996 silencer engine support brackets removal

Hi guys. So I’m looking to change these brackets over during the winter as the bottom supports are very crusty, having renewed the whole exhaust system including manifolds, I can’t find a lot of info on removing them. The top of the supports are in a tight place, has anyone managed this and is it possible to just lower the engine on the mounts to get access? I plan on swapping my silencers for some others I have over the winter and figure it would make sense to change these whilst I’m on and have better access. Any of you guys can point me in the right direction I’d appreciate it thanks

I removed mine without dropping the engine, access to the top bolts is very tight but doable, I imagine dropping the engine would make the job a lot easier. Everything crossed they don’t snap! One of mine already was, it’s on my jobs list.

Can you remember how you got access @Pernicketybert did you need an extension, universal joint or ratchet spanner of sorts?

Hmmmm from memory I cracked them off with a spanner and used a quarter drive ratchet and socket, the drivers side I remember I did from the top blind. I do remember thinking you don’t read much about them being changed and now I knew why. I haven’t dropped the engine yet so don’t know how easy it is, hopefully someone else has and can advise, I think that’s going to be your best bet. One of the bolts was snapped in mine and I remember thinking I couldn’t do anything about it without dropping the engine. It’s on the to do list. I know it’s a bit cheap skate but I cut the corroded bits off mine and painted them, I think they were £150 each ? I know it’s not bank busting but I had more pressing jobs to prioritise. Good luck

Thanks. I’ve bought a couple of second hand ones that were in decent condition and cleaned them up. I figure it can’t be any more daunting than drilling out manifold studs

Weirdly I’ve just taken mine off tonight after removing the engine. The bottom bolts will want to snap a bit like manifold bolts but I managed to get 3 of 3 out (1 was already snapped off before I got the car) I used my small impact gun on them for a minute or so on lowest setting just gently tapping away , then Map gas on the engine not the bolt , then with gas still going grab mini impact gun and turn it up to higher setting slowly increasing and they started to turn and came out. The top ones came out very easily without heat but I can’t imagine doing it with the engine in the car.

Interestingly I had my MOT done yesterday and these brackets came up as an advisory, so will be watching with interest. How much were your second hand brackets? I’ve had a Quick Look on the internet and they seem to range from £200-£400 each

We need to find a way of making new ends from stainless and welding them on to the frame which is already stainless Alex said he would have a look at it.

Quotes source post: 2765356

Yeah they’re crazy prices new. I paid around £60 each for them, just kept an eye out on eBay.

The ends are mild steel arnt they? Hence that bit rots. I use to buy oil coolers for my race bikes from nice dry parts of the world that didn’t see European winters, i suppose that’s doable with these if you can find them? But not sustainable long term.

The top section on mine are fine , it's the lower part as it gets the weather more. I'll post one off to Alex and see what he can do , it's not a complicated shape it's just welding it back on in the correct orientation.

Any news from Alex on replicating these brackets?