Engine mount and shifting

[Ross1]

So, for several years I have been dealing with shifting problems on my boxster. Hard shifting from first to second, especially when it's cold. Sometimes it would grind. Sometimes it would pop out of gear. I wrote this off to the transmission syncros going bad and figure I would just deal with it until it got so bad I needed to replace the tranny.

A couple of weeks ago, my water pump failed. While I had the car up in the air and torn apart, I inspected the engine mount because I knew it was a problem area. I could see cracks in the rubber, so I decided to replace it. I am now estatically happy at the results. I can't believe the difference in the shifting. It is like the tranny is brand new again. Crisp, clean shifting.

I just thought I would share this, in case someone else out there is having the same shifting problem.

:renntech:

[pgboxters]

my mount is on the way, and due to be replaced. My exhaust tips were moving wildly in first gear and I know my mount has been bad for a couple of years hope its an easy fix.

[N41EF]

It isn't a tough fix, but is easiest on a lift where you can move freely underneath it. You don't have to remove the two top bolts on the engine side, just loosen them. When you get the new mount in your hand you'll understand. It took about an hour, on a lift, maybe an hour and a half on jackstands.

[theitalianflip]

I had the same problem. I replaced the engine mount with a 987 mount, ($144 at the dealer). About 45 min later, I also had a smooth shifting Boxster again.

[N41EF]

Just found the pictures. If you have more than 50k miles, you need to replace yours.

[onejstchillin]

How much should this repair cost at dealer or mechanic?

[N41EF]

Part is about $125 or so. Add 2 or so hours labor. Not hard to do, just takes some wiggling.

[por986]

Is there a difference between the 986 and 987 mounts? Year restrictions or anything like that?

Specifically, I have an 01S.

[tawheed]

I have a question on this as well. My shifting on my 02S with 32k miles has never seemed right to me. I changed the transmission fluid to no avail. If the car is sitting stationary it feels like butter but whilst driving it just fights me sometimes. Is this typically a symptom associated with a weakening motor mount?

Thanks

[N41EF]

Mine was... notchy going into first, and I would sometimes grind the 2/3 shift. Part of it was cured my changing to royal purple gear oil, but as soon as I dropped the plastic cover I could see the mount was worn. I believe the 987 part supersedes the 986 part. If you take a look at the pictures I posted above There is a difference. The mount "wears" with the weight of the engine siting on in the donut and causing the bottom to compress and the top to tear. Mine shifts like new after the mount change and the gear oil change.

[N41EF]

And, if I was going to replace the mount, I'd replace the water pump, serp belt, and install the 160 degree thermostat all at the same time since you are there.