XSeries-forum

Anyone replaced this themselves? Am summoning up the courage - but wanted to check whether I really need an engine hoist to lift the engine an inch or so in order to remove the bracket/bolt on the diff - or whether I can get away with using a trolly jack - will that cause damage to the sump? - as it's a big-old heavy beast of an engine...

Many thanks!

I have just finished doing it on my N62. Easier than an engine lift undo the 4 bolts that hold the front diff and move it about half an inch to the left then that awkward bolt at the rear lower comes out. There are also 2 bolts holding it from the front and when putting it back on put the top/longer bolt in from the front and pull it up so you can just swing the bracket back into place with that bugger of a bolt already in the hole on the plate.
You will need to remove the left front wheel and drop the two top bolts holding the strut to the carrier so the axle will move far enough to give you the required half inch.
It's not an easy job and actually I would say that it is the worst job I have ever done on a vehicle bar one on a tractor hydraulic line about 30 years ago.
I would say that at least 10 hours work for an experienced mechanic and a full weekend for a DIY.  Don't be put off by what I say it is a straight forward job just not easy because of the confined space.

Many thanks for this mate. Great to get some recent first hand experience. So no need to raise the engine off it’s mount?

I’d understood the process to be:

Raise car and remove front wheels.

Remove hub nuts and strut/shock absorber nuts on each side - then remove drive shafts from wheels - and pop them out of the front diff - but leave them otherwise under the car - so the front diff can be unbolted and shifted back/to the left slightly.

Then unbolt the front diff - and move it to the left slightly - but leave it resting on the subframe.

Undo left front engine mount (also remove fan housing amd auxillary belt plus power steering pump and then alternator - perhaps do this first...)

Then raise engine an inch or so to provide access to alternator bracket rear bolt. 

Then remove all the bolts on the alternator bracket?

Many thanks!!!