Motor Mount Replacement - Changing Engine Mounts For Looseness and Vibration

Worn engine and transmission mounts can be theyourself with the engine off and the car in park. If you
cause of clunks, thumps and vibration. The purpose ofchoose to check the mounts this way, make sure that
the motor and transmission mounts, besides holdingthe hood is supported well. On more than one
them securely is to insulate the vibration from theoccasion, I've caught the car hood when it was closing
engine and transmission from the uni-body or frame ofbecause of weak hood supports. Some motor mounts
the vehicle. In fact some manufacturers even call themcan be visibly checked for worn or split rubber without
insulators NOT motor mounts. Sometimes motorthe need of torquing the engine back and forth.
mounts can be collapsed, greatly reducing their abilityWhen changing motor and transmission mounts, the
to absorb vibration from the engine. Collapsed mountscar should be supported by a floor jack and a block of
are the hardest to diagnose, since the rubber does notwood or supported from above with an engine
have to appear worn. Usually when checking enginesupport bar. I've also used jack stands and jack
mounts, one person will be in the driver's seat powerscrews under the car whiles it's up on the lift.
braking while another very trusting individual checks forTools Needed to Check & Change Motor Mounts
excessive movement in the mounts!
Looking at the mounts with a light while power braking1. A good flashlight or drop light.
in drive and reverse is typically done since broken2. Floor jack and/or jack stand.
mounts can allow for more movement in one direction3. Vehicle lift is nice but not always necessary.
or the other. Another way to check for worn mounts4. Jack screw if working with the car on a lift.
is to rock the car back and forth with your knees on5. Hand tools like wrenches, sockets, ratchets and
the bumper - this is a quick check that' easy to do byextensions.