The front engine mount on my car looks like it doesn't bear much engine weight. I get alot of vibration on take off. Is there a way to adjust it that will lessen the vibration? How do you know when it needs to be replaced?

Do you still have the stock mounts? If you put polyurethane mounts in then you are going to get a lot of vibration. No the mounts can't be adjusted, as far as I know. Check to see if the mounts are rock hard or not. You should be able to push on part of the rubber mount. Does it feel like it has a little give or can you not push it at all. If it doesn't have a little give then it probably needs to be replaced. Make sure you know what you're doing before replacing or have a competent mechanic do it for you. Technically there is only 1 engine mount and 3 tranny mounts. Since the back of the engine is connected to the tranny the other mounts take up the slack.

Front engine mount is the one of four that can be adjusted. It have a larger hole than the fixing bolt. Аlso a mount has a teeth which bites into a support arm and fixes the mount.

This post has been edited by Andruishka: Nov 2 2009, 08:20 AM

I've had an elantra and the mounts are not adjustable.

It's normal for the front mount (the one near the radiator) to appear as if bearing no weight, even if it is brand new.

There is no real way to adjust the engine mounts, unless you want to get into shimming them for whatever reason. Just make sure that they are securely bolted down and torqued to spec, and that the through bolts are tight.

With that said, if you are noticing excessive vibration, you are right to suspect that one or more of your mounts are bad - especially given the age of your car. Start by replacing the one on the timing belt side. This one has the most noticeable effect on the vibration overall.

Unfortunately, unless your mounts are completely shot, visual inspection will not really tell you anything about their condition.

One test you can do with an automatic transmission. You may need an assistant for this. Open the hood. Start the car. Step on the brake pedal. Keeping your foot solidly on the brake pedal, shift from "Park" to "Reverse" then to "Drive" then back to "Reverse" back and forth a few times. and observe the movement of the engine when you do so. If you notice "excessive" movement this tells you one or more of the mounts are bad.

As I said before, the timing belt/right fender mount is key.

Frank
Frank's Friendly Cars
Maui Car Rental
www.MauiCarRental.biz