5 Problems a Bad Engine Mount Will Cause

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Engine motor mounts themselves are small parts that are meant to stabilize, as well as properly align, a vehicle’s engine. So, even though these mounts are small, they play a large role in the overall functionality of the heart of your vehicle. Moreover, when these supposedly small and minor aspects of the vehicle go bad, the mounts can cause a variety of problems for your vehicle. Consider these problems as “symptoms” because if you note the problems, you can understand your situation and act accordingly. Do not worry, these symptoms are quite obvious, so it is an easy task to spot them.

1. Engine Vibration

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 stall 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 especially 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.