What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Engine Mount?
4 Answers
Engine mount failure primarily manifests as noise during vehicle startup. Below is a detailed introduction to automotive engine mounts: 1. Overview: An engine mount is a cushioning component that connects the engine to the vehicle frame. Most are made of rubber, while a minority use hydraulic components. Typically, engine mounts can last over 6 years without a defined replacement interval. However, they must be replaced immediately when showing signs of cracking, aging, or corrosion. 2. Function: The primary purpose of engine mounts is to reduce engine vibration transmission to the chassis. The rubber elements in engine mounts absorb resonance generated during engine operation. Some mounts also feature hydraulic pressure reduction capabilities. When damaged, engine vibration will propagate throughout the entire vehicle body.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and the most obvious sign of a broken engine mount is extremely noticeable vibration. When the car is idling, like at a red light, the steering wheel shakes intensely, and the seat vibrates too, just like a phone on vibrate mode. When you press the accelerator to speed up, you might hear a thumping noise under the hood, which gets louder when turning or braking hard. Checking it is simple: pop the hood, start the car, and have someone observe if the engine is moving excessively—large up-and-down swings mean the mount can't hold it anymore. The engine mount is a rubber vibration-damping part that cracks due to aging or driving too much on bumpy roads. If not replaced promptly, the vibrations spread through the car body, damaging the exhaust pipe or other components, creating safety risks. They’re more prone to fail in cold winter temperatures, so it’s best to visit a professional repair shop at the first sign of trouble to avoid costly and time-consuming fixes later.
Last time I had my engine mounts repaired, the experience was awful. At idle, the whole car was shaking, the steering wheel felt like a drum, and the seat vibrations made me numb, especially noticeable in parking garages. During acceleration or deceleration, there was a dull noise from the engine area, sometimes like something was hitting, and it got louder when turning. Upon inspection, I found the mount bushings were cracked due to rubber aging and oil leakage. Engine mounts are meant to secure the engine and absorb vibrations—when they fail, there's no cushion for the vibrations, making the steering wheel transmit discomfort directly and potentially damaging the transmission wiring harness. After the repair, everything became noticeably smoother, and the car felt lighter. Always pay attention to these signs while driving to catch issues early and avoid major repairs, like having a technician check the mount condition during regular maintenance.
I usually drive to and from work, and the symptoms of a broken engine mount are quite obvious: excessive vibration and noise. At idle, the steering wheel shakes back and forth, and the seat keeps vibrating, especially annoying when waiting at a red light. During acceleration or braking, there's a thumping sound from the engine area, like hitting a metal plate. The noise gets even worse when turning. This part is a rubber mount designed to absorb vibrations and prevent the engine from moving excessively. Over time, especially after driving on rough roads, it can wear out and crack. If ignored, the vibrations will spread further, causing everything inside the car to rattle. It's best to get it fixed as soon as you notice the issue. For example, after replacing it with a new mount, the car becomes much quieter.
