Trans mount info

[regis101]

Hello. I've been trying to make a decision on what name brand is decent.

I can only do a search and look at the picture provided by the vendor. I don't take this a accurate at all.

So a coupla questions.
Will the OEM mounts have the part number stamped on them.

Will the after market mounts have OEM part numbers stamped on them.

I notice some mounts (after market ? ) have a rounded piece of metal molded into the rubber on both sides.

Thanks,
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Peace, ~R

[seanjenn]

Just got an email from T3 Technique and their new gearbox mount bushing will be available in about two weeks. Very reasonable on the price and certainly the best mount you can get. atmo

The OEM versions are way too expensive, if it were some kind of fancy hydraulic mount then maybe.

I put one of the cheepo versions, $40-ish, on my last van, it worked fine for several years, still goin strong when I sold the van.

Think t3technique.com
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1987 GL Sunroof
2.1 4 spd

[regis101]

Good looking part. At least it's not totally solid. Prolly gotta burn out the vulcanized rubber of the mount with a little clean up for the bushings to fit.
They make a bold statement that no increase in NVH with their bushings.
Need to ask if silicone lube is used to prevent squeak.
Price is right.

I also looked at the Bostig mount.

For the cheapie's, it seems that RPM is the accepted manufacturer.
_________________
Peace, ~R

[seanjenn]

The way I understand it, the current bushing is the improved version. The old bushing was solid and did send more noise into the van.

I haven't looked at mine in a while, but I believe the bushing material rides in it own thin, steel sleeve.
So if you could get in between the sleeve and the steel of the mount, a little bending and twisting, etc ought to get the bushing out, sans torch.
Probably have to drill out the old bushing material first too.
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1987 GL Sunroof
2.1 4 spd

[Franklinstower]

this is what I bought:
http://www.gowestyautoparts.com/1989,Volkswagen,VA...54042-709/

I don't see why anyone would need more than this. The quality seemed to be the same as the oem part I removed.

Paul
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'89 Westy - EJ25/22 Frank 4.44 5mt
'75 Miami Blue Sunroof FI Standard Bug
YITB

[BillM]

I tested the early version of the powerflex Trans bushing
the center is easily removed by cutting the inner metal
sleeve and then forcing out with a chisel.
Keep in mind the bushing shown is an early version
and not the new improved version that T3 Technique
is offering. Which by the way I highly reccomend
you visit his web store to see all the quality products
he has for our Vanagons.

_________________
Bill M
87 Westy

[MarkWard]

I know the design of the OE one is to support the engine and trans and at the same time isolate vibration from the chassis. No doubt when an OE mount sags over time, it no longer isolates vibration, but wouldn't this Eurethane style mount pass more vibration through to the chassis vs a good OE one? Just curious of the driving impression of this style mount.

[Christopher Schimke]

I wrote a bit about the NVH in my last post here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=490867&highlight=powerflex

I have now made comparisons between a OEM small diameter mount (roughly 300,000 miles on it), an aftermarket large diameter mount (FEQ brand), a solid large diameter Powerflex mount and the newest slotted large diameter Powerflex design.

The high mileage small diameter mount allowed a ton of movement. NVH was just like any other Vanagon that I have driven.

The solid large diameter Powerflex mount did introduce some additional NVH into the chassis, but limited movement greatly.

The FEQ large diameter mount reduced the NVH to what I remember the stock levels to be, but allowed too much movement. Better than the high mileage small diameter mount, but still a lot of movement.

The new design slotted large diameter Powerflex mount allows a small amount of movement and the NVH is absolutely identical to the FEQ stock replacement mount.

Anyone who happens to be in the NW is welcome to experience this mount for themselves by taking a ride in my van.
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"Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)

*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected]

[regis101]

Didn't snap that you and T3 were one in the same.

My assumption on the slotted bushing leans toward correct.

I just pulled the trigger on the after market mount from VC to get me going.

I can only go by vendor pictures at this time. VC doesn't know the origin of the mount. I want to think that the FEQ has rubber from the bolt hole to the housing where as other after market, maybe RPM as supplied by other vendors, show two additional pieces of curved metal in the rubber. Is that any better. Dunno yet.

I'll get the T3 bushing kit when it becomes available after I measure the diameter. Mine just might be OE. Yikes.

Thanks for all you do.

And thanks for the link to your thread. It didn't come up with the words I had used on the forum search.
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Peace, ~R

[regis101]

Just finished installing the new after market mount.

The OE was ~59 mm and the new mount is ~73 mm. Noticed how much the center bolt hole worn out on the old mount.

Here's a pic.

_________________
Peace, ~R

[regis101]

Using the search for Powerflex trans mount installs, I found my old thread. Sorry about the above pic loss. 'pooter crash.

The aftermarket mount is doing fine.

I recently received the smaller Powerflex trans mount bushing kit from T3. Today I removed the old rubber from the OE mount that I saved. Tomorrow I'll pick up some CV2 grease and install the new bushings.
_________________
Peace, ~R