Today I tried replacing the cambelt on my recently acquired H registration Astra diesel estate, unfortunately when it came to the bit about undoing the right-hand engine mount to thread the belt through, I found that the rubber insert had completely disintegrated and that the front of the engine was just resting on the bit being held by the two engine block mounting bolts!
The Haynes manual says that the engine has to be removed to replace the bolts securing the mount to the engine block.
I tried removing the left hand mount and the exhausts securing bracket but was still not able to lower it sufficiently to gain access to the bolts.It appears that if the engine can be dropped another few inches it would be just possible to gain access to the bolts.
Next week I will have access to a garage with a hoist and intend to remove all three engine mounts and carefully lower the engine, but I don't want to go to the hassle of removing the drive shafts and a host of other bits and pieces, could someone please tell me how far I can safely lower the engine with the drive shafts in situ and will it cause any damage if lowered too much?
I would be extremely grateful if anyone who has had experience with this particular problem if I could give me some advice.
It's a job I would like to attempt to do myself, but if it means I'll have to take it to a garage then that's what I'll have to do, what would be the going rate for replacing this mount?
TIA for any help.