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5 Signs You Need to Replace Worn Engine Mounts



GLC 250 4 matic ( 2016 )



An engine mount’s primary purpose is to secure an engine into machinery and absorb any shocks and vibrations when the machinery is operating. Engine mounts and anti-vibration mounts are essential for preventing damage to the engine and improving operator comfort (where applicable). But what happens when engine mounts need replacing? And, do you know the symptoms of worn engine mounts? We answer both of these questions in this post.


How to Tell if Engine Mounts Need Replacing


Being aware of these symptoms of damaged/worn engine mounts will help you to identify when they need replacing:


1. Increased Vibrations

One of the most common engine mount symptoms is increased vibrations while using your vehicle. If you start your engine and notice that it is making more noise than usual and you can feel more vibrations than usual, this is a key sign of a worn engine mount that may need replacing. If an engine mount is damaged, its anti-vibration properties weaken. An increase in vibrations leads to the engine making more of a sound than usual – something that can be extremely damaging to an engine if it continues for a long time.

2. Rocky Start

Upon starting a machine, you may notice an excessive lurch that doesn’t feel or sound healthy. This is another one of the most common symptoms of worn engine mounts. This lurch often steadies into a constant vibration, but you may then also experience a lurch when turning the ignition off.

3. A Bumpier Ride

An engine mount that needs replacing can often cause a jolt when changing gears on an attached transmission. This jolt or thump can also be noticeable when travelling at faster speeds due to the engine working harder. If your machine doesn’t feel as smooth as usual, this can often be down to a damaged engine mount.

4. Impact Noises

Engine mount noise is a by-product of engine mount failure. A worn engine mount can often lead to ‘clunks’ and ‘bangs’ within its surroundings or within the engine bay. This noise is due to the engine moving around more than normal and making contact with other components, which in turn can cause impact sounds that become quite noticeable.

5. Visual Wear

With use, the metal part of an engine mount does change in appearance. However, if you can see any significant corrosion, cracks or warps to the part, excessive wear will likely be occurring to the rest of the mount. If you notice any cracks or flaking to the rubber aspect of an engine mount, this can potentially limit its performance depending on the severity of the cracks and the root cause. The effectiveness of engine mounts relies on their form and shape, as any changes can damage the engine. If you notice any of these signals, you should look into replacing engine mounts as quickly as possible.




How Long do Engine Mounts Last?


Usually, engine mounts should last between at least 5-7 years, depending on the application. Still, we recommend getting them checked regularly when the vehicle is being serviced or when any other work is being carried out. This should maintain your engine and keep your driving experience as smooth as possible.


Engine Mounting

Gearbox Mounting


What Happens if I Don’t Change my Motor Mounts?


No matter the quality of your engine mounts, they all begin to wear down after usage and eventually require replacement. Not replacing an engine mount that is past its prime can lead to the following:


1.Road risk

If an engine mount breaks off from an engine, there will no longer be effective support. Damaged components can create a safety hazard for yourself and other motorists if other components break or fly off due to engine mount wear.


2. Damage to the engine

Engine movement or misalignment may occur as a result of engine mount failure. Broken or worn engine mounts may cause the engine to slide around in all directions in the engine bay, something that is particularly noticeable when accelerating or driving at high speeds.


3. Damage caused to other components

The vibration generated from worn engine mounts can have a noticeable impact on other vehicle components, such as fan belts or radiator hoses, leading to stretching or snapping. So, replacing worn engine mounts is vital to the overall health of your machine.

If you experience any of these symptoms of worn engine mounts or suspect any of the reasons above may be relevant to your vehicle, it’s best to get the engine checked out and consider replacing the engine mounts.

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