What Are the Effects of a Broken Engine Mount?
3 Answers
The effects of a broken engine mount include idle vibration, steering wheel shaking, and severe body vibration. Here are the details: 1. Engine Mount: The engine mount is a rubber buffer block that connects the engine to the frame, reducing the vibration transmitted from the engine to the cabin, ensuring smoother and more stable engine operation, and providing a better driving experience. 2. Effects: A damaged engine mount primarily affects engine vibration. High-speed engine noise may be related to gradual wear and aging of the engine, and the impact of a worn-out engine mount used for 1-2 years is not particularly significant. Sometimes, changing to a high-quality engine oil can significantly improve engine vibration and noise. Under normal use, engine mounts can last more than 6 years, and there is no specific replacement interval. However, if inspection reveals signs of cracking, aging, or corrosion in the engine mount, it must be replaced.
A couple of days ago while driving, I noticed the steering wheel was shaking violently. When stopped at a red light in D gear with the brakes on, the whole car was vibrating, even the seat was shaking, and it was unbearably noisy. During acceleration, there was uneven power delivery with noticeable jerking, and going over speed bumps produced loud 'dong dong' sounds from the engine bay. Later inspection revealed the engine mount had failed - replacing it immediately restored quietness and eliminated all vibrations. Driving with a failed mount is particularly torturous - the steering wheel vibrates until your hands go numb, and interior trim pieces rattle incessantly. My advice: get it checked at the first sign of vibration. Don't wait until a long-distance trip makes you suffer. Fix it early to restore that smooth driving experience - it makes all the difference.
Don't delay replacing a broken engine mount, or you'll face bigger troubles. The engine relies on it to absorb vibrations. Once it fails, the engine may sag, potentially damaging the exhaust pipe or half-shaft, leading to higher repair costs. Moreover, one failed mount increases the load on others, causing them to wear out prematurely, ultimately transmitting all vibrations to the chassis. Excessive vibrations make driving uncomfortable and can damage chassis components like suspension bushings. I've seen owners delay repairs until the engine bracket deformed, doubling the repair costs. So, if you notice abnormal body vibrations, replacing it early is the most cost-effective solution.
