The Front engine mounting in a vehicle serves two major purposes. It’s first objective is to secure the engine transmission to the chassis of the vehicle. The engine has many rotating and moving parts in it’s operations. Absorbing road shocks and engine vibrations is the second purpose of the mounting. This ensures the driver is not subjected to feel the movement of the engine. The mountings are commonly made of steel and rubber.
Toyota Honda makes use of an active vacuum controlled engine mounts in it’s manufacture. This varies the dampening effect.
Engine mounting has an advantage that it does not need regular servicing. It only needs to be replaced when it is worn out or damaged. However it is of unparalleled importance that eingine mountings should be replaced at the first sign of trouble. The mounts are small but the problems they may cause are great
Problems by Bad Mounts:
Engine Vibration: The primary function of the mounts is to absorb vibrations from the engine. If they are not performing their duty, the engine will be loosely held. This give the engine permission to move about and cause excessive vibration throughout the shape of the car. This symptom will first be felt towards the front passenger seat of the vehicle. As time passes without repair, the vibration will be felt by all the seats.
Misalignment:
The engine mounts ensure that the engine is properly aligned. This ensures that the dissipated energy is dissipated equally in every direction. If the mounts are not functioning properly, the engine will sage and droop to a particular side. This will cause disturbing sounds from the engine. The moving parts will strike neighbouring members. Excessive tilting will result in Engine blockage. The vehicle will stop in it’s tracks unexpectedly as a result.
Engine Damage:
This is an extreme case to begin with. This will happen if the mounts completely wear off or completely dysfunction. In this case, the engine will move freely and may shift from one side to the other. This will pose as a safety hazard in case the car is being driven at a high velocity. The engine will damage neighbouring components and soon, parts from under the hood might start flying out.
Broken Belts and Hoses:
Engine fan belts and radiator hoses are very closely placed against the engine. In case of bad mounting, the engine will damage these components. A leaking radiator hose will cause the coolant to spill. The vehicle will start heating up and will eventually breakdown. The damage to the fan belt will result in an inadequate supply of power to the other components of the automobile.
Excessive Noise:
This is a very common factor and a direct result of all the problems stated above. If the engine is free to move and is constantly coming into contact, there will surely be noise. A clanking or knocking will begin to hint to the fact that the mounts are not performing efficiently. As the noise becomes louder and vigorous, the worse off condition the mounts are in.
