034 Lower Replacement + Upper Insert
I've been getting excessive engine rocking on shifts and when on and off the throttle pretty much ever since I installed the CTS engine and trans mounts. I thought it might be my 034 insert so I pulled it and sure enough it was a bit bent:
I figure it was already shot and the CTS mounts just brought it out / made the situation worse.
I warrantied it through 034 and they sent me a new one.
What I did not know is that they have since revised the part. It is now beefier all around. See below for comparison (Orig V2 is on left, and new V2 is on right).
As you can see the whole base and the smaller "arm" are thicker.
In addition, they recommend all lower insert users also install the new upper insert part to avoid bending in the future. I ordered the upper piece as well as new bolts.
Just a word of caution to anyone doing this install -- 034's installation instructions recommend removing the sway bar bushing brackets (disconnect it from the subframe), slide the sway bar out of the way, and insert the upper piece from the top of the dogbone bush.
This turned into an ugly situation for me, and it was NOT necessary. Once I had the sway bar disconnected, I could not get it to move
enough out of the way to push the insert in from the top. So I just pushed it up through the bottom with some grease and carefully pried with a screwdriver. It went in fairly easily.
After reattaching the torque arm, I attempted to get the sway bar back in place but I could not get it to line up no matter what. It was twisted. I was on jack stands in my garage so the suspension was hanging down. As far as I can tell and others have pointed out to me, the endlinks were putting too much tension on the sway bar ends to get it back into place. I tried using my floor jack to carefully jack up the control arm and compress the suspension, and still could not get it. I thought about disconnecting the end links, but I ran out of time and it's my DD so sadly I had it towed to a nearby shop for them to sort it out.
I probably could have gotten it figured out eventually, but it was freezing cold and I needed my car to get to work.
Keep in mind I have the V2 style insert, so not sure if pushing up from the bottom works with V1 as well. But if you're an amateur enthusiast like myself and not a mechanic, I wouldn't waste any time disconnecting the sway bar, it's overcomplicating what is a very simple install!
Thoughts on the parts:
It definitely firmed things up from where it was at. No more crazy rocking. Shifts are smoother and easier. Seems like a good match for the CTS mounts. I have no idea what stock used to feel like anymore, at this point. I can say that the NVH is very low in combo with my CTS mounts. Only felt on 1st gear take offs, and I would call it mild. You can also hear exhaust note better.
What I am disappointed in is I am still getting a squeak/clunk and some movement when shifting or when there is a change in momentum like getting off the throttle. It sound like it's coming from the transmission area, but doesn't
only happen on clutch actuation. Seems to get better as the car warms up. Freezing cold temps here, currently. I am stumped on what it could be but it's kinda driving me crazy.
I think I'm going to try and record a video and see if anyone has thoughts.