Hello all! First time poster, but long time stalker. Ive learned lots from this community already after having taken on an ‘89 240 wagon (Lovely car that is in need of some much deserved love).

I’d consider myself mildly experienced in the garage and definitely know my way around the basics, but I’m worried about a new noise and need help with a diagnoses!

Just replaced the left hand engine mount and transmission mount however not the right engine mount because upon opening the parts boxes, I see I’ve been sent two left side mounts (bugger). The current right side one is in “okay” shape but is definitely sagging a little. The proper right engine mount is due to arrive in 2 days but likely won’t get a chance to install for another week.

After “finishing” 2/3s of the job, I put the ol’ girl into reverse and hear a terrible grinding sort of noise from the rear (maybe diff), and it gets much worse under load.. however almost no grinding or noise when in drive. Attached video is reversing up hill under load.

Anyone else have similar issues? Could this be because my engine is a little askew from one bad mount?
The new transmission mount has a visible amount of twist in it due to the old engine mount sagging… which leads me to believe that could be the problem.

 

A sagging motor mount should not cause any significant twisting of the transmission mount. Are you sure you installed the proper engine mount? Put it up on jack stands and give a good visual inspection underneath to see where the scraping may be coming from.

 

Unlikely that a mount change would reveal, or cause, a differential issue. Volvo diffs of that vintage rarely if ever have problems unless abused (no oil) or millions of miles.

 

Check the front muffler or other parts of the exhaust hitting when the engine twists over in reverse. Clearance may have been changed with new motor/trans mounts.

 

Thanks all for the input. After a few short drives I’ve concluded that it’s not diff related but it’s definitely a clanking from somewhere back there.
Small suspicion that it’s related to my driveshaft centre mount.
Has anyone done one of these before? If I’m doing the mount, is it worth doing the bearing as well?

 

More than likely if the rubber mount it is suspended in is all chewed up then the bearing is froze. Take the center mount down, remove the rubber mount and check the bearing. The outer race should rotate smoothly without any noise or rough spots. If you separate the drive shafts make sure you mark them as both shafts are balanced together as a unit. Put them back together wrong and the shaft will be out of balance.