What are the reasons for increased vibration after replacing engine mounts?
3 Answers
The reasons for increased vibration after replacing engine mounts are: 1. Drive shaft issues: For front-wheel drive vehicles, you can replace both half-shafts; for rear-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles, you can remove the rear drive shaft for testing. 2. Wheel hub deformation or tire deformation: You can swap the front and rear tires for testing - if the vibration stops, it indicates slight deformation in the front tires or wheel hubs. The functions of engine mounts are: 1. To reduce resonance between the body and engine, minimizing resonance noise. 2. To alleviate gear shift jerkiness. The location of engine mounts is vertically below the coolant reservoir and beneath the exhaust pipe behind the engine.
As a seasoned auto repair veteran with years of experience, increased vibration after replacing engine mounts most commonly stems from improper installation. For instance, if the new mount isn’t tightened properly or is misaligned, it fails to absorb engine vibrations and instead amplifies them. Another possibility is subpar mount quality—material that’s too stiff rather than pliable, transmitting vibrations directly. A mismatched model (e.g., incorrect height/size versus OEM specs) can also worsen vibrations. When old mounts are severely worn, new replacements may expose weaknesses in the engine suspension, making vibrations more noticeable. The solution? Immediately return to the repair shop for re-inspection and proper tightening of the installation—prolonged vibration risks damaging drivetrain components.
I've replaced the engine mounts a few times myself. After the most recent replacement with new mounts, the vibration became even more intense, shaking the seats noticeably. Upon analysis, the main issue is likely the new mounts being unsuitable—either they were carelessly installed and misaligned, or they were cheap parts with poor vibration absorption, possibly even slightly undersized, causing the engine to vibrate unsupported. Another possibility is that during replacement, the wear condition of the old mounts wasn't properly noted, and after installing the new ones, vibration issues from other components became more pronounced. It's advisable to test drive immediately after replacement. If the vibration is severe, promptly switch brands or return to the shop for adjustment—don't wait until the engine mounts get damaged.
