Engine mounts are the component responsible for securing the engine of a vehicle to the chassis. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit a wide variety of needs, but they all serve the same purpose of mounting the engine and dampening engine vibration. They are usually made of metal and rubber. Metal is used to be able to withstand the force and torque generated by the engine, and rubber is used to absorb and dampen the vibrations. As engines generate a considerable amount of vibration in their regular operation, when there is a problem with the motor mounts, it can usually be quite noticeable. Usually problematic motor mounts will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential issue that should be serviced.

Symptoms of Worn Engine Mounts

1.Excessive vibrations

The first symptom to note is an excessive amount of engine vibration. Because motor mounts are meant to keep an engine secure, bad mounts will lead to an insecure engine that will bounce about. At times, there may be a sound emitting from the engine hinting of vibration, however, the more common symptom is a felt vibration on the passenger’s side. If you do not often have visitors sitting on the passenger’s side that can tell you something is wrong, place your hand on the passenger’s seat from time to time to check for excessive vibration.

2. Misalignment

Securing a motor not only fastens an engine, but aligns it, meaning that the engine’s height is ensured to be equal on all sides. If the motor mounts are in fact bad, the engine will sag and droop to one side. Again, there may be noises emitting from the engine that do not sound quite right. Inspect the engine to see if it is tilted. If so, your mounts aren't doing their job. However, if the engine is tilting excessively, an engine block may result. In other words, your car may stop in its tracks. Check the engine for drooping and, if so, replace any and all motor mounts as necessary.

3. Engine Damage

The third symptom is an extreme case. If motor mounts break off completely from an engine, and are not just loose or cracked, an engine can shift from one side to another, bouncing about. This presents a safety hazard if you are driving your vehicle in high speeds; the engine may shift and bounce about so violently that various parts will fly off.

4. Broken Belts and Hoses

Besides indirectly breaking engine parts, bad mounts can lead to damaged belts and hoses. Again, these various engine fan belts and radiator hoses will be damaged only during high speeds.

5. Excessive Noise

Earlier symptoms include parts that are simply not working, from engine parts to belts and hoses. However, the most common symptom is just excess noise. Note any knocking or clanking, as this general noise means something is wrong. It may mean one of the previous symptoms, or something completely new, but regardless of what the problem is, it means that you know something is wrong and to take your vehicle in for repairs immediately.

Due to the amount of vibration that engines generate as part of their regular operation, motor mounts are an important component on any vehicle. When they fail, this will not only make the cabin uncomfortable for the passengers, it can also place an additional strain that can damage other components. If you suspect that your motor mounts may be having an issue, have the vehicle inspected by a professional technician, such as one from CarMecx. They will be able to look over your vehicle and determine if it needs an engine mount replacement.

What Do Worn Engine Mounts Look Like

This is a worn engine mount taken from a Mercedes E Class that was suffering the dreaded excessive vibration. As you can see, the rubber has become perished and worn. Another sign is that it has become compressed in size resulting in a lot of engine movement.

The replacement engine mount clearly has much more rubber and is bigger in size. This adsorbs all of the vibrations from the engine and fixes the issue of discomfort throughout the car. Its important to note that not all engine mounts look the same and many give different symptoms to the driver.