I feel justified

[Novice_cardude]

Well, a few months ago I did a full timing belt job on my Camry, spent around $400 on parts. It didn't run any different, but I replaced a lot of parts to keep 'er going.

Today was my next scheduled oil change. I once again spent money on other parts that needed replacing. This time it was only $200, but I replaced the front and rear motor mounts (the front one was demolished), and the left axle. I got a transmission mount, but surprise surprise it was for an automatic, so I have to get the proper one Monday. But for once driving around after that service, I felt justified for spending that money.

It's a lot easier to start smoothly and shift without jarring the car when the motor holds still during said operations. Also when I turn right I no longer hear that annoying clicking sound. Also, the clutch pedal and gas pedal were squeaking during operation. I did my own Toyota gas pedal recall service involving a can of white lithium grease, so that noise is gone. In short, I spent half as much time and money on this service, and there's a noticeable difference driving the car.

I still have an exhaust leak to fix, but I need to find a replacement flex pipe to do that...

I had been dealing with loose motor mounts for so long, that just that simple repair made a huge difference. Now I just want to go out and drive just to drive. It's been a long time since I've wanted to just drive my Camry.

Has anyone else had that before, where you put off a repair, then when you finally do it, it's like getting a new(er) car?

[L-Burna]

[rusty9]

indeed, most people call it satisfaction!

[Judge2]

Thanks for the sharing the experience on replacing the front motor mount. I believe mine should be replaced, and I have put it off. A report like yours motivates me to do it.

[Novice_cardude]

Yeah, it definitely makes a difference just replacing the front mount. The rear mount was OEM so I replaced it even though it wasn't as bad as the front one.

The front mount moving around generally pops the upper 'dogbone' mount, so plan on getting both. The dogbone takes like 2 minutes with a 14mm wrench, and the front mount can be done with basic sockets and a floor jack.

[BlueFusion6851]

Yes. Or when you do performance upgrades that transform how the car feels/handles, and you just can't drive it enough.

[mr_kabo]

Nice job man, congrats. Thanks for sharing this.

[EEngineer]

now there is a happy man

now, flex pipes are easy to fix, just go get one from any auto parts store that is 2" in diameter and go to a exhaust shop and have them cut the old one out and weld the new one in. should be a $40 dollar fix

[Novice_cardude]

I gots me a Lincoln Electric mig welder with gas, so the weld itself would be free

Plus dropping that section of exhaust will make it easier to remove and re-seal the oil pan, which I have to do anyway. Kinda looking forward to the end result of that repair. No more angry bumblebee sound!

[fenixus]

nice

grats!