An engine mount on your vehicle provides the support required to keep the engine at place. They are often made of a sturdy rubber material that helps to absorb vibrations. In some cases, they are filled with a liquid solution to provide better performance and stability. A car will have at least two mounts, but some models will have four and may include a transmission mount. It all depends on what the manufacturers have deemed appropriate.
When an engine mount fails, you’ll feel all the vibrations from the engine throughout the car. It can take your ride from being smooth and quiet to a loud and shaking affair. Engine and transmission mounts do not generally need any maintenance, but they should be checked as a part of your regular car service. By looking for fluid leaking from the mounts or excessive wear it can be determined if a replacement is on the agenda. While you are checking the engine mount it can be a good idea to check the transmission mounts as well, as often when one fails the others should be replaced or are soon to fail as well.
If any of the engine mounts in your car need replacing, this is a job best left for the professional mechanic. The engine will require some support while the mounts are being replaced and most home mechanics do not have the equipment to do the job properly or safely. Overall, the job is not heavily involved and can be completed reasonably quickly.
For complete examination, book a mobile mechanic from Lube Mobile to attend to your car. We can come to your home or business and complete many car repairs. For larger jobs, we can arrange for your car to be transported to one of our many workshops. We have over 190 vans operating all over Australia including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. For a complete list of the areas we service, you can check our website or call us on 13 30 32.
How do engine mounts work?
They provide support and keep the engine from creating problems to the chassis and occupants of the car. Without the mounts the engine would be bolted directly to the steel mounts and you would feel every movement that the engine makes.
With a few exceptions there are two main types of engine and transmission mounts:
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Hydraulic
Mounts
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Solid
Rubber Mounts
The benefits of one over the other are that hydraulic mounts can be finely tuned for specific purposes, however, for many, the cost of these outweighs the benefits. If you are replacing the mounts in your car, choosing the style that your manufacturer prefers is often the best way of getting the correct performance.
A hydraulic mount is filled with a fluid or oil solution. These mounts are high quality, but the downside is generally they are not as durable as solid rubber mounts and will not last as long. Rubber mounts are highly suitable for most engines and are capable of holding many types of engines in place. These are the most common mounts you’ll find in cars, as they are cheap and effective. When you purchase a high-end vehicle, you’ll often come across hydraulic mounts among other types.
When to replace engine mounts?
Engine and transmission mounts are usually replaced when they begin to deteriorate or have failed. When you have your car in for a service, the mechanic should perform an overall check on the car, including the engine mounts. If they spot something unusual, like fluid leaking near a mount then all other problems areas will be investigated first, as mounts do not fail as commonly as other parts.
Once it has been determined that an engine mount is the cause of an issue they should be replaced as quickly as possible. While it is possible to drive a car with a damaged engine mount it is very dangerous and can cause further problems to your car and other road users, as the engine is essentially floating around the engine bay. If you need to have the mounts replaced you can call on a mechanic from Lube Mobile.
How long should engine mounts last?
As a general rule, your engine mount has been made to last a very long time. But they can wear down and may need to be replaced every 5-7 years. Having them checked will give you a good guide for when they need to get replaced. A quality mechanic will inspect the mounts and decide if they are good to keep working in your car or if they should get replaced.
While 5-7 years is a conservative estimate, in many cases a high-quality engine mount can last for the lifetime of the car. However, this does vary based on what the car or truck is used for. If you drive on very uneven roads which can result in the engine moving around more than usual, then you may need to replace the mounts sooner.
As with most items on your car it all depends on how it is driven and in what conditions. If you have recently purchased a car and are not too sure of its history you should have it assessed by a qualified mechanic to see if the engine mount is in good condition.
