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View Full Version : Why is my gearbox on an angle? wtf


s13q
08-18-2014, 06:57 PM
Never was like this before.. only noticed when I went to shift into reverse and the gear stick hit the handbrake when it was up. I think its vibrating off the body too because the car is quite shaky now.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10462522_336142609884066_1955306114398573968_n.jpg

https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10360833_336142629884064_8859141101157862441_n.jpg

anti tyler
08-18-2014, 07:01 PM
The only way it could be off is either;

A) your bolts are coming undone (highly unlikely but still plausible

B) your motor mounts have shifted, but you would notice the motor slightly off.

Post a picture of the motor head on, on your knees from the front.

Most if not all mounts have a tab that align the mount into the crossmember.
If the mounts are somehow installed backwards they cannot slip into this slot, and combined with improper torque and vibration they will definitely move around.



Ps. How in the world would your shifter hit the e brake handle? Reverse is all the way on the right lol.

s13q
08-18-2014, 07:11 PM
The only way it could be off is either;

A) your bolts are coming undone (highly unlikely but still plausible

B) your motor mounts have shifted, but you would notice the motor slightly off.

Post a picture of the motor head on, on your knees from the front.

Most if not all mounts have a tab that align the mount into the crossmember.
If the mounts are somehow installed backwards they cannot slip into this slot, and combined with improper torque and vibration they will definitely move around.



Ps. How in the world would your shifter hit the e brake handle? Reverse is all the way on the right lol.

Sorry should have mentioned its a RHD Silvia! lol.

I had a look at the motor before and it looked pretty straight.

It had the typical SR slant aswell.

Last time the gearbox was off was when I did my clutch 8 months ago.

I plan of getting under the car in a few hours. Hopefully it can be fixed

anti tyler
08-18-2014, 07:23 PM
Well one of the mounts has to be off. That's the only way it could be off center like that unless your bell housing bolts are loose on one side or the chassis is seriously twisted.


But also with the tranny offset like that it's most likely the engine mounts, which not only causes strain on your driveshaft joints, but vibration as well as strain on your tranny mount.

But get under there and check the mounts out. something has to have loosened up.

s13q
08-18-2014, 07:30 PM
Well one of the mounts has to be off. That's the only way it could be off center like that unless your bell housing bolts are loose on one side or the chassis is seriously twisted.


But also with the tranny offset like that it's most likely the engine mounts, which not only causes strain on your driveshaft joints, but vibration as well as strain on your tranny mount.

But get under there and check the mounts out. something has to have loosened up.

I doubt my chassis is twisted.. I havent hit anything.

Is there anything specific to look out for when looking for broken mounts?

As in, will it be obvious theyll be bust?

anti tyler
08-18-2014, 07:31 PM
http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/ascities/car%20for%20sale/0235E651-FC50-40EA-B196-5D7EB61F41CC.jpg

To the left of the motor mount stud is a notch meant to keep it from sliding around, see if yours looks like this.


This is the passenger side the notch should face the motor not the fenders.

jr_ss
08-18-2014, 07:42 PM
You'll notice the broken mount when you see it. Another thing you should look at is your transmission mount. I would suspect it trashed or torn as well if your tail shaft has moved that far over.

s13q
08-18-2014, 07:50 PM
http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/ascities/car%20for%20sale/0235E651-FC50-40EA-B196-5D7EB61F41CC.jpg

To the left of the motor mount stud is a notch meant to keep it from sliding around, see if yours looks like this.


This is the passenger side the notch should face the motor not the fenders.

Thanks alot Ill take a look at mine again in a few hours and will upload photos too

MikeySand
08-18-2014, 08:59 PM
ummm did you put on the trans mount on backwards (the actual steel bracket that it sits on and bolts to the bottom of the car. I'd check that.

racepar1
08-18-2014, 09:57 PM
The engine mounts couldn't throw the shifter off like that. That's gotta be a torn tranny mount, probably combined with torn engine mounts.

Primo's Silvia
08-18-2014, 11:03 PM
This happened to me after i did the 5 speed swap. trying to bolt up the trannymount when i noticed it wouldnt line up! just like in the pic, found out my passenger motor mount was torn and the motor was at a slight angle witch threw off the tranny big time!

angel mkiv
08-19-2014, 02:43 AM
Yeah also leaning towards a broken engine mount since you also are experiencing the "shaky feeling"

s13q
08-19-2014, 03:25 AM
Update!

