2003 Lexus ES300, 160K miles

I am having difficulty with rapidly wearing out the upper motor mounts (part #12363-20120) on this ES300. This is the one on top of the engine on the passenger side. Here is the story:
1. In late 2017, I replaced the upper motor mount and front engine mount (the one near the radiator) with aftermarket parts. At the time, I had difficulty getting the bolts lined up to install the upper mount. I didn't think much about it at the time.
2. Within a year, the upper mount failed (ripped rubber). This time, I replaced it with a Toyota OEM upper mount. Again, I had a very difficult time getting the two bolts aligned during the install. I had to use pry bars to move the engine enough to get the bolts through the holes.
3. Less than 6 months later, the upper mount has again failed. Upon close examination, it appears that the rubber in the mount is stressed because the engine has tilted back towards the passenger compartment. This would account for the difficulty with the installs.

Any ideas on what is going on? Why is the engine tilted back? Although the front mount that I installed is aftermarket, it appeared identical to the original part I removed.

 

Aftermarket mounts are no bueno don't buy them again. But the problem you're having is very likely due to other worn mounts especially the rear mount (near firewall) if that is gone it will stress the other mounts causing them to fail in short order.

 

Thank you. I bought the aftermarket mounts because I was not going to have the car long, but circumstances have changed. Anyway, I will look at (for) the rear mount. Do you happen to have an OEM part number for it, or better, a link to a diagram showing the location. I greatly appreciate your help with this. Thanks again.

 

Enter your VIN here
http://www.japan-parts.eu/

 

Looking at his 03 ES300 and my 05 ES330 they dont have mount near the rear. I only see left, right and front insulators. With Rod mount on top. I'm actually getting all mine replaced at 190k Miles.

 

I agree. For the MCV30, there are front (12360-20090), LH (12372-20060), RH (12362-20010), and top (12363-20120) mounts. It seems unlikely to me that the LH or RH mounts going bad would cause my engine to tilt towards the passenger compartment. The problem must be centered on the front mount, which as I mentioned was replaced with an aftermarket one.

I am tempted to re-install the original front mount that I replaced with the aftermarket part to see if that solves the engine tilt problem. The original mount probably wasn't bad when I replaced it. Perhaps the aftermarket one doesn't fit properly, causing the engine to tilt???

It sure was a pain in the behind to get the front mount in and out because of the clearance with the radiator and other stuff. I really don't relish the idea of doing it all over again, especially now that it is getting hot in south TX.

A new OEM front mount is outrageously expensive by the way.

 

Take the fans out and it gives a lot more space. Also, mounts should be replaced all at once, as it will cause more wear on new ones. As for the price, tell me about it. Just dropped $580 for all 4.

I'm debating whether to drop $250 to get someone replace them or spend the money and buy Jack and stands to do it and future.