How to replace engine mounts?

Your car's internal combustion engine rotates and vibrates at high speeds every time you drive. But you don't feel it, and you don't shake from these constant movements. Why is that? Because the engine mount stabilizes the engine, absorbs these vibrations and prevents them from damaging other components, and provides a comfortable ride.

Engine mounts connect the engine to the rest of the vehicle. The engine is attached to the chassis via engine mounts. But they do more than just hold the engine in place. To prevent the engine from moving too much and causing unwanted vibration and rattling that could affect vehicle performance and safety, engine mounts are equipped with fluid-filled rubber bushings.

A faulty or worn engine mount is one of the leading causes of engine vibration and noise. While this can be a concern for vehicle owners, by understanding why they fail, what to check and how to replace them, you can help your customers keep their vehicles running smoothly for a quiet, comfortable ride. In this article, MOSTPLUS advises you on how best to perform this maintenance.

What are the symptoms of a faulty engine mount?

A quick visual inspection can often reveal wear or damage such as cracks, tears, fluid leaks or separations in the rubber-metal bond. However, there are some common symptoms to look for:

• Engine movement:Since engine mounts are designed to hold the engine in the compartment, excessive engine movement that gets worse under acceleration is one of the first signs that something is wrong.
• Engine noise:Excessive movement is likely to produce unusual noises. Listen for any knocking or rattling noises coming from the engine compartment during hard acceleration or engine braking.
• Excessive Vibration: Another symptom of a defective or failing engine mount is the presence of excessive vibration. When the rubber or vibration dampening parts of the engine mount wear out or break, the mount's ability to absorb engine vibration is greatly reduced. Unabsorbed engine vibration will cause the entire vehicle to vibrate, which can make driving uncomfortable.
• Engine misalignment:Faulty or damaged engine mounts will cause the engine to move during operation. If the engine mounts are in good condition, they should be able to hold the engine firmly in the engine compartment. However, if they are worn or broken, the engine may move forward, backward, or sideways in the engine compartment. This movement may be particularly noticeable when accelerating and may be accompanied by some sort of impact noise.
• Component damage: At higher speeds, defective engine mounts can damage other parts such as coolant hoses, fan belts and exhaust pipes. So it's important to look for signs of damage.

When to replace a silent block or engine mount?

Knowing when to replace a defective silent block or engine mount is essential to avoiding costly breakdowns and keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Here are some guidelines to help you determine when to replace:

• Visible Symptoms:Look for signs of engine mount failure. Jolts when starting or accelerating, noticeable steering wheel vibration, jumping gears, or a clutch that chatters when shifting gears can be symptoms of a silent block or a worn engine mount;
• High mileage:Although the average life of a silent block is about 300,000 km, it's a good idea to check the condition of your engine mounts regularly, especially if your vehicle has been driven a long distance. As you approach this threshold, or if you notice signs of wear, consider replacing them;
• General vehicle wear and tear:If your vehicle is experiencing other signs of wear and tear, such as unusual noises, steering instability, or suspension problems, it's a good idea to check the condition of the silent blocks. Faulty engine mounts can exacerbate these problems and cause further damage;
• Preventive Maintenance:As part of your vehicle's preventive maintenance program, we recommend that you have your engine mounts inspected by a professional regularly. They will be able to assess their condition and advise you on the need for replacement.

How do I replace a failed engine mount?

With the right tools and know-how, replacing an engine mount is a relatively simple task. Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform a best-practice repair:

• Begin by lifting and securing the vehicle.
• Remove the plastic covers from the engine, keeping the bolts in a safe place.
• Use an engine brace to ensure the engine is properly supported while the brace is removed.
• Depending on the vehicle, you may need to remove other supports to gain access to the engine mounts.
• Soak all bolts in penetrating oil for a few minutes.
• Use a socket wrench or wrench to loosen the bolts and remove the engine mounts.
• Compare the old and new mounts to make sure you have the correct part - note the position of the mounting points.
• Insert the new engine mounts into the frame and tighten the bolts by hand. You may need to adjust the position of the engine to align the threads.
• Then tighten all bolts to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended torque as indicated in the owner's manual.
• Replace the removed support elements.
• You can now remove the engine support bracket and replace the hood.
• Finally, lower the vehicle to the ground and ask a colleague to shift through the gears to check for the presence/absence of excessive engine movement and/or vibration.

Can I replace the engine mount myself to save money?

You can save on replacement costs by doing the work yourself. But you'll need sufficient skill and the right tools. To replace the rear or transmission mount, you will need the proper tools to drop or lift the engine. If the job is more complex and you lack the skills, hiring a professional is always best.

Can I ride with a bad engine mount?

We don't recommend riding with a bad engine mount. Riding with a bad engine mount can make problems worse. So if you find a problem with your motor mount, make sure to notice it. If you don't fix it, it can affect the operation of the engine and other components, costing you thousands of dollars and causing even bigger problems. It's always a good idea to have your car serviced and checked for problems regularly. Almost all auto repair shops offer engine mount replacement services.

Conclusion

Check engine mounts every seven years to avoid major damage to your vehicle. This will help you anticipate any major maintenance issues if you notice any signs of deterioration, repair or replace the engine mounts immediately before the situation gets worse.