Lower Rear Engine Mount

[grandad]

I want to replace the rear lower engine mount - the big round one that needs the driveshaft taken out to do so.

I have considered the polybush / powerflex type but worry they are too hard and vibratory.

I also think the original rubber bushes are too soft ..... so ......

Does anyone know if there is a firmer / harder original type rubber bush available to buy that is somewhere inbetween the original and the powerflex ?

Maybe there is something from another or later model that will fit ?

My vehicle is an '07 1.6 Hdi 90 model

[MattBLancs]

Not aware of an in between bush, but can offer an idea.

The bush has two sections that connect inner and outer , 180° apart. And two sections on the inner that have a slight air gap, 90° to the other two

As standard, bush is installed so the air gap bits are at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock. The bits that connect are of course 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock.

In this configuration, top and bottom sections are in shear - under torque reaction of the engine - and the air gaps allow some forward and back movement before compression of the other sections.

If you install the standard mount at 90° then you'd get the connecting sections to be compressed by the torque reaction forces (and top and bottom air gaps largely doing nothing) this would be stiffer than standard.

Of course there is also a myriad of in between positions where you'd have some compression, some shear.

[MattBLancs]

Standard arrangement (2.2 HDi rather than 1.6)

[MattBLancs]

Thought I had a picture of my new mount at the different angle, but can't seem to find it at present.

Was going to add that I can't fully recommend this mod as I've had issues getting the car running for a while, so haven't yet given this a long term test.

Had a powerflex yellow bush in a previous car (406 coupe with a EW10J4 petrol 2.0) didn't notice much vibration, but a different kettle of fish for a diesel.

Matt

Matt

[grandad]

Hello Matt and thanks for the considered replies, certainly food for thought !

In the meantime my son told me about Polybush type inserts that fit inbetween the gaps in the rubber bush which sounded like a nice halfway solution as it would reduce flex and keep some rubber however I cannot find them for the Berlingo.

This is the sort of thing for a VW : https://www.eurocarparts.com/search/973 ... gK0bfD_BwE

[grandad]

By the way if folks have first hand experience of the Powerflex plastic bushes please share I'll be pleased to hear your thoughts.

The powerflex are appealing because of the lack of work in fitting them, I've fittted the rubber ones before now and appreciate the work involved hence my cautious approach.

[CitroJim]

Back along there were very firm bushes available for those building highly tuned and stiff trackday and rally cars using the XU engine series... Particularly those running the likes of the Pug 205 GTi Mi16...

It may be worth exploring in those circles and see if they are still available...

[grandad]

Thanks

[citroenguy]

I fitted a yellow powerflex bushing to my previous Citroën C5 mk1.
It made a lot of vibrations and noise, no good for normal driving..
OE spec is the best

[MattBLancs]

Interesting you had bad results with the C5 + yellow powerflex. As above I put one on a EW10J4 2.0 in a 406 Coupe and could hardly tell any difference.


Suppose the other thing to ask / point to raise:

Bear in mind your current "too soft" rubber bush has been under there doing its job for a long time (2007 Berlingo) - so a new like for like replacement may yet be a step in the right direction!

Matt

[grandad]

Hi Matt,

Regards the "too soft " mounts ... I've owned the car since 25k miles on the clock and there was a distinct feeling of soggy mounts even back then though of course I just learned to live with it over the years.

My previous Berlingo was exactly the same - owned from around 40k miles.

I also owned a C15d from new which would judder from the mounts when reversing uphill and whilst under warrenty the dealer said all was good.

I guess I'm not looking forward to renewing the original mount like for like - was hoping for an easy job with the powerflex - and yes I suppose putting new original back in would make things more acceptable.

Biting the bullet is going to be my way forward by the looks of things.

[Stickyfinger]

Another vote for OEM here ....poly bush replacements are not great in my experience. (even worse in suspension components)

[MattBLancs]

Can confirm the powerflex ones are very easy to fit. Did the one on my previous Coupe in situ, chopped the rubber, then junior hacksaw blade unclipped, threaded through then re-engaged in the saw handle. Then saw away at the outer steel ring (taking care not to damage it's housing) for what feels like an eternity.

I remember that job well - was a very changeable day and half way through the sawing a massive thundershower suddenly arrived. So I carried on under the car with rain bouncing off the ground, pouring off the car, on all sides around me!

I was nice and dry laid on the creeper under the car , or so I thought, untill post rain shower, post sawing through, I stood up. At that point I had a very unpleasant realisation that my trousers were hanging down off my legs and so were sitting in the water traveling under the car...

The new powerflex bushes simply push into the housing by hand, dead easy.

The standard bushes are either hydraulic bench press or wallop into place with big hammer. No chance of that under the car.

I think if it were me I'd go for the "standard bushes turned through 90° option".

But if it was me I'd also do gearbox oil replacement.

And if doing that I'd likely do gearbox driveshaft seals.

And (assuming Berlingo is same as 306 at front - think so) I'd also consider doing ball joints if looking tired.

And then I would look at the wishbone's rear P bushes too.

Oh well, at least the bits are all quite cheap!

Matt

[grandad]

Cheers all for the posts to my question, will go for standard bushings after all and leave the polybush type stuff alone ...... now all I need is a dry day, some good cheer and a decent dose of enthusiasm.

I have done the job before on a C15 ( same as a Berlingo ) so am aware of whats needed so with no surprises in store I should make good progress.

[MattBLancs]

I think if it were me I'd go for the "standard bushes turned through 90° option"
...

Matt

Interesting perspective from someone who has the mount installed 90° to standard here:

viewtopic.php?t=72746
(Albeit not a C5)

And would encourage caution at following my suggestion above!

Matt