Getting to Know Engine Mounting: From Function to How to Replace It

One of the important components in a car engine is the engine mounting. This component is crucial due to its ability to absorb engine vibrations. With the presence of engine mounting, vibrations from the engine can be dampened, preventing them from reaching the car cabin.

In this article, we will specifically discuss engine mounting. From its functions to how to replace it when it gets damaged. This discussion can be followed in several subheadings below!

Function of Engine Mounting

As mentioned in the opening paragraph of this article, the main function of engine mounting is to absorb engine vibrations. Additionally, engine mounting also serves as a support for the car engine itself. 

With engine mounting, engine vibrations can be better controlled, and they do not reach the car cabin. This way, you can drive more comfortably.

Besides dampening vibrations, engine mounting also functions to keep several engine components attached to the chassis. Some of the components referred to are the coupling, piston, and gearbox. By remaining attached to the chassis, these components will be protected from damage.

Location of Engine Mounting Installation

To function optimally, engine mounting must be placed in a specific area. Generally, engine mounting is installed on the car engine chassis. This is done so that the engine mounting can support the engine more easily. 

The installed engine mounting does not have to be just one. You can also install two or three engine mountings at once on your car engine. The more engine mountings installed, the easier it will be to absorb vibrations in the car.

If you plan to install more than one engine mounting, you must prepare a considerable budget. Because, the more engine mountings installed, the higher the repair and replacement costs of the engine mountings themselves.

Construction and Material of Engine Mounting

Generally, the construction of engine mounting consists of a steel plate. On one side, there is a hook that is already equipped with a chassis. 

The other side is shaped like a tube, with a rubber hole in the middle. This rubber is commonly used to attach the car engine.

However, not all engine mountings have such construction. There are also some engine mountings with slightly unique constructions. 

For materials, engine mountings are usually made from rubber that is then coated with a steel plate. Rubber is chosen due to its elastic properties and strength in absorbing vibrations. However, nowadays many engine mountings are made from polyurethane.

Polyurethane material has one advantage over rubber. This advantage is its ability to make the car more stable when cornering. Unfortunately, polyurethane engine mountings cannot be used for all cars. Only sports car types are suitable for this type of engine mounting.

Types of Engine Mounting

Based on their construction, engine mountings are divided into several types. Knowing the types of engine mountings is important so that you know which type you are currently using or want to use. The types of engine mountings referred to are:

Conventional Engine Mounting

This is the type of engine mounting commonly used in general cars. This type of engine mounting has a simple construction. It consists only of a steel plate as the main material, with two sides each equipped with a specific construction. 

One side is equipped with a hook to the chassis, while the other side is equipped with a rubber hole in the middle. The second side usually has a tube-like shape.

Modern Engine Mounting

This type is commonly used in luxury cars that are expensive. In fact, the construction of this type of engine mounting is not much different from traditional engine mountings. What differentiates it is the presence of a hydraulic tube on one side. This tube serves as a support for the car engine.

Signs of Damage to Engine Mounting

Like other components in a car, engine mountings can also experience damage. There are several signs that will appear if the engine mounting is damaged. These signs are:

Engine Position Starts to Tilt or Drop

The first sign that will appear is a change in the position of the car engine. Usually, the car engine position will tilt or even drop if the engine mounting starts to get damaged. This sign will only appear on engine mountings that are placed on the top.

Car Engine Starts to Jerk and Experience Unusual Vibrations

The next sign that will occur is the engine feeling very jerky. This second sign occurs when the car is first started. In addition to jerking, the car engine will also experience unusual vibrations.

These vibrations appear when the car is in a stationary position. The engine vibrations themselves are usually louder than usual.

The Appearance of 'Clunking' Sounds

The last sign that will appear is the emergence of 'clunking' sounds. Especially in the car engine area. This sound will become more pronounced when the car is decelerating and accelerating.

How to Replace Damaged Engine Mounting

If the engine mounting on your car is starting to get damaged, you need to replace it immediately with a new one. There are several ways to replace a damaged engine mounting. These methods are:

Prepare the Necessary Tools

Before replacing the engine mounting, it is better if you prepare the necessary tools first. These tools are a socket wrench, a small wooden board, and a jack. These tools are very useful for removing the old engine mounting and replacing it with a new one.

Jack Up the Car Engine

The next step is to jack up the car engine. Especially the engine that has the damaged engine mounting installed. If the engine is located under the car, you can prop up the bottom of the car with a small wooden board. This is done to prevent the oil pan of the car engine from getting damaged. This method is very suitable if the engine position is exactly at the bottom of the car.

Remove the Bolts and Nuts Around the Engine Mounting

If the previous step is successful, you can directly remove several bolts and nuts with a socket wrench. The bolts and nuts that need to be removed are those located around the engine mounting area.

Remove the Damaged Engine Mounting, Then Replace it with a New One

Once done, immediately remove the damaged engine mounting. Then, replace it with a new engine mounting. After that, close the car engine again by reinstalling the bolts and nuts, and remove the jack and the small wooden board that has been installed.

That is the information about engine mounting. From its function to how to replace it. Hopefully, it can broaden your knowledge about this important component in a car engine. See you in the next article!

Author: Anggie Warsito