Engine Mount Buying Guide
Last updated: 24 April 2026
Engine mounts (motor mounts) secure the engine and gearbox to the vehicle chassis while isolating vibration and noise. Worn mounts cause excessive vibration, clunking during acceleration, and can allow the engine to shift position, straining exhaust and coolant connections. At CarParts247 we stock engine mounts from Lemförder, Febi, and Corteco.
Symptoms of worn engine mounts
Engine mount failure is progressive. Rubber mounts crack and sag over time, while hydraulic mounts can leak their damping fluid. Both types cause noticeable vibration when they fail.
- Excessive vibration felt through the steering wheel, pedals, or seat
- Clunking or thudding when accelerating, braking, or shifting gear
- Engine visibly moves or tilts under load — check by opening the bonnet and blipping the throttle
- Exhaust manifold cracks or coolant hose failures — engine shifting strains connections
- Increased noise transmission into the cabin at idle
Rubber vs hydraulic mounts
Rubber mounts are simple, durable, and inexpensive. Hydraulic (liquid-filled) mounts provide better vibration damping but cost more and can leak. Some vehicles use a combination of both.
- Rubber mounts: inspect for cracks, splits, sagging, or oil contamination
- Hydraulic mounts: check for fluid leaks — a collapsed mount has lost its damping fluid
- Replace like-for-like — don't substitute a rubber mount for a hydraulic mount or vice versa
- Support the engine with a jack before removing any mount to prevent strain on other mounts
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Excessive vibration and clunking? Diagnose worn engine mounts — rubber vs hydraulic and replacement tips.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if my engine mounts are worn?
Open the bonnet, apply the handbrake, and have someone briefly rev the engine while you watch. If the engine rocks or tilts excessively, one or more mounts are worn. Also listen for clunking when shifting between drive and reverse.
Can I drive with a broken engine mount?
Briefly, but the increased engine movement can damage exhaust connections, coolant hoses, and adjacent mounts. It also worsens vibration and noise. Replace worn mounts promptly.
How many engine mounts does a car have?
Typically 3-4: two engine mounts and one or two gearbox mounts. Front-wheel-drive transverse engines often have a top mount, lower mount, and rear (dogbone) mount.
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