Motor Mount Failure in a Volvo

The motor mount plays an important role in ensuring that the engine performs its functions by securing it alongside the transmission onto the vehicle’s chassis. This mount also prevents the engine from feeling the impact of rough roads as well as potholes by absorbing the shock. This makes it comfortable for the vehicle’s occupants, as they will in turn hardly feel the effect of the rough roads.

The comfort that comes from having a proper engine mount forms part of the appeal of the Volvo. This vehicle model has built a name for itself as a reliable ride that can handle itself well on and off the road without much of a hassle. Unfortunately, some Volvos experience some problems when it comes to the motor mounts. The motor mount, like any other part of the car, is prone to developing problems over time, and it should be addressed quickly if it does.

CAUSES OF MOTOR MOUNT FAILURE

Failure in the motor mount can be brought on by a number of issues. Some of these are:

WEAR AND TEAR

The motor mount is made of metal and rubber, which also serves to prevent friction between two metal parts; the engine and the chassis of the car. Over time, this rubber’s condition becomes compromised due to external factors, and when it starts wearing out it begins showing cracks and crumbling. As a direct result, the mount becomes ineffective in holding the engine in place.

POOR INSTALLATION

There are times when the motor mount fails because the quality of motor mount used is substandard or a good quality mount is fastened poorly onto the chassis of the car. Obviously when this happens the rubber mount will not serve its purpose correctly and there will be discomfort felt in the cabin.

ROUGH HANDLING OF THE CAR

If a driver hits potholes and bumps roughly, it is highly likely that the overworked engine mount will eventually fail. Careless driving over rough surfaces takes a toll on the rubber parts of the motor mount, which starts to wear off prematurely, causing failure.

SIGNS OF MOTOR MOUNT FAILURE

Some of the most common signs that you’ll notice once the motor mount of your Volvo starts to fail include:

ABNORMAL VIBRATIONS

Because the engine mount helps reduce the amount of vibrations that emanate from the running engine as well as from the rough roads from reaching the cabin, failure in the mounts will cause the opposite to happen. Every impact will be able to be felt by the occupants of the car as well as vibrations from the engine. These vibrations become more pronounced when the engine is idling.

UNUSUAL NOISES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT

When the motor mount fails, the engine is no longer secured in place. This causes it to move from side to side with the many vibrations and movements in it. You will particularly notice knocking sounds when negotiating corners or going over bumps and potholes as the engine knocks against the chassis and the other car parts.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The knocking sounds as well as excessive vibrations will make your Volvo quite uncomfortable to drive, especially since one of the greatest appeals of the Volvo is comfort. This is why you should endeavor to have your car checked out as soon as you notice any signs of motor mount failure. Moreover, all the knocking around within the engine bay may trigger other problems if the engine bumps too hard and causes something else to break.

Replacing an engine mount requires a lot of car parts to be moved around. This is why you need to seek help from a professional auto technician in order to avoid future problems. In addition to getting a qualified technician, getting the replacement made at a reputable shop will make it impossible for your car to get fitted with substandard spare parts. This will go a long way towards ensuring the longevity of your Volvo’s motor mount post replacement.

At Fast Lane European service center, we have the expertise and quality parts to ensure that you get nothing but the quality that you deserve. We have certified technicians who are available whenever you need them if you live in San Jose, CA, drop us a line and we’ll get your car gliding smoothly again.