Is this a safe jackpoint on the transmission to lift the engine?

[Newhart111]

Hi,

I am going to try to replace my front control arms on my 2016 lexus ES350. However to do that, I have to remove the front engine mounts to gain access to one of the bolts (on each control arm).

In the videos below, there's variations to this procedure. One guy does it by lifting it from the transmission (or at least that's what I think it is) on one side and the oil pan on the other side and another guy lifts one side from the transmission pan instead of the transmission:







I'll be doing this on the street. Any opinions as to whether this is a safe procedure to do alone on the street? And also any opinions on what are the best jack points or methods for lifting the engine on each side?

Anybody ever do this before DIY?

Appreciate any info.

(I have to go to work now and may not see this till tomorrow so apologies if I reply late.)

 

[Newhart111]

What I fear is: 1) Causing any leaks on my transmission from lifting from the transmission, 2) Damaging my gaskets or anything else on the transmission oil pan or engine oil pan or also dent it. 3) pulling hoses or whatever else that may be pulled in the procedure.

 

[cptbarkey]

Its not uncommon to remove motor or transmission mounts to do certain procedures. Support the engine and/or transmission with a jack and a 2x4 or 2x6 on the bottom while you do the necessary task(s).

 

[rijndael]

Its not uncommon to remove motor or transmission mounts to do certain procedures. Support the engine and/or transmission with a jack and a 2x4 or 2x6 on the bottom while you do the necessary task(s).

True, but that's only lifting the engine+trans enough to replace the mount, it's more like holding it's own weight, and not enough to lift/support the whole front end of the car.

 

[IndyIan]

Aluminum casing? Probably a 2x4 across the whole thing to lift with the edges of the case could almost lift the front of the whole car before something broke. You have to have a look at it and lift on its strong points, not in an unsupported weak spot.
Cars for the most part are pretty tough, if you are a bit careful.
I always just hold the Focus engine and trans up with a 2x4 under the Al oil pan, when I'm replacing a motor mount.
I tried to smash off the aluminum bracket for the torque mount under my old wrecked Focus with a 1lb ball peen and chisel, and it was too tough for that. I ended up drilling a lot of holes in it and then smashing it, as I couldn't get a wrench on one end.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Can you lift the engine from the top with an engine support bar?

 

[cptbarkey]

True, but that's only lifting the engine+trans enough to replace the mount, it's more like holding it's own weight, and not enough to lift/support the whole front end of the car.

study this part of the TRQ video. A 2 ton jack is more then enough.

 

[eljefino]

My old Prius was lifted by a forklift from the engine cradle, which then slipped backwards off the forks. It was fine. Left a little cosmetic gash in the aluminum case.

A block of wood to spread the load is a good idea.

 

[rijndael]

study this part of the TRQ video. A 2 ton jack is more then enough.

Was that supposed to show something counter to what I said?

 

[cptbarkey]

Was that supposed to show something counter to what I said?

I re-read what you asked a few times and my conclusion is you might not understand how to do it, or have the tools. Pans in general will easily support the procedure.

 

[D60]

I commend the OP for doing research and simultaneously can't help but think that if you have to ask 1) if this is safe 2) if you can do it alone on the street and 3) where to jack.....

well, I just hope we see OP posting again next week.

Cram your wheel under there if possible. If not, maybe scare up some cribbing so you have redundancy and don't get crushed. Looks like he got the wheel under there in the second vid.

I'm all for DIY but leave yourself plenty of time so you don't rush. If something seems off, stop and re-evaluate

 

[Kira]

May all your nuts and bolts loosen as easily as those in the first video.
The good news is that you CAN raise the engine/trans enough to clear that engine mount with minimal bolt removal.
Work safe.

 

[rijndael]

I re-read what you asked a few times and my conclusion is you might not understand how to do it, or have the tools. Pans in general will easily support the procedure.

I'm only commentiong on lifting things by the engine and trans, and that one should be careful as it does come with risk. I've done it probably 20 times. I'm well versed in the proceedure.

I think we're talking a bit past each other, I suspect it's being lost in translation here.

 

[The Critic]

The driver side can be a little tricky. You may need 2 floor jacks. First, raise the transmission as much as possible using a block of wood and floor jack. I also push the axle out of the steering knuckle. Next, loosen the subframe bolts a hair and pry downward a bit to get the mount out.

Passenger side is easy.

 

[Newhart111]

I'm only commentiong on lifting things by the engine and trans, and that one should be careful as it does come with risk. I've done it probably 20 times. I'm well versed in the proceedure.

I think we're talking a bit past each other, I suspect it's being lost in translation here.

So on the transmission side you think its better to use the transmission case itself or the transmission pan with a 2x4?

I guess on the oil pan side the only choice is the engine oil pan?

You don't think this can damage the gaskets?

 

[Newhart111]

The driver side can be a little tricky. You may need 2 floor jacks. First, raise the transmission as much as possible using a block of wood and floor jack. I also push the axle out of the steering knuckle. Next, loosen the subframe bolts a hair and pry downward a bit to get the mount out.

Passenger side is easy.

Did you try this on my specific car?