Engine Mount

What Happens if Your Engine Mount Breaks?

The engine mount, or motor mount, is a structural component designed to securely connect your vehicle's engine to its frame and absorb engine movement and vibration for a more comfortable drive. Engine mounts are typically composed of two metal mounting plates connected by a stabilizing rubber insulator. One mounting plate is bolted to your vehicle's engine while the other is secured to its frame. The plates and insulator of your motor mounts maintain your engine's stability while driving or revving your vehicle. The rubber insulators absorb any engine vibrations, ensuring these movements aren't felt within the vehicle's interior by the driver or passengers. The insulators also cushion the engine and drivetrain against road shock when driving over bumps or uneven terrain. Over time, the rubber insulators of your motor mounts can break down, allowing the engine to shift or shake in the engine bay. If you notice unusually harsh or frequent vibrations while operating your vehicle, this could be a sign of separated or ruptured insulators in the engine mount. You might also hear any range of unusual clattering, banging, or rattling sounds coming from your engine during hard acceleration. This might happen when shifting or when taking off after being stopped. Most of these symptoms are caused by the motor mounts separating, allowing the engine to move more than it should. Damaged motor mounts should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine, wiring, hoses, and other parts inside the engine compartment. When it is time to replace or repair your vehicle's motor mounts, O'Reilly Auto Parts carries the parts you may need to restore your ride, including motor mounts, transmission mounts, and more for nearly any vehicle on the road.