What is an engine mount?

[BeauLee]

An engine mount refers to the connection point between the engine and the vehicle body. The functions of engine mounts are introduced as follows: Engine mounts eliminate resonance: When the engine is running, it generates certain vibrations. The engine mounts contain rubber components that can eliminate the resonance produced during engine operation. Pressure relief function of engine mounts: Some engine mounts also have a hydraulic oil pressure relief function. If the engine mount is damaged, the vibrations from the engine will cause the entire vehicle body to vibrate. Effects of damaged engine mounts: Typically, there are three engine mounts fixed to the vehicle frame. If one is damaged and not replaced in time, it will disrupt the balance and accelerate the damage to the other two.

[SanAngelo]

My car was shaking badly before, especially when idling at a red light, even the steering wheel was vibrating, sitting inside felt like being on a massage chair. Later, the mechanic said it was due to worn engine mounts, and replacing them solved the problem. The engine mount is the rubber bracket that fixes the engine in place, also known as the engine mount rubber. It sits between the engine and the car frame. Normally, the engine vibrates a lot during operation, and it's this rubber block that absorbs the vibrations. If it becomes old and cracked or leaks oil, the damping effect is lost, and the vibrations are directly transmitted into the cabin. This part usually lasts five to six years, but it wears out faster if you frequently drive on rough roads. When replacing, it's recommended to change both sides together; otherwise, mixing old and new mounts can lead to imbalance, and the shaking will persist while driving.

[VonDaisy]

I often remove and install engine mounts when repairing cars. These things are essentially vibration-damping cushions between the engine and the chassis. They consist of metal brackets clamping rubber or hydraulic fluid, designed like miniature shock absorbers. Every time the engine starts, it shakes violently, and it's the engine mounts that absorb the vibrations to prevent the whole car from trembling. If you notice increased resonance, thumping noises from the chassis during acceleration, or steering wheel vibrations, chances are the engine mounts are failing. Rubber components are particularly vulnerable to oil exposure and high temperatures—oil leaks in older cars can accelerate rubber degradation. When replacing engine mounts, pay attention to alignment; excessive misalignment can cause exhaust pipe deformation, potentially requiring rework.

[MacHaven]

When I first bought a car, I had no idea what an engine mount was. One day while driving, I suddenly noticed the steering wheel shaking so badly that I couldn't even keep my phone steady. An experienced driver told me it was because the rubber cushion of the engine mount had worn out. Turns out, this lump of rubber acts like slippers for the engine, isolating vibrations entirely. Now I understand—engine mounts are the connectors between the engine and the chassis, with the core being that vibration-damping rubber. Once the rubber cracks or hardens, it stops working, especially in manual transmission cars where gear shifts cause more impact. Repair shops can replace it by jacking up the engine; the part itself costs 200-300 RMB, but labor fees are even higher. After replacement, the whole world becomes quiet again, which shows how important regular maintenance is.

[Jeanette]

We seasoned drivers all know the importance of engine mounts. The engine runs at thousands of revolutions per minute, and without the cushioning of engine mounts, the entire chassis would shake itself apart. The most obvious sign of a bad engine mount is when the cabin shakes like a tractor at hot idle. There are usually three of these components, distributed on both sides and the rear of the engine. Hydraulic types are filled with damping fluid inside. If there are only slight cracks, you might get by, but if it's completely torn, it must be replaced immediately. Some cars are poorly designed with the engine mount hidden behind the engine, making it particularly difficult to remove. If you hear a metallic clanging sound, the metal part of the bracket might also be deformed, requiring a more thorough inspection.