2000 I30 passenger motor mount removal

[muerdeme]

This is one of my first repairs, and I'm disappointed at how quickly I got hung up!

I'm trying to replace the passenger/right side motor mount. I've noticed some clunking from that side since hitting a curb. Front struts have already been replaced, I can't find any other suspension issues, and it looks like the bottom side of the motor mount is trashed.

My problem is how to get to two of the bolts required.

1) What's the best tool / approach to reach the rear nut of the cross bolt that connects through the motor mount? You can't see it, but I'm referring to the upper circle in this image.

2) What's the best tool / approach to reach the bottom-most nut on the motor mount? I tried to get down there with a universal ratcheting wrench and failed. I'm afraid it's stripped or close to stripping and it really needs a socket. I can't figure out how to get a socket under there though, and the belts seem to block me from going up from below. Images:

I appreciate any help!

[muerdeme]

Update: I found this video showing how to access the bolt from underneath. Requires lots of extension and a flexible socket.

[afrancke]

Crazy that there is a separate nut on the crossbolt for that one mount, isn't it?

Space is tight, but if you unclip the powersteering fluid bottle from its perch you can move it around enough to get a socket wrench down there to hold the nut. You don't need to remove any hoses, drain fluid, etc. - just push it aside once it's unclipped to get your wrench down there, then put it back when you're all done with the new motor mount.

As you've already discovered, going in from the bottom with extensions and some swivel joints is the way to get that bottom nut off.