What are Motor Mounts

Motor mounts are responsible for securing your vehicle’s motor to the chassis. Also known as engine mounts, they typically consist of small pieces of metal and rubber. One side connects to the motor while the other connects to the chassis. Motor mounts, unfortunately, don’t last forever. Research shows that most of them last for about five to eight years, at which point they’ll need to be replaced. How do you know if your vehicle’s motor mounts have gone bad?

#1) Out-of-Position Motor

Being that they are designed to hold your vehicle’s motor in place, bad motor mounts can cause your vehicle’s engine to shift out of position. If you open the hood and notice that your motor has moved, it could be a sign of bad motor mounts. As your motor vibrates, it will move around the engine bay since the motor mounts are no longer able to hold it in place.

#2) Metal-on-Metal Noise

You may hear a metal-on-metal “clanging” noise when driving if your vehicle’s motor mounts have gone bad. Nearly all vehicles have a metal chassis. To prevent the motor from knocking against the metal chassis, automakers use motor mounts. When motor mounts fail, your motor may knock against the metal chassis while creating a “clanging” noise in the process.

#3) Rattling Noise

In addition to a metal-to-metal noise, you may hear a “rattling” noise if your vehicle’s motor mounts have gone bad. The “rattling” noise will usually occur when your motor is running. In most cases, it will increase in response to your vehicle’s RPMs. The higher the RMPs, the stronger the “rattling” noise will be.

#4) Excessive Vibrations

Perhaps the most common sign of bad motor mounts is excessive vibrations. Motors produce a substantial amount of vibrations. Because they are made of rubber, motor mounts can absorb these vibrations – but only if they are good. If your vehicle’s motor mounts have failed, you can expect more and stronger vibrations when running driving.

#5) Damaged Belts or Hoses

While not as common as the other signs mentioned here, bad motor mounts may cause damage to various belts or hoses as well. As the motor moves around, it may damage nearby hoses or belts. Maybe you notice a slipped serpentine belt, or perhaps a coolant hose has been knocked off the motor. Regardless, you should inspect the belts and hoses near your motor if you believe your vehicle’s motor mounts have gone bad.