If you’ve ever wondered what an engine mount actually does, you’re not alone.
Engine mounts are one of the most overlooked components in a vehicle yet they play a critical role in comfort, performance, and safety. When they fail, drivers often notice vibration, clunking noises, or harsh gear shifts, but many don’t realise the engine mount is the cause.
Let’s break it down simply.
What Is an Engine Mount?
An engine mount is a component that secures your engine to the vehicle’s chassis (frame). Most vehicles have between 2–4 engine mounts, depending on design.
They are typically made from:
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Heavy-duty rubber
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Reinforced steel brackets
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Sometimes hydraulic fluid (in modern hydraulic mounts)
The rubber absorbs vibration while the metal structure keeps the engine securely in place.
What Does an Engine Mount Actually Do?
An engine mount has three main jobs:
1. Hold the Engine in Position
Your engine is heavy often over 150kg. Without mounts, it would move freely inside the engine bay. The mounts secure it firmly to the frame.
2. Absorb Vibration
Engines create constant vibration when running. The rubber in the mount absorbs these vibrations so they don’t transfer into the cabin.
Without this, your car would feel rough and uncomfortable.
3. Control Engine Movement
When you accelerate or brake, your engine naturally shifts slightly due to torque. Engine mounts limit excessive movement to protect surrounding components like:
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Exhaust systems
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Drive shafts
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Radiator hoses
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Transmission components
What Happens When an Engine Mount Fails?
When engine mounts wear out, the rubber cracks or separates from the metal housing.
Common symptoms include:
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Excess vibration in the cabin
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Clunking noise when shifting gears
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Engine movement when revving
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Jerking during acceleration
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Thudding sound when braking
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Visible engine tilt
In severe cases, a completely broken mount can cause damage to other parts making a small repair turn into an expensive one.
How Long Do Engine Mounts Last?
Most engine mounts last:
5–10 years or
100,000–150,000 km
However, they can wear out sooner if:
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You drive aggressively
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You tow regularly
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You drive on rough roads
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Oil leaks damage the rubber
Australian heat can also accelerate rubber deterioration.
🛠 Can You Drive With a Bad Engine Mount?
Technically yes but it’s not recommended.
Driving with a failed engine mount can:
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Damage other mounts
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Strain your transmission
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Crack exhaust components
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Increase wear on CV joints
Replacing it early is far cheaper than repairing secondary damage.
Hydraulic vs Rubber Engine Mounts
Modern vehicles often use hydraulic engine mounts, which contain fluid to further reduce vibration. These are smoother but more expensive.
Older vehicles typically use solid rubber mounts simpler and more affordable to replace.
Should You Replace All Engine Mounts at Once?
Not always but if one has failed, the others may not be far behind.
Many mechanics recommend inspecting all mounts and replacing them together if they show wear. This saves labour costs in the long run.
How to Find the Right Engine Mount for Your Car
Choosing the correct engine mount depends on:
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Make
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Model
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Engine size
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Transmission type
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Year of manufacture
At Universal Auto Spares, we recommend checking fitment by providing:
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Your rego plate
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State
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Or VIN number
This ensures 100% correct compatibility before ordering.
Final Thoughts
Engine mounts might be small compared to your engine, but they play a massive role in:
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Comfort
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Vehicle stability
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Component protection
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Overall driving experience
If your car feels rougher than usual or you’re hearing strange knocks during gear changes, it might be time to inspect your mounts.
Replacing them early can prevent bigger (and more expensive) issues later.
