Car engine mount rear and front

How to identify faulty engine and transmission mounts

When assessing the state of the component, it is necessary to consider many parameters:

• displacement of the friction elements relative to the basic surface;
• the degree of components wear;
• the nature of sounds in the freeplays of swivel joints;
• effect of friction forces;
• spectral content of the vibration.

To obtain detailed information about malfunctions, it is recommended to check the component at a service station.

You may notice that the gearbox mounts require diagnostics by the following symptoms:

• the engine gets overheated often;
• unusual sounds are heard;
• strong vibration.

The reasons of engine and transmission mounts malfunctions

During operation, engine mounts are exposed to heavy loads. Rubber parts lose their serviceability due to temperature changes. In the winter, rubber often loses its elasticity and cracks to complete destruction; in the summer, it heats up and gets deformed.

Premature wear of engine mounts may be explained by their poor quality. Their service life may reach 100,000 km of mileage, and even more, but aggressive driving style significantly reduces it.

Mechanical damage is often caused by improper assembly, or by violation of the rules of the component operation. Stones and other debris that hit the component during vehicle movement contribute to its destruction.

The mount may also detach from the engine. It usually happens due to deterioration of the fastenings and to their loosening due to severe vibrations.

Replacing engine and transmission mounts

Most often, this component is replaced, rather than repaired. Repair is not done in the following cases:

• changes in the shape of the rubber damping element, or micro-cracks in it;
• detachment of the rubber pad;
• damaged bushes or grooves.

Replacement of engine mounts requires using a jack. It will be required to support the engine and the gearbox. Before starting the work, disconnect the negative terminal from the battery. When installing new mounts, pay special attention to thoroughly tightening the fasteners.