Should All Motor Mounts Be Changed At The Same Time?

[kc27]

I had the right motor mount replaced on a 2005 Vibe base, 1.8L with 115000 miles on it. The mount and belt tensioner were replaced to solve a rattle that was most noticeable when the vehicle was stationary. In neutral or park, there was no rattle. When the car was put in drive or reverse it would rattle.

The rattle is now gone, but I wondered if it is best practice to replace motor mounts as a set instead of individually.

[vibrologist]

I don't think it is necessary to replace all engine/tranny mounts at the time when one of them fails. They are strategically placed and incur different loads anyway.

[SeattleJeremy]

Make sure to look at the other mounts. I agree if they are in good shape, there is no reason to change the other ones.

[brandon4987]

I had the right motor mount replaced on a 2005 Vibe base, 1.8L with 115000 miles on it. The mount and belt tensioner were replaced to solve a rattle that was most noticeable when the vehicle was stationary. In neutral or park, there was no rattle. When the car was put in drive or reverse it would rattle.

The rattle is now gone, but I wondered if it is best practice to replace motor mounts as a set instead of individually.

Had the same issue. I ended up buying all 4 and just replacing them at once as all of mine were pretty equally worn. If you're changing them at home total cost for all 4 is about $90. I believe the one you had replaced is actually the most expensive, so would probably only be about $65. That being said, if the vibration is gone and you're not having excessive engine movement I wouldn't bother.

[kc27]

Thanks for the reply. With the one motor mount changed, the really noticeable vibration is gone. The new motor mount also eliminated a rattle that the car would make when the transmission was in drive or reverse, but not in neutral or park.

I still notice a slight vibration when the car is idling at a light. But I don't know if the 1.8L, 135 HP engine was capable of a completely smooth idle, even when it was new. Are you completely vibration free with all motor mounts changed?

[brandon4987]

Thanks for the reply. With the one motor mount changed, the really noticeable vibration is gone. The new motor mount also eliminated a rattle that the car would make when the transmission was in drive or reverse, but not in neutral or park.

I still notice a slight vibration when the car is idling at a light. But I don't know if the 1.8L, 135 HP engine was capable of a completely smooth idle, even when it was new. Are you completely vibration free with all motor mounts changed?

I've always heard these engines have a natural buzz to them. The vibration on mine before replacing the motor mounts was excessive, so it made a world of difference in my case. That being said, it's not 100% vibration free, but it's so minimal to the point I believe it's how the car should feel normally. I compared it to my girlfriends vibe which is only a bit north of 100k and now mine with over 300k has less vibration than hers. We'll see how long it stays that way.

[Caretaker]

Her Vibe may just be due for fresh Denso spark plugs. I changed mine early when I first started experiencing a little shake in the steering wheel when waiting at red lights.

[Bookworm]

I tend to replace spark plugs every 50k or so, even with the factory plugs. At a minimum, you should pull them, clean, and re-gap.

[kc27]

How vibration-free can a 1.8L get? I have changed plugs, cleaned MAP sensor, replaced air filter, PVC valve - and the motor mount. Like brandron49i7, I have reade the is a certain amount of vibration inherent in these engines. Mine is minimal, but it is noticeable. Just wonder what reasonable expectations I should have for a smooth idle.

[zbyers]

How vibration-free can a 1.8L get? I have changed plugs, cleaned MAP sensor, replaced air filter, PVC valve - and the motor mount. Like brandron49i7, I have reade the is a certain amount of vibration inherent in these engines. Mine is minimal, but it is noticeable. Just wonder what reasonable expectations I should have for a smooth idle.

Every car has some vibrations. Based on what you've done, the vibration should be rather minimal.

I couldn't tell you what /normal/ is as I'm lowered, with energy suspension inserts, on all original suspension and whatnot.