Do I Need New Engine Mounts?

Discuss any maintenance you've done to your Vibe & Matrix and ask how to perform maintenance on your vehicle
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VibeN4
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2013 10:47 am

Do I Need New Engine Mounts?

Post by VibeN4 »

Hey everyone!

It was brought to my attention while discussing something else on another thread that the loud clunking noise coming from the passenger side of the engine bay upon putting my Vibe in reverse or drive may be due to broken engine mounts. This morning, before pulling out of my garage, I let her idle for about 3-4 minutes. Afterwards, I shifted into reverse and I couldn't hear the clunking noise. My question is would bad engine mounts still be the cause of the clunking noise even if the noise goes away after warming up a bit? Thanks for any insight you can share!
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Chiadog
Posts: 971
Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2012 9:41 am
Location: Abrams, wisconsin

Re: Do I Need New Engine Mounts?

Post by Chiadog »

Yes, possibly if the engine idle speed has decreased. Best to just raise the hood and have a look as someone else shifts (at idle) from drive to reverse with the brakes ON. Others here have told me engine movement shouldn't exceed 1-2".
chiadog
VibeN4
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2013 10:47 am

Re: Do I Need New Engine Mounts?

Post by VibeN4 »

Ok, so I had my wife press the accelerator while in gear and I can't say the engine moved more than 2". Any other possible explanations as to what may be causing the clunking noise when my engine is cold and in gear?
lannvouivre
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Joined: Thu Jun 09, 2011 1:00 pm
Location: Texas yay

Re: Do I Need New Engine Mounts?

Post by lannvouivre »

VibeN4 wrote:Ok, so I had my wife press the accelerator while in gear and I can't say the engine moved more than 2". Any other possible explanations as to what may be causing the clunking noise when my engine is cold and in gear?
Could one be loose?
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thebarber
Posts: 1162
Joined: Mon Aug 30, 2004 5:01 am
Location: kitchener, ontario

Re: Do I Need New Engine Mounts?

Post by thebarber »

You should easily be able to see the passenger side engine mount and front transmission mount. If you have an intake on the car, you should be able to see the drivers side and rear transmission mounts to see if they're loose or moving.
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09vGT
Posts: 1457
Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2009 10:36 am
Location: Little Rock, AR

Re: Do I Need New Engine Mounts?

Post by 09vGT »

My rear engine mount had come lose causing my car to vibrate horribly and make a "creaky-popping" noise only when I'd accelerate from a stop.
VibeN4
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2013 10:47 am

Re: Do I Need New Engine Mounts?

Post by VibeN4 »

Thanks everyone for sharing your input! I was about to drop off my car at the local Pep Boys and ask them to check it out, but I'm gonna take some time and really inspect the all of the mounts. Once I have a pretty good idea of which mount it is I'll figure out if it's a job I'm capable of doing or if I'll need the assistance of a mechanic. Thanks again!
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