View Poll Results: What to do...
Replace the cradle
4
40.00%
Run the cradle how it is
4
40.00%
Run a shim between the cradle and motor mount
0
0%
Other solution(explain)
2
20.00%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 10. You may not vote on this poll
Engine Cradle/Motor Mount Pads Worn?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,785
Likes: 8
From: Sacramento California
Engine Cradle/Motor Mount Pads Worn?
Swapping out my front cradle. First replacement used cradle I got had a loose and bent locating pin on it so had to get another shipped out. Just finished cleaning the new cradle and notice the raised pads for the motor mounts are different. Driver side looks raised/normal. Passenger side looks like it was worn down almost smooth with the cradle. Opinions please.
Replace cradle?
Run as it is?
Run a shim to space the motor mount up?
Replace cradle?
Run as it is?
Run a shim to space the motor mount up?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
Have you tried setting a level across from one mount point to the other? At first glance (to me) it looks like its done on purpose to put them at the same level despite imperfections in the cradle.
(Voted other) , but if you find it to be level, Id say run it how it is.
(Voted other) , but if you find it to be level, Id say run it how it is.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Siloam Springs AR
When I replaced my motor mounts I noticed something very similar. These are rough casting that are machined to the final dimensions. You could try to find another cradle if it bothers you, but I would not add shims.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 409
From: Portland OR
I can't imagine them wearing unless the bottom nut was loose. Then I'd think you would see wear on the bottom where the nut goes, as well as in the mounting hole. If that all looks normal, run it.
BTW...NAPA Aluminum Brightener will clean the bare alum (after you degrease it) to look nearly new. I did my rear cradle....it was gross due to a long term diff seal leak.
Ron
BTW...NAPA Aluminum Brightener will clean the bare alum (after you degrease it) to look nearly new. I did my rear cradle....it was gross due to a long term diff seal leak.
Ron
Last edited by RonSSNova; Feb 9, 2013 at 01:30 AM.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,785
Likes: 8
From: Sacramento California
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,785
Likes: 8
From: Sacramento California
Yeah, I've decided to try my luck on another. This will be the third one. My car has been sitting with the engine jacked up from below for over 2 weeks now. Frustrating! I have pretty much everything to fix my car including upgrades in the form of new HRE wheels/Nitto tires and featherlight coilovers. Just need a good front cradle!!! Any thoughts on why this cradle is this way? I can't imagine it came this way from GM. The 3 other mounting points are untouched so I can't imaging this one sitting flush with the frame on all 4 corners. Let's hope the third times the charm! Oh boy, get to clean yet another cradle!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 409
From: Portland OR
Clean another cradle.....you could write a song about that.
That does look odd. Sounds like you are dealing with Vettenuts, I'm sure they will take care of you. Maybe have them photo the next one before shipping?
I bought a Z06 steering rack here local in Portland. He had the whole cradle from a low mile Z06......I should have bought it. He wanted $50..............all he used were the control arms and spindles etc.
Ron
That does look odd. Sounds like you are dealing with Vettenuts, I'm sure they will take care of you. Maybe have them photo the next one before shipping?
I bought a Z06 steering rack here local in Portland. He had the whole cradle from a low mile Z06......I should have bought it. He wanted $50..............all he used were the control arms and spindles etc.
Ron
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,152
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
You can see the ring where the motor mount sat on that pad. It's clear to me it isn't wear and that it was made like that. I don't see why a visual defect like that is such a big deal. It's not like you'll see it when it's on the car.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,785
Likes: 8
From: Sacramento California
If that passenger rear frame pad was ground down, then the lower control arm is gonna tilt forward. I'm not chancing it and getting a replacement.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,785
Likes: 8
From: Sacramento California
Ended up getting a new cradle from Marc. For the record for anyone who may be in need of a used part, Marc (Vettenuts) is getting my thumbs up. Never once did he question me on this and made all efforts to make me happy in this deal. After the original palet of parts he sent me that had the first damaged cradle, he sent out 2 others until I was happy. Here is the good one I'm using. I gound down most of the casting crap and smoothed it out with a flap disc. Then ran over it good with a wire cup. Then used Napa's Aluminum Brightener a few times to really bleach it out. Looks brand new. Good to go!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 409
From: Portland OR
Good job. Looks awesome!
I wasn't about removing my front cradle, but did the rear and all the control arms when I did my work and te NAPA stuff works pretty well.
My car grew up in NJ and was driven in the winter so things were pretty fuzzy.
Ron
I wasn't about removing my front cradle, but did the rear and all the control arms when I did my work and te NAPA stuff works pretty well.
My car grew up in NJ and was driven in the winter so things were pretty fuzzy.
Ron
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,785
Likes: 8
From: Sacramento California
It doesn't do much to grease. I ended up working the crap out of them with the flap discs and wire cup brushes on my sander. The brightener works well after that and really makes it pop.
Last edited by IRON MAIDEN; Feb 17, 2013 at 10:00 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 409
From: Portland OR
I found that on other types of aluminum, the brightener turns it dull gray....so it seems to depend on the alloy. The bracket for the ABS for example....so don't try it on that! I ended up painting it. Worked well on the motor mount mount stands though. Worked on the water pump.