Engine cradle bolts/bushings overhaul

[RareGMFan]

So.....since I found out this is where my horrible clunking and popping is coming from whenever I step on the brakes, accelerator, or turn the steering wheel, I've decided to change out anything and everything related to holding the engine cradle in place. If I'm understanding this correctly, there are going to be 4 nuts and 4 bolts in all? And then upper and lower bushings at each corner? And MOST importantly, does anyone have part numbers for all this? The people working at the dealerships around here are idiots, and I know they're going to screw this up, so this would be most helpfull to counter check what they come up with.

[patgizz]

no nuts. the nuts are welded/caged to the body.

[5speedz34]

no nuts. the nuts are welded/caged to the body.

 

What happens if you strip those out? I know they sell the nuts

[patgizz]

well. in my camaro i had to cut access holes in the floor above the nuts when the cages broke.

 

words of wisdom: don't crossthread your bolts, and you won't need to find out that answer

[Crazy K]

I broke a bolt off in one, so I had to cut a hole through the firewall to remove and repalce the nut.

[RareGMFan]

Is it common for the bolts to break while removing these? That's my biggest fear, now. I won't be attempting it myself. The shop that replaced the CV axle will be doing it.

 

On a side note, I just got back from the same shop that did the CV axle. I got under the car with the owner when he got it on the lift. I could clearly see the top of the front passenger side bolt, on account of the cradle sagging a good inch or two on that side. You can easily fit a finger over the top of it. So that pretty much convinced me that this is the problem. Even on the very slight chance that this isn't it, and there's something else going on, it's pretty clear that this has to be done pronto, regardless. I'm going to try to use the car as little as possible till the parts are in, depending on whether I can get a ride to and from work for Monday and Tuesday. The parts, as several mentioned would be the case, are going to take a couple of days to come in. I'm going to have a heart attack before this is all over.

[95oldsVan]

If you didnt know,there was a recall on cradle bolts and etc for certain W cars that were from the rust belt areas...the bolts,nuts or retainers would rust through over the years causing problems like yours.I got a recall notice a few years ago for my former 91 Lumina and brought the papers to the shop and they fixed it for free.

 

Its not a big deal for a shop to fix it.If yours is rusted but not on the recall list,then have the shop replace all 4 of them if possible.Someone posted a pic a while back when their cradle fell down under the car...wasnt a pretty thing to see.I think the bolts broke or pulled through due to corrosion.

 

[RareGMFan]

I took it in on the 3rd, and my VIN # isn't valid for the recall, as I think all the TGP/TSTE's weren't (at least, from what I rememember reading on the boards). So I'm just going to pick up the parts, and have another shop do them. Here is everything I purchased:

 

2 front & 2 rear

 

Insulator bolts

Insulator retainers

Lower sub-frame insulators (aka bushings)

Upper sub-frame insulators

Upper spacer

 

I wanted to make sure NOTHING was left to chance, or could wear out later down the road. For what it cost me, I think it's worth just doing all this now, and getting it out of the way, especially since I'm leaning towards keeping this car. Now my only fears are; a. will I get all the parts (some were showing not available to order), b. will they be the right stuff, and most importantly c. will the mechanic be able to get the bolts off without them breaking/stripping the nut.