Just recently when starting and backing my green Deluxe out of the garage, a strange vibration developed. I had not noticed this before and as I backed out of my driveway, it seemed to be worse. So, back into the garage. My initial thought was that it was something to do with the exhaust system so I checked all that out and couldn't see anything that was broken, loose or knocking the body.
The vibration only seem to occur when starting or just idling and was around the central console and gear stick. I also checked out the drive shaft and everything seemed to be in order. A bit more pulling around and I thought that the gearbox mount had a bit of movement. Next move was to remove the cross member at the rear of the gear box and undo the rubber mount. It comes off pretty easily, just undo the one central bolt that goes into the gear box first and then the 4 bolts holding the cross member to the body. I placed a jack under the gear box to retain it in the correct position. Once this was off it was obvious what the problem was. The rubber section of the mount was completely stuffed. The rubber was jelly like and had separated from the metal section of the support. The photo shows what it was really like, compared to the new one.
After determining I needed a new rear mount, my next concern was where was I going to get a replacement part from. After a short time on Dr. Google, I found that several places had the part available. It seems that this mount is used on quite a few small Fords eg. Escorts & Cortinas. I ordered one for $39 from Supa Spares in Melbourne a day before they went into lockdown. Expecting to wait weeks, it was surprising that is arrived within the week from a Sydney warehouse. Whilst not an original part, it fitted exactly.
The cross member goes back on fairly easily as long as you fit the centre bolt first.
As I had the car jacked up, I decided to try to solve a very slight leak from the bottom gear box plug. It was just a very, very slight drip but annoying. This meant draining the gearbox oil. But first to undo both plugs which proved to be very difficult. Eventually after using a bit of heat, they cracked and came out without too much pain. I wrapped a few turns of plumber's tape around the bottom plug hoping to help the seal. Refilling the gear box is always a bit of a pain but I saw these plastic bags of oil (Nulon) which I thought would make it much easier. I did until the very last bit when the plastic spout disconnected and oil spilled all over the place. Thankfully, it wasn't much.
Did the new rear mount solve the vibration? Yes, thank goodness. I don't know why I didn't replace it several years ago and I can only say it must have seemed OK. But after seeing what state it was in, I am surprised that the rubber didn't separate earlier.
(Click the photos to enlarge)
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