Diff top mount

[Nefarious]

Is it possible to change the top mount without taking the diff out?

I just noticed two little cracks appearing in the vertical plates of the diff top mount, but I've got a 600+ mile round trip to do on Friday.

[high52kojak]

Yeah it is, just support the diff with a jack, its a bit of a squeeze but I have done it.

[Nefarious]

So you undo the bolts and push the diff up? From a quick look it appeared easier to pull the diff down and squeeze the mount out the top way.

Do you undo the side mounts to give some more wiggle room?

[high52kojak]

It has to come out from above I think, when the four bolts holding it to the diff and the long bolt through the bush are removed, with a wiggle it will come out from above, I may have lowered the diff a bit on the jack, wont need to undo the front ones.

[Ireland]

That is going to be an absolute prick of a job with the diff in place.

There is so little space in there it's virtually impossible to get your hands in enough to get enough leverage to move the necessary bolts.

Best of luck with it.

[Spawn]

My local garage did this for me but they didnt have to many problems with the diff in place.

[Nefarious]

No time to do this before my trip, but I'm seeing Joo tomorrow, so he's agreed to do it for me, so I've had the replacement mount sent straight to him.

Now I've just got to drive from Edinburgh to Chesterfield very gingerly...

[plumAJP]

let us know how joo removes it anfd how long it takes him.

take photos if necessary as this problem crops up all the time.

[Brummmie]

It can be done, mine came out easily enough as it was in three pieces, but getting my super/thicker/stronger item in was a total pig!

Edited by Brummmie on Thursday 2nd July 08:48

[jonbarrett]

Could anyone take some pics of this process?

[Mad Mark]

I have / am in the process of writing a 'how to' guide for changing the top diff bush which obviously includes removing the bracket.
I have pics to accompany this and will post them tonight.
But the bracket can be removed fairly easily about half hr it took me first time.
Jack up the car/make safe. Remove the bolts.
Then while raising and lowering the diff the bracket can be wiggled out from above the diff. Its tight but does go.