Upside down x-member

[EightSparks]

I was looking under the car today to find out why the exhaust is rattling so bad, and realized that the x-member is upside down (downpipe runs THROUGH it). Then I wondered if that would cause a misallignment problem, causing a wear on the pilot bearing (or bushing), causing internal damage to the trans (input shaft bearing?). Part of buying a used car, I guess...

[BrianO]

wow..if it really is upside down I think it actually would raise the tranny up a bit and put an angle on the motor mounts. I don't think it would hurt the pilot bearing unless the bolts to the block/bellhousing/tranny weren't on good in the beginning. it would just angle the motor up with it I'd think.

easy fix though!

[Pat_in_L.A.]

Check for broken motor mounts or a cracked bellhousing. It truly takes an effort for a muffler shop to install them upside down but where there's a will, there's a way.

[EightSparks]

It's not the worst thing I've seen on the car yet, but one that worries me the most. The reason I'm concerned, is because I can't tell if it's a bad exhaust rattle (well, that it is), and/or noise coming from inside the trans. The right motor mount has unbeleivable flex, but it's on the same side as the turbo. I guess I'll be installing a new trans mount while I'm at it.

[Ken Potter]

Wouldn't this also stress out the yolk / front U joint? Any leaks in the tailshaft seal?

[EightSparks]

No leaks or pops that I know of. There's a vibration, which feels like it's coming from the back of the car, and a rattle while it's in gear and coasing; sometimes when turning. I guess that the exhaust rattle is contributing to a lot of that. It feels almost like the driveshaft is out of balance. I still can't believe that someone would flip a x-member...

[Pat_in_L.A.]

I still can't believe that someone would flip a x-member...

I can. I've seen it before. Muffler shops like to weld the whole exhaust system together too, so the next time you need to change the clutch, you have to saw up the exhaust to get the tranny out. I guess they're thinking that they'll get repeat business that way.

[EightSparks]

I can. I've seen it before. Muffler shops like to weld the whole exhaust system together too, so the next time you need to change the clutch, you have to saw up the exhaust to get the tranny out. I guess they're thinking that they'll get repeat business that way.

Yea, I may have to hack this one up to flip the x-member. Better yet, I should take the car back to that shop on Monday, and let them [re]do it. I agree, it's not the way to keep customers.

[svono50]

No leaks or pops that I know of. There's a vibration, which feels like it's coming from the back of the car, and a rattle while it's in gear and coasing; sometimes when turning. I guess that the exhaust rattle is contributing to a lot of that. It feels almost like the driveshaft is out of balance. I still can't believe that someone would flip a x-member...

It is almost easier to notice what some shops haven't done rather than their 'creative' ways sometimes. As for your driveline vibration, does your driveshaft have the dampener still on it? Since the car is new to you, you will have all sorts of 'stuff' to sort through. Just remember to take your time and ask questions. Good luck.

[EightSparks]

I'm not sure what came stock on the SVO, but my car has a large diameter aluminum driveshaft. I don't remember it having a damper on it, but I may be wrong; I'll have to look again. I appreciate all the input on this.

[8T6 SVO]

Your probably getting exhaust rattle because the bracket is missing that supports the exhaust in that area.

I think I've seen this crossmember installed up side down on svoeric's car at one time, a long time ago. It can be done and will work. Heck, that's what u-joints are made for.

[svofloyd]

I don't think it would cause an issue with the trans/yokes/shaft honestly. 8t6 is right. the u-joint gives play and prevents binding issues and damage. That is how they work when the rear end travels.

I have heard of the crossmember being installed upside down before, for clearance issues and things, and as long as it wasn't done forcefully, i've not heard of it damaging anything. Just give the bellhousing a one over to make sure they didn't really force it up in there, and everything should be ok. go ahead and flip it if you want. With a creaper and a nice tall bottle jack you should be able to support the trans at the tailshaft, remove the bolts and 'wiggle' it free of the exhaust, and rotate it to fit properly.

If you can't get it to wiggle free take the car back to the exhaust place and demand to have them fix their mess up, or else you will be sure to let everyone know about their poor quality of work, and even poorer ability to take care of their mistakes.

one happy customer ultimately encourages one more person to do business with them. one disgruntle customer causes a hundred people to not do business with them. If they are halfway smart they will take care of it.

[8T6 SVO]

.I have heard of the crossmember being installed upside down before, for clearance issues and things, and as long as it wasn't done forcefully, i've not heard of it damaging anything.

I don't think anyone would do this on purpose, it definitely messes with the factory angles.

[SchoolBoy]

Mine was upsidedown, so when the motor came out we fixed that mess.

[Raven855]

I recently picked up an 86 2R and the exhaust was rattling. The lower radiator hose was rubbing the sway bar and the hose routing at the back of the valve cover was giving me fits. Went out and checked this morning and sure enough the brace is upside down. Time to check the motor mounts and u joints...........