So I went under the car and thourghly checked the mounts. I think the motor mounts are OK. But my trans mount looked like its been torn, its definitely slid to the right of the car on the crossmember. I took photos none the less, you guys be the judge.

Sorry about the super close photos, I just did my steering rack boots and I didnt jack up the car too high.

Thanks again guys!


http://i.imgur.com/Bcnjor3.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/uH4SaPD.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/lcz2eWK.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/qlC7Y3W.jpg

240pimp
08-19-2014, 05:08 PM
If your transmission mount is torn, obv it needs to be replaced. That would cause your problem. Needs done asap, not good to drive the car with the drivetrain out of alignment . How long has it been like that?

Croustibat
08-19-2014, 05:53 PM
This usually happens when a CA18DET is installed with sr20det mounts. They look very similar but are a bit different. If the chassis is not bent, i bet your problem is similar.

Chaluska
08-19-2014, 08:15 PM
yeah, you have the wrong mounts for the engine... SR and KA mounts are different.... i had SR mounts on my KA and it sat crooked just like your engine. get the right motor mounts. they have to be offset, or it will be crooked as fuck (IE Straight through metal mounts = fucked up engine alignment)

racepar1
08-19-2014, 10:22 PM
OP, those engine mounts may not be torn, but they are SHIT. CHANGE THEM!!!

This usually happens when a CA18DET is installed with sr20det mounts. They look very similar but are a bit different. If the chassis is not bent, i bet your problem is similar.

Interesting, I didn't know that. I had to do a little research because I didn't believe you at first. Really good to know since I'm getting a CA from a friend. I think my drift freaq mounts should work though.

yeah, you have the wrong mounts for the engine... SR and KA mounts are different.... i had SR mounts on my KA and it sat crooked just like your engine. get the right motor mounts. they have to be offset, or it will be crooked as fuck (IE Straight through metal mounts = fucked up engine alignment)

Uhhhh, SR and KA mounts are exactly the same dude. Only the CA's are any different. Also, you must not have seen the pic of the torn ass tranny mount...

s13q
08-19-2014, 11:42 PM
Ummmm so what's wrong with my engine mounts?

The car has the factory motor in it so lol @ having different mounts. Lots of misinformation here

ANDY black s13
08-20-2014, 07:25 AM
looks to me like the gearbox mount is broken allowing the back end of the
gearbox to move across,
the stock engine mounts are soft to start with so they won't stop the movement
wouldn't hurt to renew the gearbox mount and do the engine mounts soon as funds allow
as I suspect they are past their best ;)

EvilEgg13
08-20-2014, 08:34 AM
Ummmm so what's wrong with my engine mounts?

The car has the factory motor in it so lol @ having different mounts. Lots of misinformation here

The engine mounts, just like the car are at least 20 years old now. Also just as mentioned before they are relatively soft from the factory in order to have a nice vibration free ride.

Your trans mount is the problem, but new engine mounts are a good idea.

racepar1
08-20-2014, 10:36 PM
Ummmm so what's wrong with my engine mounts?

The car has the factory motor in it so lol @ having different mounts. Lots of misinformation here

They are sagging to the point that they're almost touching metal to metal...

:tweak:

anti tyler
08-20-2014, 10:42 PM
looks to me like the gearbox mount is broken allowing the back end of the
gearbox to move across,
the stock engine mounts are soft to start with so they won't stop the movement
wouldn't hurt to renew the gearbox mount and do the engine mounts soon as funds allow
as I suspect they are past their best ;)

If he has a stock motor then the fact that they could be stock mounts shouldn't matter...

The engine mounts, just like the car are at least 20 years old now. Also just as mentioned before they are relatively soft from the factory in order to have a nice vibration free ride.

Your trans mount is the problem, but new engine mounts are a good idea.


He didn't say anything about the age, but for the simple fact that replacement mounts can be had for cheap, yeah it's a good idea to change them.

