What is an engine mount and where is it located?
Engine mounts, also commonly referred to as motor mounts, along with transmission mounts, are responsible for holding the car or truck’s engine and transmission firmly in place to the frame of the vehicle. They also serve to dampen vibration from the engine to increase the ride comfort. Location and quantity vary by vehicle, but you will typically find them attached to heavy duty supports, like the vehicle’s frame or the radiator support.
Most motors mounts are usually made of metal and a rubber insert, save for a few fancy exceptions that incorporate a hydraulic fluid. The metal component of the motor mount attaches to the engine at one end and typically to the heavy duty support – such as the vehicle’s frame - at the other, securing it in place even as you slam your foot on the accelerator. The piece of rubber is located in-between the conjoined metal parts and acts as a buffer, absorbing the vibrations that are given off by the engine when the vehicle is in operation so that it doesn’t move and shake all over the place uncontrollably.
How do I know if my engine mount needs to be replaced?
Engine mounts typically fail because the rubber section has separated from the metal sections. This can be due to excessive vibration from the engine, chemical contamination from under the hood leaking, or drastic change in temperature. On vehicles that use hydraulic-filled mounts, loss of this fluid can cause the mount to collapse. When the mounts fail, the engine vibration will be noticeably greater visually and felt more in the cabin. This can begin to wear out or even seriously damage parts of the engine or other systems if it gets bad enough.
The stability that motor mounts provide for the car or truck’s engine allows the vehicle to function properly. Without them to restrain the powerful engine, the resulting thrust from it would cause unmentionable havoc and damage to parts and connections as it shifted and bucked violently in its compartment like a wild bull. Therefore, properly working motor mounts are essential for your engine as just having one faulty mount can cause a lot of trouble for your vehicle. If you need a replacement motor mount for your vehicle, you should get one and install it as soon as possible.
Can I replace the motor mount myself?
Replacing motor mounts varies in difficulty. On upper mounts, removal typically requires basic tools and just requires unbolting to swap out. Lower mounts are a bit more complicated and can require an engine hoist. Since all of the engine weight is placed on them, the engine will need to be lifted and supported in order to safely remove and install the mounts.
