SCEV

I'm in the process of removing my engine, and I'm stuck on the "lower the cross memeber" step. I've removed the power steering pump leaving the lines connected (it's sitting on the floor), I took the bolt out of the steering knuckle, I took the bottom bolt out of each engine mount, and took the two bolts holding the cross member to the car out on each side (yes, the engine is supported with a hoist on the top).

It looks like it wants to come out, but is holding on to something. I'm thinking maybe the steering knuckle (I saw somewhere you have to use a punch and knock this loose?), maybe the engine mounts (you only have to take the single bottom nut off each side, right?)??

Thoughts?

Tedro951

Some knuckles need help, some don't, but if it isn't moving off the splines, it needs to.

gruhsy

What all do you have removed so far?

Is the torque tube completely out of the way?

dillon410021

I take a ply bar and push the steering knuckle off the rack

SCEV

No, torque tube is still attached...so is the bell housing (though I removed the four bolts that hold it in place). I'm currently just trying to remove the cross member, and it's being stubborn.

SCEV

I'll give this a shot when i get home. All I have left is this stupid cross member and the exhaust (which is a PITA) and I should be able to seperate the engine from the bell housing and lower it down.

chris951

I just left that stuff on and dropped the engine with it. Putting it in is a different story.

SCEV

Well, I used a pry bar and the steering knuckle/gear seperated quite easily, so that's not it. I seems like the motor mounts are holding on. I removed the bottom nut, which appears to be what holds the motor mounts to the cross member...do you also have to remove the top two bolts on each mount??

Tom M'Guinn

If everything is disconnected, you might just need to whack it with a BFH.

Richgreenster

The motor mounts have a big rubber lip on them which cradle them on the cross bar. Why are you trying to remove the cross bar? Just lower the motor down with it attached. The bar kind of protects the oil pan when it is lowered down on the ground. But if you want to remove it, do you have the A-arm removed from it? Also you will need to disconect the ball joints from the A-arm so the steering rack will remove with it. (If you have not allready done this.) Good luck!

Richgreenster

Tom, It took me a while to get what a BFH was. LOL

chris951

You do have to remove the top bolts on the engine mounts, easiest way. They are wedged in there from the top.

Copilot

I believe I had the same issue - the BFH method worked for me (I used a BF rubber mallet, but hey, whatever works)

Darwantae951

leave the lower nuts on, and remove the top bolts. You won't be able to pull the cross member down off the engine mounts because the studs angle away from the engine.

SCEV

Well, I decided to go this route...the top motor mount bolts don't look fun to get at. So I think I have every bolt out I need to for separating the block from the bell housing, but it just won't let go. I removed the four large bolts, the reference and speed sensor, the starter, etc. I've been lowering/raising the engine jiggling and prying as I do so, but just can't get them to separate...am I missing something?