7 Important Signs That Your Mini Engine Mount Might Be Failing
The engine mount is a significant component of your car, which provides safety and comfort by preventing the engine from sliding around under the hood as you drive. Minis have been known to experience engine mount failures, which is scary, loud, and dangerous!
An engine mount is also called a motor mount or isolator. It keeps the car’s engine secure and in place, like a clamp. Typically car engines may have two to five mounts. Mini Coopers usually have three to four engine mounts. Picture them holding down.
Main Function of Engine Mounts
- Provides Stabilization: Engine mounts offer stabilization for the engine, preventing it from moving around, which would be dangerous.
- Provides Dampening: They dampen vibrations and noise that are generated by the engine and create a smoother and quieter ride.
- Provides Alignment: They keep the engine and transmission in alignment and enable efficient power transfer.
What are the Different Types of Mounts?
There are three types of engine mounts. Mini Coopers usually have hydraulic mounts.
- Solid Rubber Mounts: These are also called elastomeric mounts. These are the most common mounts. They absorb vibration well and offer a good level of dampening.
- Hydraulic Mounts: These are filled with fluid and are better at absorbing vibrations and also keep the engine stable. Higher-end cars usually have these.
- Active Mounts: These are the top-level mounts. The modern ones are regulated electronically and can easily adjust their level of dampening to the road and driving conditions. Older ones used a countering device to off-set engine vibrations.
Warning Signs That the Engine Mount is Failing
- Excessive Vibrations: If you notice your Mini tends to vibrate too much, either while driving or at idle, you may want to have a professional mechanic take a look at the engine mounts.
- Rough Idling: Too much engine vibration will cause shaking and rattling during idling.
- Engine Moves: This is a dangerous situation. If you notice your engine has slipped or is sagging, that is definitely a problem with the mounts.
- Impact Noises: This means your engine is actually thumping and banging against other components, and creating a clanking or rattling noise.
- Engine Jolting: If you feel your Mini is jerking while driving, especially when you change gears, it could be an engine mount issue.
- Damaged Belts and Hoses: If you start to notice the belts and hoses in your engine are broken or twisted, that is probably due to a misaligned engine, which is a result of faulty engine mounts.
- Damaged Engine: If malfunctioning engine mounts are not replaced, the worst-case scenario is that the engine itself can be damaged, as it will bounce around.
Reasons Why an Engine Mount Can Malfunction
- Wear and Tear: It is not surprising that over time, the engine mounts will begin to degrade due to heat, road conditions, and simple wear and tear. As time goes on, rubber mounts lose their elasticity and strength to absorb vibrations.
- Driving Habits: Aggressive driving can hurt not only the engine mounts, but the rest of your Mini as well.
- Amateur Installation: If the engine mounts are too loose because of improper installation, that is a recipe for disaster. This is why it is imperative that these jobs be done by professionals.
Proper Maintenance
The only way to increase the longevity of your Mini is to put it on a regular maintenance schedule. We can help you with that. When you bring your car in, we will do the proper inspections so that we can catch problems early in the game. Be it the engine mounts or other issues, when you address challenges in a timely manner, the problem doesn’t get exacerbated.
Visit Royalty Auto Service for the Next Steps
At Royalty Auto Service, we are highly trained, ASE-certified (Automotive Service Excellence) mechanics. We take pride in our work and our shop. We have state-of-the-art tools & equipment to diagnose and work on your vehicle. We offer a full-service repair shop with warranties. Ask us about it. Give us a call or book an appointment to stop by. Our friendly staff is here to answer all your questions. We are in Georgia, with locations in Amelia Island, Brunswick, Kingsland, King Bay Base, Woodbine, Yulee, and St Marys.
* Gray Convertible Mini Cooper Car image credit goes to:Luca Piccini Basile.