How to Diagnose a Deteriorating Front Engine Mounting
It’s normal for engine mounts to wear out over time, especially after 5 years or 100,000 miles. When an engine mount wears out, it loses its strength and fails to support the engine.
What Happens When a Front Engine Mount Fails
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When the engine isn’t well supported, your ride quality will suffer, and you may also run into some issues like excess noise and vibration. The mounts are supposed to keep your engine firmly in place. When they fail, your engine will move around more than it should. This places more stress on the chassis where the mounts are attached. This can lead to cracking in these areas.
It’s also not unheard of for other components to get damaged, as well. For example, the radiator hoses could get stretched out of shape and possibly tear and leak.
The bottom line is that a bad engine mount can lead to serious issues. That’s why it’s critical to diagnose the issue as soon as you notice the symptoms of a worn engine mount.
Symptoms of a Bad Front Engine Mount
The first step towards preventing the issues discussed above is recognizing the signs of a bad front engine mount. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Excess noise and vibration
- A rougher drivetrain feel when shifting gears
- Increased wheel hop on hard acceleration
Testing Your Mounts in 5 Steps
The best way to confirm your suspicions is to twist your engine. To do this:
- Park your car on a flat surface.
- Engage the parking brake.
- Shift the transmission into drive (or gear).
- With a friend standing outside watching the engine, press down on the brake pedal and then slowly push the gas pedal. Do not exceed 2000 RPM. If one of the mounts is broken, the engine will move excessively.
- Shift the transmission into reverse and then repeat the process.
If your friend notices the engine moving, then chances are high you’ve got a bad engine mount. The next step would be to physically inspect each one to figure out which one needs to be replaced. Don’t forget to check related parts, too:
- Front engine mounting bracket
- Front engine mounting plate
- Front engine mounting stabilizer link
What to Do if One of Your Mounts is Bad
Replace it as soon as possible. You can order an OEM replacement mount online at a discounted price. Or you can visit a shop and pay a 30% markup. Look up your Honda here to see which OEM front engine mounts and related components are available for your car.
- Part No. 50830-SZA-A02: For 2009-2015 Pilots
- Part No. 50830-TA0-A02: For 2011-2015 Accords and Crosstours
- Part No. 50830-SHJ-305: For 2005-2007 Odysseys
- Part No. 50810-S2A-003: For 2000-2009 S2000s
- Part No. 50830-T2F-A01: For 2013-2017 Accords