Motor Mounts

Signs that Your Car Needs a Motor Mount Replacement

Whether you drive a sporty sedan, family minivan, deluxe SUV, compact crossover or a lifted pickup truck, if your vehicle uses internal combustion of gasoline or diesel, then your engine is producing a consistent, powerful force. A vehicle's engine, which weighs several hundred pounds, generates high heat and constant vibrations, which is why this major automotive system needs secured and stabilized in a strong, protective housing.

A standard vehicle typically has four shock-absorbing motor mounts (also called engine mounts), which you should not confuse with transmission mounts. A motor mount bracket anchors each engine mount in two places: to the engine and to the vehicle's internal framework. If your engine mount, including struts, bolts and bushings, is not operating as designed, then the forceful vibrations of your engine will transfer to other critical systems, thus knocking loose other engine components, parts, gaskets, seals and wires.

An engine held correctly by motor mounts should never jostle out of position or physically move back and forth. If your vehicle is involved in an accident or if you are purchasing a used vehicle, perform a physical inspection to ensure your engine is sitting in a balanced, level position; it should not tilt or droop to one side or the other. A bad engine mount will show signs of cracking, splitting and breaking apart entirely.

Even with proper care and safe driving, engine mounts wear down over time, which means your vehicle will need a motor mount replacement at some point in its operational life. The rubber surrounding the mounts will eventually harden. Plus, the longer this automotive job is ignored, the old, stiff, brittle rubber will not absorb the engine's vibrations, creating a lot of noise, chaos and damage in the engine bay.

If you hear clanking or banging from repeated impacts under your hood, and if those sounds intensify when you accelerate, it is possibly time to replace an engine mount or four. Do you see any significant corrosion or warping? Is the rubber flaking or peeling? If you notice any leaks around your engine, immediately schedule a service appointment to fix the leak. Engine oil can soften the motor mount rubber, loosening the grip and leading to engine mount failure.

Harness the Power of Your Engine

A high-quality front motor mount or rear motor mount could last the life of a vehicle. Still, our NAPA experts recommend a physical examination every five years or so, depending on the use of your hard-working ride. A rubber motor mount, commonly found in commuter vehicles and older models, prevents metal-to-metal contact.

The NAPA Balkamp Front Motor Mount is manufactured from a high-grade steel with a corrosion-resistant coating or cast from pure aluminum. Each housing is then bonded with a blended rubber compound, ensuring proper absorption of vibrations. NAPAOnline sells engine mounts from top brands like Pioneer and Bosch, as well as our own line of NAPA Mounts that come with 12-Month Warranties and a Sure-Fit System, which involves testing on vehicle-specific applications to ensure a hassle-free installation.

A polyurethane motor mount is recommended for performance vehicles designed for rapid acceleration and downshifting during a race or heavy-duty fleet vehicles that move large loads of dirt, both of which are operating conditions that cause the frame and components of a vehicle to shift and shake more than normal.

Some aftermarket engine mounts include a seamless hydraulic fill and electronic control when necessary. Fluid-filled mounts, which further decrease engine vibration, are widely used in modern luxury vehicles. Active mounts are either controlled electronically or use a small vacuum chamber to absorb rough vibrations and certain shock frequencies. Check out the NAPA Hydraulic Motor Mount or Pioneer Engine Torque Strut.

Leave Engine Mounting to the Experts

There is no such thing as repairing a damaged engine mount. To ensure the utmost safety and security, any 'repair job' should involve a complete swap out of broken motor mounts. If you think you have a bad motor mount, do not delay this necessary automotive work. A cracked mount can cause fluid leaks or complete engine failure, which takes the cost of a simple replacement from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. If you are worried about the labor cost to replace an engine mount and would like to utilize your aspiring mechanic skills, follow these Nine Steps for Replacing a Motor Mount.

However, keep in mind that certain engine mounts are load bearing, which means they support a large portion of the engine's weight to diffuse vibrations. Load-bearing engine mounts are more difficult to replace, and automotive technicians may need to use engine support bars or jacks for this more complicated job. Most modern vehicles also have tight, cramped engine compartments, which require taking out several parts and various systems to complete the 'repair' process. This expertise and professional labor is often worth the investment. When in doubt, take your vehicle to a local NAPA AutoCare Center near you for an engine mount replacement.