Replacing Rear Differential Mounts 2016 CX-5 GT

[hazard209]

Hello! Hoping that someone can give some suggestions here. I recently encountered an issue with my 2016 CX-5 GT where the subframe bushing failed for the rear differential causing the rear differential to hit against the subframe. It caused a leak at the drivers side axle and some sparkly differential oil. I've dropped the rear differential to replace the axle seals but I found the the right and left mounting bushings have also failed. I have replacement mounts but can't get an impact gun to fit in the space between the heat shield/gas tank. On the passenger side, I can barely get a socket over the bolt.

Any suggestions for getting these out and replaced without dropping the subframe? I'm wary of tapping the heat shield/fuel tank until it's bent out of the way, I'm worried about cracking it.

 

[Silly Wabbit]

I think you'll need to remove the fuel tank first

 

[Jmaz]

Maybe a combination of using a stubby/low profile socket with breaker bar and bending the heat shield a little bit would work. There may be enough clearance between the heat shield and fuel tank.

 

[hazard209]

I think you'll need to remove the fuel tank first

Looking into this process now. Definitely not what I want to do but may have to do..

Maybe a combination of using a stubby/low profile socket with breaker bar and bending the heat shield a little bit would work. There may be enough clearance between the heat shield and fuel tank.

That's already a stubby socket in the pictures and I have to push the shield back to even get it on, unfortunately. No room for a breaker bar as it is. The other issue I'm running into is that the six point socket on the driver side is slipping/stripping the bolt when using a breaker bar and a cheater pipe. I've been soaking these bolts in penetrating oil and I can't get them to turn. Might have to use heat but next to the gas tank makes me a little nervous.