Hi,

Could other owners give me some idea of the amount of engine movement their cars have? Since driving the C5 I'm beginning to think my XM has too much. I realise that it could be down to the setup of the torque link but would like to know if I'm being too picky or not.

Thanks.

Steve.

Hi Steve

Very little unless something is wrong. There have been postings on it so will try to find them later tonight.

John

There is quite a degree of engine rotation about a horizontal axis on start up. The mounting adjustment seems to be about getting the right amount of flexing for smooth clutch operation. Perhaps also to absorb reaction in engine movement rather than in the car body for passenger comfort. Just a theory. I was quite surprised when seeing the movement for the first time.

Robert

Hi All

Rotation on start-up yes but it is only the compression of the top and bottom bump stop rubbers while the balancing shafts spin up. Once running the engine should be rock steady because it has a single central neutral axis pivot point support on the drivers side to take the weight of the engine. The two rubber bump stops allow rotation of about 25mm each way and the 350mm length of flexible exhaust is presumably to allow for this rather unusual amout of engine rotation. This engine mounting arrangement is very different from the other XM's with top and bottom engine mounts the drivers side.

John

That's interesting. I too recall a post from Noz on the torque setting. I remember him describing, IIRC, a sort of clutch judder which he cured by tightening up the torque setting a little by trial without the special tool. I inferred that the purpose of the arrangement was to help smooth clutch take up. Did the rubber inset spares problem resolve itself and is it something we should hold as a spare if hard to get.

Robert.

without the special tool..................

The special tool would not be required for the adjustment of the top limit-clearance, as this is done from the top (after you have cleared away the obstructions to allow you to access the 17 mm bolts). But if it is your intention to make a perfect factory-standard job of it, you would need the tool and the guidance notes from the Workshop Manual. You also have to release the exhaust pipe drop-down pipe from the exhaust system (which is what put me off, not having access to to a ramp!)
The bottom torque link rubber bushing would be a useful spare if you can both afford, and get, one - by the time you need it, it will be almost certainly unavailable, except from a scrap 2.5TD. It is not fitted to any other model. The centre mounting on the RH side is very rarely needed - and rather expensive, too.
If you want to inspect the bottom torque arrangement, it is best to remove the RH wheel and the plastic mudshiield inside the RH wing. All will then be revealed.