tuj

I have less than 80k on my 2004 RX-8. Last time it was in for service, the tech said the motor mounts were showing signs of wear and needed to be replaced.

I have never gone through a set of motor mounts on a car, let alone in this amount of time. Does this seem reasonable? Was the rubber bad on the early cars? Should I get aftermarket mounts from Derlin or some such material? The parts cost he quoted me for OEM mounts was like $400.

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

As per a response in your other recent (supercharger) thread- You have 600+ posts, and still don't know the answer to this?
Yes, these mounts have issues that occur earlier than other cars. Yes, you can replace them with aftermarket. Yes, you can search the forum (that you've been a member of since 2005) and find many brands that offer unique qualities that will suit your needs.

EDIT: If you haven't done so, I suggest you read this thread https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...t-here-202454/

GTSimmo

Use the search function and you'll see this is a very very common issue on the 04 models. The RX8 engine mount are oiled filled with a rubber covering. Problem is that the passenger side mount is right next to the exhaust which ends up melting the rubber causing the mount to go bad. On the later models they have remedied this issue by adding a heat shield between the mount and exhaust.

You have a few choices:

1) Replace with new OEM mounts and the passenger side mount bracket (shield). Approx $150 per new mount and $50 for a used bracket on ebay. If you go with the source you quoted make sure they also include the bracket or your new mounts will quickly melt too.

2) Take out both your old mounts and fill them with urethane. There is a sticky in the DIY thread. However, this process will leave your car out of action for up to 1 week while the urethane completely sets before mounting. Cheapest option if you DIY. You can also buy or get a pair of used mounts and do this yourself also. Slightly more expensive but not as much as option 1. Members are known to hand me down old mounts for free (excluding shipping cost).

3) Buy aftermarket urethane engine mounts for around $250. This was the option I personally took. If you want my old engine mounts let me know. I'm expecting my mounts tomorrow.

Last bit of advice, do not pay more than an hour labor cost if shop does it for you. You can check the thread in the DIY section but changing the engine mount is a 30 min job for experienced mechanic on the rx8.

xexok

An even cheaper option is to get friendly with the service manager at a Mazda dealership and when they replace someones mounts instead of throwing the old ones out they can possibly give them to you. Of course if time is a factor that wont work.

tuj

I used to be very active on this forum when I was racing my RX-8. Since an injury, that time is past and I haven't checked in here for a while. Excuse my ignorance.

Thanks to all who provided answers. The service manager quoted me 3 hours for the job but you guys say it can be done in 30 min huh?

GTSimmo

Read this thread if you get a chance https://www.rx8club.com/do-yourself-...mounts-231520/

Original poster even quotes 20 minutes. The job consist of lifting the car, undoing 3 nuts/bolts per mount, lifting the engine slightly, removing mount and reverse for installation.