that's not fun. Not sure what to do about the 4th bolt now. Will attempt it another day. Will need a flash light to inspect the threads.
Full instructions next week. Too much work work to do now.
#4
Advanced
Nice job on the write-up!
One small note to avoid confusion...it is the power steering reservoir that needs to be removed from it's slider to get to the side mount.
As far as the front mount goes...the tricky parts were getting that 4th bolt (upper left bolt when standing/facing the front of the car) to engage in the threads and connecting the vac line underneath. Patience is def key here but I would also tell you to keep the other 3 subframe bolts loose while trying to engage the threads of the 4th. I also agree the engine bracket does not need to be removed for the front mount..engine can be jacked high enough to slide the front mount under the bracket.
One small note to avoid confusion...it is the power steering reservoir that needs to be removed from it's slider to get to the side mount.
As far as the front mount goes...the tricky parts were getting that 4th bolt (upper left bolt when standing/facing the front of the car) to engage in the threads and connecting the vac line underneath. Patience is def key here but I would also tell you to keep the other 3 subframe bolts loose while trying to engage the threads of the 4th. I also agree the engine bracket does not need to be removed for the front mount..engine can be jacked high enough to slide the front mount under the bracket.
#5
Instructor
Thread Starter
@HROD - thanks man. New to the forum and it won't let me edit the post. Realized when I was reading a post on the O-RING leak.
Regarding the bolt, I tried putting the top-left bolt first cause it was the hardest. But, still no luck. Then I tried, 3 loose and put it in last - still no luck. Then I tried, 3 tightened with the theory that it should help w/ the alignment as I noticed it's a relatively snug fit - still no luck.
Leading me to believe thread is bad on the way out - checked old bolt but no signs of stripping/cross-threading........
This weekend I will take it all out again and put it directly into the nut w/o the mount. This will atleast straighten the thread out if it's bad...... Riding on 3 bolts right now and afraid to accelerate hard...
Front mount also resolved the engine moans at those spots in between gears (where current RPM does not produce enough torque to maintain speed just before you force a downshift by giving it gas).
The ride is much smoother now.
Regarding the bolt, I tried putting the top-left bolt first cause it was the hardest. But, still no luck. Then I tried, 3 loose and put it in last - still no luck. Then I tried, 3 tightened with the theory that it should help w/ the alignment as I noticed it's a relatively snug fit - still no luck.
Leading me to believe thread is bad on the way out - checked old bolt but no signs of stripping/cross-threading........
This weekend I will take it all out again and put it directly into the nut w/o the mount. This will atleast straighten the thread out if it's bad...... Riding on 3 bolts right now and afraid to accelerate hard...
Front mount also resolved the engine moans at those spots in between gears (where current RPM does not produce enough torque to maintain speed just before you force a downshift by giving it gas).
The ride is much smoother now.
#6
Advanced
@HROD - thanks man. New to the forum and it won't let me edit the post. Realized when I was reading a post on the O-RING leak.
Regarding the bolt, I tried putting the top-left bolt first cause it was the hardest. But, still no luck. Then I tried, 3 loose and put it in last - still no luck. Then I tried, 3 tightened with the theory that it should help w/ the alignment as I noticed it's a relatively snug fit - still no luck.
Leading me to believe thread is bad on the way out - checked old bolt but no signs of stripping/cross-threading........
This weekend I will take it all out again and put it directly into the nut w/o the mount. This will atleast straighten the thread out if it's bad...... Riding on 3 bolts right now and afraid to accelerate hard...
Front mount also resolved the engine moans at those spots in between gears (where current RPM does not produce enough torque to maintain speed just before you force a downshift by giving it gas).
The ride is much smoother now.
Regarding the bolt, I tried putting the top-left bolt first cause it was the hardest. But, still no luck. Then I tried, 3 loose and put it in last - still no luck. Then I tried, 3 tightened with the theory that it should help w/ the alignment as I noticed it's a relatively snug fit - still no luck.
Leading me to believe thread is bad on the way out - checked old bolt but no signs of stripping/cross-threading........
