TDI engine mounts, gearbox touching subframe

[brickman]

So my gearbox rubber bump stop has pretty much always touched the subframe.
Replaced the mounts front and rear, thought they were backwards as engine vibrated worse with the new mounts than the old! Changed around, then changed back. Settled itself down after slamming through some pot holes then retighten mount lower bolts. Also replaced the torque arm mount and the top mount, and side mount under the crank damper.
Engine still sits with the gearbox bung touching the subframe, less, but still touchs, so still vibrates the car.

Have I somehow bent my subframe or are the new mounts (some aftermarket jobs from skandix, who aren't exactly known for quality items) actually smaller/shorter than original ones, hence its already 'sat down' on the subframe.

I vaguely remember some AWD and v70xc had a 6th engine mount in the corner of the block behind gearbox, my subframe has a location for this (two bolt holes), would this help, or maybe in the cars past (had it since 2012) its had a replacement subframe (4 bolt) from another car thats maybe slightly different?

[ITSv40]

I'm not familiar with the TDi setup, however, the late C70 had an XC70 mount on the gearbox. Early ones had a mount under the crankshaft damper and two 'sphere' mounts, one in front and one behind, mounted on the block by the clutch housing.

My 2003 has the mount by the crankshaft damper, the 'sphere' mount on the front of the block by the starter motor and the XC mount attached to the back corner of the gearbox - this sits on top of the subframe and has to be removed to gain access to the manual gearbox filler plug. Where the rear 'sphere' mount was normally located there is a fitting that looks like an engine mount but is in fact a bump stop to control engine movement - there is also the 'dog bone' stay under the gearbox and the top engine mount as usual.

I understand the XC gearbox mount is no longer available - it is a very substantial mount - but if you are looking for one and need to go secondhand a C70 mount from 2003 - 05 is also an option. Hope this may help.

[Baffler]

Any branding on the parts, Brickman? This is a problem we're all facing with aftermarket rubber components, they fit the mold, yes, but are sometimes not made to Volvo's spec. therefore not having the required/necessary absorption rate of the of the Volvo part...especially relevant to the diesel variant.

I know...I know...the cost is extortionate placed against the aftermarket part but this is then what we're up against...bad vibrations. Go genuine and forget as they say. Some of the best aftermarket parts I've seen to date are either SKF, Lemförder (OEM suppliers) or the Meyle HD stuff, for the money, are very well made.

How is the condition of the TVD as this can cause serious vibrations if damaged or becoming perished.



See below the rubber gearbox bump stop on both my V70 and 850. The V70 gearbox just hovers a few mill above the bump stop (all genuine parts here) and on the 850 there's a little polished mark on underside of the gearbox where it has made contact over the years...old tired front/rear mounts and an aftermarket OS lower mount to blame methinks.

Also see the aftermarket control arms on the 850...cheap as chips and were rusting as I was setting up the torque wrench

Don't know why the pics loaded upside down but you'll get an idea.

[Martin Cox]

I agree entirely with what Baffler has to say but what is now becoming a problem is that even if we want to use genuine Volvo parts, we can't: they've been discontinued. I think this may be the case with some of the Tdi engine mounts.

You then don't really have any choice but to go aftermarket. Some aftermarket parts are excellent and others you'd be as well fitting the box they came in. The difficulty is sorting the good stuff from the rubbish. More often than not you have to buy the stuff online so don't get a proper look at it until it's arrived by which time it's too late.

For example, I'm preparing to replace the delta link bushes on my V70 Tdi. the originals have lasted 25 years and 235,000 miles. I would certainly have considered using genuine bushes but so far as I can tell they are no longer available. It also seems that supplies of the Lemforder ones have dried up too and Meyle don't appear to make them. I'm taking a chance on the ones supplied by PFS.

To make matters more complicated, the things are fitted with stretch bolts and the bolts securing the mounting plates have been discontinued too. So unless one of the reputable specialist parts suppliers have taken it upon themselves to identify and source suitable replacements, you're on your own. Hardly ideal for safety sensitive parts!

One of the particular values of this forum is that word will soon get around about which parts are worth considering and those that are best avoided.

Martin

[Luxobarge]

@Martin ^^^

Agree with all you say. If it's any comfort, I replaced my delta link bushes with ones from PFV some years ago, and they've lasted fine. Given the appalling state of the roads around here that's quite an achievement, so I suspect you'll be ok. Not saying you'll get another 235k out of them though!

Cheers

[Baffler]

We need to compile a parts list, I haven't time at the minute, and submit it to the likes of Meyle or SKF and see if they can come up with a kit for both petrol and diesel cars.






I like this pic...not sure Quentin Tarantino would approve

[wagonwheels]

Both my tdi's sit on the subframe even after various bushes being replaced. I wouldn't say they rest hard but it certainly touches. I find getting the pump timing to its sweet spot helps alot with the vibrations. I used to worry about it but I just accept it now.

[Derek UK]

Is this the part? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175570203...Cclp%3A2047675
Does it come off easily? If so perhaps remove it to see how it affects the vibration. Might also consider trimming the rubber but perhaps best not to go there!