I don't really feel the need to recommend something like a nismo mount. But if you feel the need to dish out the cash then by all means go ahead. Other wise just get a replacement mount from somewhere like rock auto for cheap. You could get all fanboy and run solid mounts if you want, but just because someone or some few may bandwagon them, doesn't mean it's a good choice. So make your pick, you've got plenty of options.

(I just took off my low mileage megan mounts and sold them on ebay for $70 and just threw on a set of replacement stock mounts new for $49)

Enjoy!

jr_ss
08-21-2014, 03:04 AM
If he has a stock motor then the fact that they could be stock mounts shouldn't matter...




He didn't say anything about the age, but for the simple fact that replacement mounts can be had for cheap, yeah it's a good idea to change them.

I don't really feel the need to recommend something like a nismo mount. But if you feel the need to dish out the cash then by all means go ahead. Other wise just get a replacement mount from somewhere like rock auto for cheap. You could get all fanboy and run solid mounts if you want, but just because someone or some few may bandwagon them, doesn't mean it's a good choice. So make your pick, you've got plenty of options.

(I just took off my low mileage megan mounts and sold them on ebay for $70 and just threw on a set of replacement stock mounts new for $49)

Enjoy!

I'd have to agree with the last few posts here. New mounts should be in order. It's not a dire need, but it's something you should be looking to do in the near future.

With that said, I can't believe the price tag of the Nismo mounts now. I bought all 3(engine and trans) back in 06 and they were $150ish for the set. They are now over $300 for the set, talk about mark up. I should've stocked up years ago and sold them for $225 a set.

s13q
08-23-2014, 06:53 AM
Hey guys got a new Nismo gearbox mount for it.

Currently installing it but the gearbox won't go back in it's normal position!

Any tips?

Before you ask.. The car doesn't have a bent chassis or anything lol

anti tyler
08-23-2014, 06:58 AM
Hey guys got a new Nismo gearbox mount for it.

Currently installing it but the gearbox won't go back in it's normal position!

Any tips?

Before you ask.. The car doesn't have a bent chassis or anything lol


Is that the only mount you got? Not engine mounts also?

And are you trying to install it with the driveshaft attached still? If so (I know it's a pain) but try mounting it without the shaft. (Because of the U joints the shaft SHOULDN'T be causing this but oddly I've seen it happen before.

s13q
08-23-2014, 07:13 AM
Is that the only mount you got? Not engine mounts also?

And are you trying to install it with the driveshaft attached still? If so (I know it's a pain) but try mounting it without the shaft. (Because of the U joints the shaft SHOULDN'T be causing this but oddly I've seen it happen before.

Thanks for the quick reply.

Yeah the shaft is still connected. I dont think is the shaft holding it back, the gearbox feels like its supposed to be in that position.

Willing to try other methods before I pull the driveshaft off

Ps. I need to drive my car daily, so I had to do a quick fix. Ill get engine mounts later.

jr_ss
08-23-2014, 08:00 AM
You may have to exert some pressure to get it back, but it shouldn't be a larger amount. Loosen the engine mounts nuts up a few turns and see if that free's it up a bit.

It could be a combination of engine mount sag a misalignment of something in the bay causing the odd angle. I have a feeling this is why your trans mount failed. Misalignment or bent/bad engine mount.

s13q
08-23-2014, 08:04 AM
You may have to exert some pressure to get it back, but it shouldn't be a larger amount. Loosen the engine mounts nuts up a few turns and see if that free's it up a bit.

It could be a combination of engine mount sag a misalignment of something in the bay causing the odd angle. I have a feeling this is why your trans mount failed. Misalignment or bent/bad engine mount.

The bottom nuts or the top ones?

jr_ss
08-23-2014, 08:45 AM
Bottom are fine

racepar1
08-23-2014, 10:40 PM
Bottom are fine

Really he should loosen all of the engine mount nuts and at least loosen the bolts for the driveshaft center support. Removing the driveshaft would be better though.

Primo's Silvia
08-23-2014, 10:50 PM
Uhhhh, SR and KA mounts are exactly the same dude. Only the CA's are any different. Also, you must not have seen the pic of the torn ass tranny mount...

^ absulotley correct just pulled my old mounts of my sr and put them on my ka! Fit perfectly! But dam Cusco designs thier stuff with intentions of using thier mounts -.- my strut bar barrely clears my valve cover -___-