This weekend I will take it all out again and put it directly into the nut w/o the mount. This will atleast straighten the thread out if it's bad...... Riding on 3 bolts right now and afraid to accelerate hard...
Front mount also resolved the engine moans at those spots in between gears (where current RPM does not produce enough torque to maintain speed just before you force a downshift by giving it gas).
The ride is much smoother now.
#7
Moderator
Chapter Leader (South Florida Region)
Chapter Leader (South Florida Region)
iTrader: (6)
Hmmm...I found that my side mount is gone...going to swap it out next weekend...I think it's allowing my motor to turn slightly under load which is causing a weird raspy noise from my exhaust. Can't wait to get this fixed. ![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Nice DIY, wonder why it didn't get more hits. Thank you!
About the front, I was told if you don't see hydraulic fluid all over the place, it's probably not shot.
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Nice DIY, wonder why it didn't get more hits. Thank you!
About the front, I was told if you don't see hydraulic fluid all over the place, it's probably not shot.
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Dennisilic81 (07-08-2013)
#9
SATIN BLACK TL
Great write up !! I already switched my front right motor mount on my 04 tl.. but i still feel my engine shifting when i hit the gas a little hard. and my question is will my engine/tranny feel like its shaking when its about to switch gears ? like at 3/4 rpm. I feel this once in awhile and when i hit bumps i hear like a small clunk on the driver side.
#13
the overexplainer
i did mine and i didnt replace it though.
![Dunno](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/dunno.gif)
#18
Early Shifter
iTrader: (2)
![Too Cool](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/toocool.gif)
It's also a perfect time to change your serpentine belt while there's no mount there.
![Wink](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
#20
Early Shifter
iTrader: (2)
![Big Grin](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
I do know all the added vibration/clunking completely disappeared but it never hurts to double/triple check things.
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#22
Greeting to all,
I'm new to the forum but have had my '04' TL since new. Time to change the mounts. I know my front mount is shot. I have ordered the (3) mounts and bolts from Acura in Delray. Seems to be a favorite place to get parts on this Forum. Anyway, does anybody have any tricks for removing and replacing the rear mount? I can hardly see it from the top and I'm thinking that access from the bottom is the only way to go. I have access to a lift if that's the way it comes out. Any tips or tricks would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Desert Fox,
I'm new to the forum but have had my '04' TL since new. Time to change the mounts. I know my front mount is shot. I have ordered the (3) mounts and bolts from Acura in Delray. Seems to be a favorite place to get parts on this Forum. Anyway, does anybody have any tricks for removing and replacing the rear mount? I can hardly see it from the top and I'm thinking that access from the bottom is the only way to go. I have access to a lift if that's the way it comes out. Any tips or tricks would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Desert Fox,
#23
Instructor
Thread Starter
Greeting to all,
I'm new to the forum but have had my '04' TL since new. Time to change the mounts. I know my front mount is shot. I have ordered the (3) mounts and bolts from Acura in Delray. Seems to be a favorite place to get parts on this Forum. Anyway, does anybody have any tricks for removing and replacing the rear mount? I can hardly see it from the top and I'm thinking that access from the bottom is the only way to go. I have access to a lift if that's the way it comes out. Any tips or tricks would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Desert Fox,
I'm new to the forum but have had my '04' TL since new. Time to change the mounts. I know my front mount is shot. I have ordered the (3) mounts and bolts from Acura in Delray. Seems to be a favorite place to get parts on this Forum. Anyway, does anybody have any tricks for removing and replacing the rear mount? I can hardly see it from the top and I'm thinking that access from the bottom is the only way to go. I have access to a lift if that's the way it comes out. Any tips or tricks would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Desert Fox,
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#24
Resident Dingo
If you have a lift, use it for the rear mount. This will make it much easier to see how you have to pull it out through the bottom. The front and side mount can be done without lifting the car. Although it would help on the front mount to get to the bottom bolt on the passenger side radiator fan. So, you need to pull the passenger side radiator fan to make clearance to pull the front mount out. support the motor w a jack underneath the oil pan or where the transmission mates with the motor. slowly lift the load off of the mount in order to wiggle it free and move it up and out. careful when pulling it out because without being careful it is possible to poke a hole in the radiator. The side is a breeze... no problem and no need to support the motor. Do the front mount first!
