Symptoms of a failing Engine Motor Mount

A very bumpy ride

Have you ever tried driving on a gravel or dirt road at a high speed? Hopefully the answer is “no,” unless you were somewhere safe and using an off-road vehicle. You probably noticed that ride had about as many vibrations as a wooden roller coaster, yeah? Well, that’s not the greatest sensation. But if one of your car’s motor mounts calls in sick to work, you could end up with a very bumpy ride. I shouldn’t have to explain why, if you’ve been paying any attention. The motor mounts absorb the vibrations from the engine, and keep them from getting to you in the cabin. If you’re feeling those vibrations, with a seat, steering wheel, and center consoles that are bouncing all over the place, then you very well may have a busted motor mount. This isn’t a massage chair at the mall. Vibrations while you drive might sound kind of enticing, but they really, truly are not.

Rattling and clunking noises

If the motor mounts in your car are beginning to go, the engine will shake and rattle more than usual, because it’s not held firmly in place by something that’s absorbing the movement. When this happens, the car will begin to make some rattling noises, that hopefully get your feelers up. If the mounts aren’t fixed, that will lead to a clunking noise whenever you put your car in gear, which will eventually evolve into a clunking noise whenever you use the gas pedal, brake pedal, or drive over any bumps. When your car talks, listen.

Leaks

Leaks under your car, or under anything really, are a bad sign. Hopefully that's not news to you. Many new cars have liquid-filled motor mounts, to aid in absorption. So, what do you think happens when the mount breaks? That’s right, the liquid spills out. There are a lot of different car issues that cause leaks, and, if we’re being honest, a malfunctioning engine mount is one of the least popular ones. But it can happen.