Why Does the Engine Mount Leak Oil?
3 Answers
Engine mounts are made of metal and serve the purpose of buffering and shock absorption. Some vehicle mounts are hydraulic and contain oil; leakage occurs due to aging of the mount rubber. Function of engine mount rubber: When the engine is operating, it generates certain vibrations. The engine mount rubber contains rubber components that can eliminate resonance produced during engine operation. Replacement cycle for engine mounts: Engine mounts are not wear-prone components, so there is no fixed replacement interval. They do not need to be replaced as long as there are no issues. When increased engine vibration is felt inside the vehicle, the engine mount rubber should be inspected. If aging or deformation is observed in the engine mount rubber, replacement is necessary.
Engine mount leakage is mainly because it contains hydraulic oil for shock absorption, and the aging or cracking of the sealing ring is the most common cause. Rubber components harden and crack under high temperatures and engine vibrations, leading to oil seepage. I've disassembled many cars and found that older vehicles or those frequently driven long distances are more prone to this issue. High-vibration engines, such as diesel engines, wear out faster. After leakage, the car's shaking worsens, making the ride uncomfortable and potentially damaging other components. It's recommended to regularly check for oil stains around the mount and replace it promptly to avoid minor issues turning into major repairs. Driving smoothly, reducing sudden acceleration and braking, can extend the mount's lifespan.
As an average car owner, I've experienced engine mount oil leaks several times. Usually it's due to seal wear, causing oil to slowly seep out. Frequent driving or poor road conditions, like going over speed bumps often, can accelerate aging. After the leak occurs, the car shakes noticeably, especially at idle. Once I ignored this issue, and the engine vibration became so severe it nearly made contact with other components. Later, I spent some money replacing the mount, which fixed the problem. I recommend having technicians check it during routine maintenance - early detection and treatment is better than waiting until it becomes serious.
