Powerflex Upper Gearbox Bushing Install- Stuck

[Kalamat88]

Hi everyone,

Has anyone tried this particular install? It’s for the upper gearbox mount located beneath the battery and battery encasing.

I have the gearbox raised with a piece of wood on the jack and I’ve been adjusting it up and down the entire time I’ve been toying with this. Anyway, I’ve got the bolts out but I cannot even get the bracket and bushing out for anything! I’ve tried popping it on the head after loads of WD40- nothing. Then I read on ChatGPT that the middle thread is fixed, do you have to yank on the bracket and bushing till it separates from the thread. I dunno what to believe.





Then after giving up on pulling and trying to get the bracket to break free, I gave up and tried getting just the entire aluminum casing up and out- so I removed the two bolts to the right. The one on the top right was a pain in the ass and I loosened some of those brackets that hold the wiring looms to wedge my rachet in there to unscrew it. It came out (next post).

 

[Kalamat88]

View attachment 161523View attachment 161522View attachment 161521

 

[Kalamat88]

Guys I have no idea what’s going on with the photo uploading but it’s all over the damn place. Basically in the last post, the latter 2 photos show a bolt that is underneath the whole aluminum bracket that the upper gearbox sits on. It seems like this is keeping me from yanking it out. Is it worth undoing this or is there a better way to just remove the bracket and bushing?

 

[Kalamat88]

Is there a better way to get this bushing out? Either I remove the entire aluminum bracket or I try removing just the bracket and bushing? Any tips much appreciated.

 

[funMACHINE]

this is , how the part looks ...

 

[Kalamat88]

this is , how the part looks ...
View attachment 161535

Ahh so that’s what it looks like. I just watched a video last night that shows you just need to pop it on the head. Seeing that and this picture makes sense.

It’s from a non-RS but it all looks exactly the same.

 

[turkie172]

To remove the gearbox vibration mount, start by loosening the nut on the spike until it’s almost off, with the top of the nut just above the threads—this protects the external threads and the spike’s end. Position a jack or support under the gearbox, close but not touching it, for safety. If the nut is still on the spike, the gearbox will drop, but the nut will prevent it from falling completely. Then, using a hammer gently but firmly, tap the nut downward just enough to break the bond to the mount without causing damage, letting the gearbox’s weight assist.

 

[Kalamat88]

Thank you, Turkie. Makes sense and looking forward to trying this if I get a chance tomorrow. Will post results for others that may find this useful in the future (if I can figure how to add photos properly) haha

 

[Kalamat88]

View attachment IMG_1197.jpeg

So after a short bout with an illness I’m back at it. I have the Powerflex bushings fitted, greased up and ready to go but I realize now that the two bolts on either side of the pointy bolt will be a bear to reinstall. Even if I manage to get them on, tightening them will be a b****

Will post more pics shortly.

 

[Kalamat88]

View attachment 161586

 

[S24nrc]

I loosen mine 10mm or so then wallop the end of the spike with a deadblow and it usually gets it moving. Its only going to be corrosion holding it in place

 

[Kalamat88]

Exactly that S24nrc. It took a few whacks and it popped just like everyone described and like in the video posted prior.

Everything has been done, the Powerflex Black (racing) version is installed and I took my first drive with it. It’s definitely not scary as far as NVH. I felt it, it’s there but guys it’s really not bad. I’m at the age now where I want a bit more comfort in my car but even then, this install was totally worth it and no excessive NVH.

As for the reason why I installed it, after some research I read it can very slightly help the gearbox and pronlong the synchros. Obviously it won’t fix the damage done, but I thought it wouldn’t hurt and would be a fun install- and it was!

I have a ton of photos I want to post, step by step for others that might want to try this but for some reason posting pictures on here is a disaster, I can only post one thing at a time.