Engine support bar on 01 Accord

[Majordisorder]

I have yet to use a support bar but plan to use one on a 01 Accord while dropping the transmission.

Most pictures on the net show the supports sitting down in the fender joint but a few show the supports on the strut towers where there is considerably more strength. This is where I would place the supports but doesn't allow for the best alignment to the motor. Is this where an additional support bar that sits on front (radiator support?) comes in to play?

 

[Mastermind]

The Honda dealer tool is three legs. Strut towers and core support. I've done it with the harbor freight bar straight across. Ratchet strap to the hinges for safety.

 

[ex-x-fire]

Nice thing about a Honda motor is that it's light. You might get away with making one.

 

[Mastermind]

Yeah, don't even use a trans jack for the trans lol. It's easier to wrestle it by hand most times. Like a tcase.

 

[Toolhorder]

I've made one for an 01 ish Odyssey with two pieces of angle iron welded together. One piece across the struts and the other from the middle of the first piece to the rad. support. Worked so well my buddy kept it in his shop for future use. I'm sure he's used it over and over again. Wasn't hard to make at all. I'm sure I'll do the same thing in the future at my shop.

 

[Toolhorder]

I got the one from HF for $50 now $70ish I think.... it's just a simple 2x2 squares and some brackets chains....

I thought about getting one from HF but making one is so much more fun

 

[Toolhorder]

When I worked at the dealer I absolutely hated the Honda special tool engine holders/adapters. They are heavy AF and trying to find all the pieces and **** the last tech lost or didn't put away didn't help. They also have special adapters and BS for different models and whatever some techs like to leave them on their work benches instead of putting them back. Seems like the guys who had universal style engine hangers had the transmissions out a lot faster than using the factory stuff.
One dealer I worked at we were lucky enough to have several ****** jacks and the bottom adapters that bolted to subframes (ever see these?) were preinstalled making pulling out Odyssey and Accord models easier. If you had a rarer car like a Civic SI or something then you had to swap the adapter.
I don't miss doing them all the time. Rather just throw brake parts on all day and make a lot of money over several easier jobs then take a big job for a bigger ticket.
If I could learn to rebuild the V6 transmissions at my shop I'd make a small fortune as they are prone to failure. I have a buddy in CA. that left the dealer and did just that and he's so good now the dealers buy his reman. trannys instead of Hondas. Better warranty/cheaper prices =dealer makes more $$$

 

[Majordisorder]

I appreciate the quick replies and first hand knowledge you guys have. Will be building one as I have some materials on hand I think will work well.

Toolhorder, it's not only the v6 trans, all 98-02 Accord and Odyssey 4 cyl. as well.

 

[Toolhorder]

I appreciate the quick replies and first hand knowledge you guys have. Will be building one as I have some materials on hand I think will work well.

Toolhorder, it's not only the v6 trans, all 98-02 Accord and Odyssey 4 cyl. as well.

The 4 cyl. transmissions don't go out as much as the V6's though. The V6 transmission couldn't handle the power of the V6 IMO. The 3rd clutch packs would burn up on the 2 shaft ****** then they added a 3rd shaft it got better but still. Now they are pretty decent. Not Toyota quality but better for sure. I was and owned nothing but Hondas then bought a Toyota. Now I own Toyotas and a beater Subaru.

 

[JJThrasher]

Last time I needed one at home I bolted together some 4x4s and used that. Didn't cost me anything and more than strong enough for my application.

 

[Keyblazer]

I did that job in my home garage with a regular engine crane. Just used a cheap HF chain hoist attached to it. Dropped the motor out and did the trans swap outside the car.

 

[gungatim]

I used the HF version on my Jeep v6. it just sits on the fender lip, which I expected to be weak and get damaged. it actually worked quite well and I was fairly impressed with it. I am sure it could handle a little 4 cyl. without caving in the sheet metal...I know it's more fun to build, but with the coupon it's not very expensive and is very adjustable for different vehicles. I originally got it for a trans job on a VW but the customer backed out (but paid me for the tool), so to be able to use it on multiple vehicles is a plus...and it saved time scrounging for chain, bolts, etc...OTOH, I've seen guys just use 2x lumber to make them on the cheap...

 

[jrobb316]

You can pull that trans by just supporting the engine under the pan. The subframe is split so you only need to pull the front half.

 

[6MocoA]

You want to set it up something like this - this is the Astro unit I got on eBay for $70. Might be a good idea to use some wood up front to make the long leg have a little more flat area, but I dont know, maybe the 6th gen accord have a better front area for this:

It looks rickety but it works when real weight is applied. Always have a back up support if you can - jackstand underneath, etc.

 

[Majordisorder]

You can pull that trans by just supporting the engine under the pan. The subframe is split so you only need to pull the front half.

Gonna try this one with the car up in the air dropping the trans on to a hydraulic table.

Thsnks though and thanks 6M, will be adding the 2nd leg and 6th gen is similar but like a mirror image.

 

[sberry]

similar.

 

[WhiffySpark]

You want to set it up something like this - this is the Astro unit I got on eBay for $70. Might be a good idea to use some wood up front to make the long leg have a little more flat area, but I dont know, maybe the 6th gen accord have a better front area for this:

It looks rickety but it works when real weight is applied. Always have a back up support if you can - jackstand underneath, etc.

That's interesting I've never used the chains with it. I just hook the hooks on to something.

 

[MikeF2316]

Back when I was young and broke, I made an engine support with 2x4s on edge along the fenders, with a notch to support the 4x4 going across the engine bay. The notches were angled so the 4x4 was level. A threaded rod went through a hole in the 4x4 to a bracket custom made to bolt to the engine. While the steel one that I have access to right now is much nicer and easier to set up, the wood one got the job done.

 

[Majordisorder]

Here is what I came up with so far. I have surplus 5/8" all thread, barrel nuts , nuts, and shelby tubing so will add some specific support hangers when I get more in to the project.

 

[Majordisorder]

Finally getting started on this transmission removal. Is there anyone out there that has done a 98-02 Accord through the bottom that knows if the timing belt area motor mount needs removed? Looks like the transmission end of the motor will need lowered a few inches so the transmission will clear the frame but I'm thinking there will be enough give in the timing belt area mount that it doesn't need removed.

 

[IanG]

Finally getting started on this transmission removal. Is there anyone out there that has done a 98-02 Accord through the bottom that knows if the timing belt area motor mount needs removed? Looks like the transmission end of the motor will need lowered a few inches so the transmission will clear the frame but I'm thinking there will be enough give in the timing belt area mount that it doesn't need removed.

I didn't touch that mount when I replaced my 2000 V6 Accord transmission. I supported the engine from underneath using jack stands with wood underneath the oil pan. I dropped the subframe and slipped the transmission out. The biggest mistake was I missed a connector that was still attached when separating the transmission from the engine. I would make sure the transmission is well supported when separating as it took me some force to separate the flex plate and torque converter.

On another note, I have the Helm's manuals including V6 supplement. I would be more than willing to send them to you if you would pay shipping as I no longer have the car.