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Transmission mount upper bushes- a solution!

Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2017 3:39 pm
by Growlerbearnz
Eureka!

After trawling far too many Google-translated Russian message boards, I've found a bush that fits in the upper transmission mount brackets (usually only available from Mitsubishi if you buy the entire upper mount assembly. For about $400. Ouch.)

Nissan Micra/March/Tiida/Cube/Versa/ front suspension lower arm rear bushes. $16 each. Febest part number NAB-134.
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The tube in the middle is about 6mm too long. To prevent burning the rubber I drilled 3mm out of each end, then finished with a file. It's alloy, so easy to work.
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The bush's outer diameter is about 1mm larger than the mount, but it's a press fit so merely cleaning up the mating surfaces was enough. Flap wheel in a drill for the bracket, angle grinder flap wheel and the redneck lathe for the bush. Again, being careful not to get the bush too hot.
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Install bush with a press (aka sledgehammer and a chunk of exhaust pipe as a mandrel) and it's as good as new.

Before and after shots:
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The bushes are stiffer than the old (failing, worn-out) bushes, but I haven't noticed any extra vibration or noise. I'm declaring it a success.

Transmission mount upper bushes- a solution!

Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2017 10:51 pm
by ChuckBlack
Nice go... Did you fit all the tranny bushing too? Where did you buy the bushing at?

Transmission mount upper bushes- a solution!

Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 12:43 am
by Growlerbearnz
I have the other bushes coming from Japan, along with new engine mounts.
I bought these bushes from a local place, but it looks like there are plenty on eBay if you search for "Nissan versa front arm bush".

Transmission mount upper bushes- a solution!

Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2017 2:17 pm
by jejoenje
Very interesting, growlerbearnz!
I will sure keep this saved as a "useful part reference for future use!

Out of interest, we're you getting any symptoms causing you to investigate the bushes? Or did you just notice they looked worn?
I've had an intermittent strange noise while driving that I've wondered might be transmission bushes...

Transmission mount upper bushes- a solution!

Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2017 6:00 pm
by north54
Very cool! I assume it was this site I was perusing as well. https://www.drive2.ru/l/6328517/

Looks like you could replace all your transmission mounts this way? But I read your ordering the rest from Japan.

Transmission mount upper bushes- a solution!

Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2017 6:14 pm
by Growlerbearnz
jejoenje wrote:Out of interest, we're you getting any symptoms causing you to investigate the bushes?
Mainly they just looked worn and saggy, with some cracks in the rubber. But since replacing them (along with the engine mounts and main transmission mounts), I've noticed there's no more slight shudder on takeoff.
north54 wrote:Very cool! I assume it was this site I was perusing as well. https://www.drive2.ru/l/6328517/

Looks like you could replace all your transmission mounts this way? But I read your ordering the rest from Japan.
LOL! Yep, that's the site, though it was a different thread where the Nissan bushes were mentioned. I guess you could replace all the bushes by swapping out the rubber liners, but the Mitsubishi ones aren't all that expensive. It's just those damned upper bushes where you have to buy the entire crossmember...