Broken engine mount: here are the 5 definitive symptoms

Broken engine mount: here are the 5 definitive symptoms

What are engine mounts?

The engine mount is the automotive component responsible for securing the engine firmly to the car's chassis, while minimizing the vibrations created by the running engine. Without engine mounts, all the vibrations produced by the engine would be transferred to the body and passengers, making driving very unpleasant.

Engine mounts are usually made of one piece of steel and one piece of rubber to prevent metal-to-metal contact and reduce vibrations as much as possible. More advanced engine mounts are then filled with a liquid that increases the vibration absorption capacity.


Typically, each engine is supported by at least 3 engine mounts rising to 4 on cars with larger engines.

Why does the engine mount break?

The strong vibrations to which they are constantly subjected and the exposureto atmosphericagents are one of the main causes of wear and tear of the engine mounts.

Very often the rubber that dampens vibrations dries out and cracks, creating an uneven surface on which the engine mount rests. Metal mounts can also wear out or break completely. In both cases, the engine is no longer supported properly and this causes the symptoms of a broken engine mount to appear.

What are the symptoms of a broken engine mount?

The symptoms of a broken engine mount should always be taken into account due to the importance of having the engine firmly attached to the car's chassis. Let's immediately see what the 5 symptoms of a broken engine mount are:


  1. Engine misalignment
  2. Engine vibrations
  3. Engine damage
  4. Excessive noise
  5. Damage to the belts

1st symptom broken engine mount: misalignment

The car's engine is designed to work efficiently when it is positioned efficiently. If the engine tilts to one side, the components inside it will no longer work properly and this can cause long-term damage.

One of the main symptoms of engine mount breakage is abnormalengine misalignment. As an experienced eye, this alignment can be seen by simply lifting the hood. For the less experienced, it may be necessary to use a blacksmith's bubble or a mechanic's opinion.

2nd symptom broken engine mount: engine vibrations

One of the clearest symptoms of a broken engine mount is an excessive and abnormal amount of engine vibration. As long as only one of the engine mounts is worn, it is impossible to stabilize and align the engine correctly.

An engine that is not properly secured will tend to shake more than it should and create vibrations that can be felt from inside the passenger compartment. The best way to check for these vibrations is to focus on a fixed point in the car and see if anything is out of the ordinary.

If the vibrations are really too much, then you should check the integrity of the engine mounts.

3rd symptom of engine mount breakage: engine damage

One of the worst symptoms that can occur is engine damage. This symptom is very general and could also arise due to other problems. If an engine mount breaks completely, the engine will no longer be securely attached to the chassis.


Thus, with every jerk , tw ist or speed change the engine will move and crash in the engine compartment. Parts inside the engine could be damaged if not completely separated.

Obviously, other components inside the engine compartment will also be damaged by the uncontrolled bouncing of the steel mass.

4th symptom of engine mount failure: Excessive noise

One of the clearest symptoms of engine mount failure or any car problem in general isexcessive engine compartment noise. Whether it's worn out or completely broken, a malfunctioning engine mount creates loud vibrations and noise that even the least experienced driver would recognize.


Excessive noise can be due to the engine hitting other components, engine internals not working properly, or many other reasons. Therefore, the important thing is to recognize when there are abnormal sounds that do not bode well, stop the car and seek help from a specialist.

5th symptom broken engine support: broken belts

If the engine is not supported by the engine mounts in an aligned and precise manner all of its components will malfunction. Some of the components mounted abroad, such as service belts or timing belts, may be so damaged that they must be replaced immediately.

When these components break, we will have to add to the cost of repairing the engine mounts all the costs of the damage caused by the broken belts. The bill could get soaked up very quickly and therefore we recommend not to underestimate these simple and crucial components.

How much does it cost to replace a broken engine mount?

Replacing engine mounts is an intervention that requires lifting the entire engine unit. This is an operation that should be left to professional mechanics with the right equipment, so let's avoid the neighbor who offers to lend a hand.

The cost of replacing the engine mounts depends on the mechanic's man hours and the cost of replacement parts. Normally a good mechanic takes 3 or 4 hours for the whole intervention and the replacement engine mounts cost 100 euros for the whole set. The cost of the total replacement of the engine mounts should therefore be around 300 euros.

These costs can vary greatly depending on where you choose to take your car and the type of engine mount you need.

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