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triax37 (05-04-2015)
#27
Thanks Dingo. I was wondering if I'd have enough room for the front mount to come out. I will pull the pax fan assy. I'll let everybody know how it goes. Mounts are in transit now and scheduled to receive them next Tuesday.
#30
takin care of Business in
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Here is the DIY with pix i wrote couple years back:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...&highlight=DIY
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...&highlight=DIY
#32
takin care of Business in
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Join Date: Jan 2008
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^^^ when i upgraded to Innovative Mounts....nothing was wrong with my mounts
#34
the overexplainer
kind of a necro bump, but i just got a new front mount and was sizing up the job before hand.
What are the steps to do the front mount? How do you get to the lower two bolts? It looks like i need to purchase a swivel socket set...
what about the two bolts holding the "housing" above the top of the mount?
What are the steps to do the front mount? How do you get to the lower two bolts? It looks like i need to purchase a swivel socket set...
what about the two bolts holding the "housing" above the top of the mount?
#35
kind of a necro bump, but i just got a new front mount and was sizing up the job before hand.
What are the steps to do the front mount? How do you get to the lower two bolts? It looks like i need to purchase a swivel socket set...
what about the two bolts holding the "housing" above the top of the mount?
What are the steps to do the front mount? How do you get to the lower two bolts? It looks like i need to purchase a swivel socket set...
what about the two bolts holding the "housing" above the top of the mount?
Take off that bracket that goes over the mount. Support engine. Remove the bolt that goes through the mount. Then you'll see four bolts, Remove those. Slide it out.
Last edited by SpiderX1016; 03-10-2012 at 10:25 PM.
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ez12a (03-10-2012)
#36
Resident Dingo
I think I used a swivel on one of those bolts. Even still, if you don't find that you need to use a swivel, you will certainly need a couple long extensions.
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ez12a (03-10-2012)
#37
the overexplainer
I got the new OEM part and it's freaking solid...(i know there's a diff between the 6MT and 5AT mounts, the latter being oil filled and controlled by vacuum).
#38
Resident Dingo
The 6MT mounts are oil filled and controlled by vacuum. You will have to pull the hose from the bottom of the mount before removing it from the vehicle. Take care not to break the plastic clips that the metal part of that vacuum line fits in.
My 6MT front mount was done. It had separated itself in a perfect circle about a half inch from the top of the mount (in the rubber). The oil will spill from the mount it if is split, so be sure to not tilt it upside down. I had some spill on me while contorting it out of the vehicle, but it was a fairly easy clean up. The side mount was even worse. Chances are if the front mount is bad, the side should be closely inspected or changed as well. It's such an easy change that it really comes down to if you have the extra $100 to cover all areas of possible concern.
My 6MT front mount was done. It had separated itself in a perfect circle about a half inch from the top of the mount (in the rubber). The oil will spill from the mount it if is split, so be sure to not tilt it upside down. I had some spill on me while contorting it out of the vehicle, but it was a fairly easy clean up. The side mount was even worse. Chances are if the front mount is bad, the side should be closely inspected or changed as well. It's such an easy change that it really comes down to if you have the extra $100 to cover all areas of possible concern.
Last edited by TheDingo; 03-11-2012 at 08:22 AM.
#39
Hmm, so I'm about to do this as well, and this diy was great. I'm thinking about ordering the parts from delray acura and having someone install it for me. but i was wondering if anyone could supply me with the part numbers that I would specifically need to change the front and side motor mounts (and the bolts that I should replace possibly) ? any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.
#40
Resident Dingo
go to acura of peoria (www.oemacuraparts.com) and put in your vehicle information. Then look under motor mounts and you will find the part numbers. Or if you still can't figure it out, call them and place your order.
You do not need to replace the bolts unless they are rusted or stripped.
You do not need to replace the bolts unless they are rusted or stripped.