How to Tell if the Engine Mount is Bad?
2 Answers
Methods to determine if the engine mount is bad: 1. You will clearly feel the steering wheel shaking when the engine is idling, and you will also distinctly sense vibrations while sitting in the seat; 2. The RPM remains steady, but you can perceive engine shaking; 3. Abnormal noises occur during rapid acceleration or deceleration while driving; 4. Automatic transmission vehicles may experience a mechanical impact sensation when shifting into drive or reverse gear; 5. Unusual noises may emanate from the chassis during vehicle start-up or braking. The engine mount is a cushion designed to prevent the vibrations generated by the engine's high-speed rotation from being transmitted to the vehicle body. Once it is damaged, significant resonance occurs between the engine and the frame, leading to body shaking and various abnormal noises.
I've been driving for almost ten years and mainly rely on the vibration felt through the steering wheel to judge engine mount issues. Recently, I noticed that the steering wheel shakes particularly noticeably at red lights, even the seat trembles, especially when in D gear with the brake pressed, but the vibration lessens in neutral. Later, when I opened the hood, I saw the engine shaking twice as much as when it was new, with obvious cracks in the rubber mounts. This kind of vibration is different from tire imbalance, which only occurs at high speeds. Metal clanging sounds are another signal, with a distinct 'clunk' from the chassis when reversing being particularly obvious. I recommend repairing it as soon as possible, as long-term severe vibrations may damage the transmission mount and exhaust pipe connections.
