Hi all,

As part of finally getting around to installing my 1-ton idler arm upgrade on my 99 4wd 4dr with 168k miles, I notice that the fan was quite close to the top of the frame of the idler arm pivot mount adapter. It was so close I could just get my pinky finger between it and the fan blade.

I was puzzling out why this might be the case and realized that perhaps my motor mounts have collapsed or compressed.

After taking a close look at them and taking some pictures, I think they have slipped but I wanted to get some other opinions to make sure I was not missing anything.


Looking from the front to the back on the passenger side. The red arrow at about the 3-o'clock position shows where I first noticed where it looks like the pad had shifted. The second arrow at about the 6 o'clock position show where there as been some rubbing of one mount face against another.



View looking forward and slightly down from behind passenger side mount. The front of the starter is on the left, the exhaust manifold is at the top, and the frame rail is in the foreground. The red arrows show what looks to be where the upper pad has slipped, allowing the engine to move aft and down a bit.


Same view from behind but zoomed in.


So, now for my questions:

• Am I correct that at least this motor mount is bad, or at least on its way to failing and allowing the motor to shift even more?
• If I were to replace these, are the aftermarket ones like the ones at Energy Suspension Parts that are polyurethane worth using in terms of quality and/or ease of installation?

Energy Suspension Parts 3.1144G (https://www.energysuspensionparts.com/3.1144)

Thanks

 

I can't tell you if the motor mount is bad or not, but the rubber sure doesn't look in great condition. As for the engine shifting backwards, I don't see how that is possible even though it does look like it on the upper bushing. If it is shifting back that would mean the transmission and transfer case have also moved back as they are all bolted together.

I've never heard of the motor mounts on the Blazers/Jimmys/S-10s/Sonomas/Bravadas getting compressed too much over the years, not saying that it hasn't happened. I have heard and know of some that have separated. I helped my son change his out on his 2000 Blazer last year. I think when the bushing gets worn out is when they separate. Yours do look like they are worn out.

The job isn't terrible, but it is not real fun. Really helps to have another body helping you. He just used OE type replacements for a local parts store, so I can't yes or no on the ES ones with the poly bushings. I can talk to the upper control arm bushings from them. The worked fine for a few years with occasional off road use. I got a job working at the lakes a few years ago that had me driving five days a week on some of the worst county roads in the state with terrible wash board and pot holes that would swallow a vehicle. After three years of doing that I had to rebuild the entire front end. I went back to rubber. I replaced everything, including the lca bushings. Same poly bushings as the uppers but not nearly as bad.

 

AJBert,

Thanks for the thoughts. One of the reasons I thought of using the ES mounts was that they looked easier to install as I am on my own. Sounds like it will be a doable task but not a quick one.

Maybe I just have to remind myself that my truck is getting pretty old, but every time I try to do something on it the lately, it feels like a "one step forward, two steps back" situation. LOL

Just now I got in from having to replace a zerk fitting that appeared to be plugged on the right-side, lower ball joint and not letting any grease in. I then tested the one I pulled out and it worked. Ack. That was on top of struggling with the grease gun. I really need to get a new one. OK Rant over. LOL

 

changed one out 2000 blazer,motor jumped about 4 or 5 inches,put in gear,brake on ,watch...i like Lincoln grease guns,just got the new lockNlube end

 

Thanks for the reply and grease gun recommendation. I found a video on their web page that already taught me something. It was that leaving grease in a grease gun for long periods can cause separation of the oil that lubricates and the thick material in which the oil is suspended. This thick stuff can accumulate at the pump end of the gun and clog the mechanism.

I have since learned that the problem with my current gun is that the piston seal is bad. I might be able to find a replacement piston seal, but I doubt it. If not I'll look to get a Lincoln one.

 

ok,so i changed out heater core but it was done before and the two ears were already broken...,i did order the ac delco core from autozone,comes in a china box with nice GM blue tape sealing it,When i got home i had three boxes sitting next to my garage door..LOL,they sent me 3 heater cores...so of course i still have one haha