Transmission suspension for the Bus

Transmission / Transmission Mount

The Foundation for Smooth Gear Shifting and Pure Driving Pleasure in the VW Bus T2

The transmission mount is the invisible power center of every classic car trip – it securely connects the transmission to the body and absorbs even the most stubborn vibrations. Anyone driving the legendary VW Bus T2 knows how important a precisely working transmission and an intact transmission mount are for that typical rear-engine driving feel. When shifting becomes harder, load changes lead to noticeable impacts, or unhealthy noises emerge from the rear end, it is high time for a breath of fresh air in the drivetrain. We reveal why the transmission mount is essential for your classic, what to look out for during replacement, and how to find the perfect solution for your Bulli.

Why is the transmission mount so important for your classic?

An intact transmission mount forms the basis for every relaxed classic car tour – only when the transmission is held precisely in its position do the gears engage precisely and the engine's power is cleanly transferred to the rear wheels. It is not enough to simply accept wear and tear. Rubbers and mounts age over the decades, become porous, or tear under constant stress. These rubber-metal connections keep the enormous torques and vibrations in check. Without a stable transmission, the aggregate and transmission move uncontrollably, leading to shifted shift paths, worn-out shift rods, and in the worst case, transmission damage.

When should the transmission mount be checked or replaced?

Regularly and during every service! During inspection in spring or before the big summer tour, the gaze should always be directed at the rubber mounts and brackets. Symptoms of worn mounts include:

• Noticeable load change reactions and impacts when accelerating or letting off the gas
• Sluggish or imprecise gear changes where gears have to be searched for
• Unusual vibrations and knocking noises in the passenger compartment
• Visible cracks, porosity, or settlement phenomena on the rubber elements

How is the replacement of the transmission mount carried out?

These four steps belong to the basic preparation for replacement:

• Safely jacking up the VW Bus T2 on a lift or stable jack stands
• Carefully supporting the transmission with a transmission jack to take the load off the suspension points
• Loosening the old screws and carefully removing the worn bearings or mounts
• Installing the new transmission mount with the appropriate torque

After installation, you immediately feel the difference: the transmission sits rock solid again, the shifting engages precisely, and the Bulli glides with low vibration over the asphalt. Please note that worn engine mounts should often be replaced at the same time to relieve the entire drivetrain mounting system.

Which transmission mount suits your driving style?

To make the right choice from the wide range of spare parts for transmission / transmission mount, a look at your personal area of application and the condition of your Bulli helps. Do you drive your classic faithfully in everyday life, on long trips, or is it driven sportily?

• Original rubber mounts: They offer perfect comfort and optimally dampen vibrations – ideal for everyone who loves the buttery-soft, original driving feel of the 70s.
• Reinforced versions or polyurethane mounts: If your Bulli has more power, is heavily loaded as a camper, or you appreciate an even more direct response during load changes, harder mounts ensure uncompromising and permanent guidance of the transmission.