Motor mount suggestions
 

Ive been getting a lot of popping sounds from just behind the drivers seat, usually when im backing into my driveway, or when i take off slowly. Its a 2001 Boxster S with about 56k miles on it, and from what ive read, it sounds like the motor mount is shot. So which is a better option, replace the whole mount, or just the sleeve? I dont race it, so i dont need the polyurethane one, but is one brand any better than another?

Joe

Take a drive on a quiet side street and in second gear cycle the throttle, a little positive followed ny a little negative. If you can feel the changes in the shifter you have a worn front mount. If not, its probably something else.

What you describe doesn't sound like a worn motor mount.

The motor has a lot of movement to it. I can hear it shake when im backing into my drive way. Could it be ball joints? Control arms maybe?

Joe

if you hear knocking behind the seat when you bare backing up, most likely you have a bad engine mount.

But if you change it yourself it's actually kind of cheap (the insert only)
by using search, you should be able to find here few step by step procedures.

Good luck!

PS: Ask someone to watch the exhaust pipe while your are backing up, to see if it jumps up and down..

The exhaust does shake. Its actually came loose from the muffler twice now. I watched some youtube videos, and it doesnt look too difficult. So you would just change the insert? There probably isnt anything to gain by replacing the whole bracket, is there? Ive seen several brands also, so im guessing one is as good as the other? Thanks for all the info!

Joe

Joe, one advantage of replacing the complete mount (insert and bracket) is the time as otherwise you will have to remove the bracket and take it to a press to remove and re-install the insert (unless you have a press in your garage)

However if you replace only the insert, you could save between $75-$100 (..?)
.

The $75 or $110 be damned.
I just replaced the entire unit. Took an hour.
Beats farting around trying to press out the old one and press in a replacement bushing, and besides, I don't have that type of equipment at home anyway.

Buy a complete mount. Easier to just swap out the entire mount. Save the one you take out and when you have time, have a new insert pressed in. Then you have one ready for the next time you need to replace it.

Good advice fellas, much appreciated.

Joe

IIRC, the inserts are newer spec and a bit better. Don't know if the factory complete unit has the improved insert

The complete unit is also newer (from a 987) and has one extra bolt which goes unused on early (or maybe all) 986s.