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How long can I drive on a bad Motor Mount?

D

Dr Cedric

New member
So, it all started after I replaced my rack+pinion mid September. That install took longer than I wanted, with the subframe lowered for more than a day while I was figuring things out. About a week later I noticed the engine vibrating and after some research decided it was the motor mounts. I procrastinated for a while but finally got them switched this weekend. Problem: the vibration is still there. Looking at the new motor mount (passenger side) it looks flatter/squishier than the old mount that was very cracked and totally destroyed. I plan to order another mount (the install was pretty easy actually) but am wondering how quickly I should get the new part and put it in. Will my engine totally die.. is it already too late?

TL;DR
drove 6 weeks on a bad motor mount, just installed a new one but it is broke too. How long can I wait before the engine is in trouble? I drive about 50 miles highway every day for work.

Thanks!
 


As long as it's not completely unattached, you should be fine. I've bought a few before finally just going solid. There's a write-up, I'll see if I can find it. Basically, you drill two holes, drain fluid, fill with some sort of polyurethane filling and allow like a week to dry. Haven't had any problems since then. Many companies, especially rockauto sell "solid" mounts that end up not being solid at all (either hydraulic or just empty).
 
The pieces are still intact, just not doing what they're supposed to. I think I'll head to O'Reilly or NAPA and grab one from there, 50 bucks isn't too much, and maybe I can get the guy to promise its solid :)
 
Update:

So, I just changed the "old-new" one for a "new-new" one. Old one definitely seemed like it was leaking, lots of clear, what I assume to be, hydraulic fluid. Other one went in just fine, got everything tightened up, and hit the highway. Unfortunately, the vibration is still there. Could it be coming from the upper mounts? They are as old as the car (2002), but would they allow this much shaking? Shaking only happens under acceleration, and if I'm cruising 65+ mph, also when going uphill(ish). If it is the upper mounts, is it easier to change the bushings or should I get a whole new assembly?

Stinking repairs... I should get a new car :P
 
Sounds like a bad axle and not motor mount related at all.

When you accelerate you are putting a load on the axle and it can vibrate, then when you let off the throttle the load is taken away and so does the vibration.
 
I've changed the passenger axle a few years ago, never had an issue with vibration until i did the rack. Before I changed the mounts when I made a right hand turn (into my neighborhood e.g.) i would hear clicking/popping, but nothing with a left turn. After the new mounts that is gone, and now only vibration with acceleration/load. Does that still seem axle more than mount?

Edit: If the front tire can rotate a bit (a few degrees) while off the ground does that indicate the Axle? Ugh, I'd rather be upgrading than fixing...
 
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Mounts can make you feel the vibration more, some cars always have a ton no matter what you do. Key here is.. you just replaced it, it's not actually bad and it won't hurt your engine.
 
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