How To Diagnose A Failing Engine Mount
Your vehicle's engine mounts are responsible for securing the engine to the frame of your car or truck. On an older vehicle, they should be checked when performing routine maintenance. And if you are restoring a car, it's a good idea to start with new engine mounts as part of the restoration. When an engine mount starts to fail, it displays specific symptoms and can cause serious damage to your car if left in disrepair.
In this guide, we'll cover:
- What is an engine mount
- How to diagnose a failing engine mount
- What causes an engine mount to go bad and how to replace them
- Where to find OEM replacement engine mounts
What Is An Engine Mount?
Image Credit: Andy Jensen
The engine mount or motor mount is a steel and rubber/polyurethane part that holds your engine in place. It attaches to the frame of your car and not only reduces noise and vibrations but keeps your engine from moving around under the hood of the car. This article goes into more detail about engine mounts. But suffice it to say, it's important to replace the part if it is in poor condition.
What Are The Signs Of A Bad Engine Mount?
There are a number of symptoms of a bad engine mount. The most common ones include noticeable wear of the engine mounts and increased noise or movement in the engine bay like the following:
- Increased vibrations or noise - You feel more vibration coming from under the hood of the car. Vibrations are transmitted in the steering wheel or through the frame of the car. This vibration is accompanied by increased noise from under the hood as well.
- Lurching or thumping noise when starting - When starting the car, you notice something is lurching or thumping under the hood.
- You hear clunks or bangs from under your hood - Occasional noises, especially when going over bumps or shifting gears. The sound is like something is kicking or banging under the hood when the car is in motion.
Whether or not you hear any of the noises or symptoms described above, it's a good idea to periodically check your engine mounts for wear. This is especially true if your car is more than five years old or has more than 60,000 miles. Depending on the make and model of your car, you can locate the engine mounts under the hood, or by getting underneath the car. If you have to get under the car, make sure the vehicle is properly supported by a pair of ramps, jack stands, or lift. The engine mounts will usually connect the engine to the sides of the car near the suspension. Once you locate them, check the engine mounts for the following:
- Loose bolts or nuts - Sometimes the issues can be fixed by tightening the bolts or nuts that connect the engine to the engine mount, or the engine mount to the frame of the car.
- Bent, cracked, or broken metal - The engine mount is a large metal bracket. If it's cracked, broken, or appears bent out of shape, it will need to be replaced.
- Worn rubber or polyurethane bushings - Engine mounts use rubber or polyurethane bushings to reduce noise and vibration. Eventually, these parts wear out over time. If the bushings look cracked or are crumbling, or even missing, the engine mount needs to be replaced.
Why Do Engine Mounts Go Bad And How Do I Replace Them?
The most likely cause for a bad engine mount is wear and tear over time. But they can also go bad due to harsh driving conditions, frame or suspension damage, leaking fluids, or improper repairs on the engine or suspension of the vehicle.
The process to replace motor mounts varies by the year, make, and model of your vehicle. You will want to refer to your car's service or repair manual to make sure you not only know how to do the job but also have the correct parts and tools. As a general rule, you will need the following:
- Service or repair manual for your car
- A set of socket wrenches
- A set of combination wrenches
- Pry bar
- Lubricant or penetrating oil to free any stuck bolts
- Block of wood
- Safety glasses
Where To Buy OEM Replacement Engine Mounts
The best place to find quality OEM engine mounts is Suburban Auto Parts. We have a huge selection of genuine OEM parts and accessories in-stock and ready to ship. And because we have so many parts, we're able to offer discount pricing that most other OEM parts sellers can't match. Additionally, because our parts inventory is located in multiple warehouses, we're able to offer fast shipping to buyers anywhere in the continental U.S. When you buy from us, you can expect your parts will arrive as quickly as possible.
Best of all, our team of experts is ready to answer questions and help you find the parts you need - just call or email.