If your car makes a clunking noise when accelerating find out how to diagnose the engine mounts with the tips in this article and video.
How to Check Motor Mounts for a Clunking Noise when Accelerating
Steps to Check Motor Mounts for a Clunking Noise when Accelerating
- Open the Hood
Open the hood to access the motor mounts.
- Have an Assistant Start the Car, Press and Hold the Brake, Put It in Reverse, Press the Gas, and Put the E-Brake on
Have an assistant in the car. With their foot on brake, have them put the car in reverse and gently press the accelerator pedal. With the still foot on the brake pedal, have them put the e-brake on.
- Check the Motor Mounts for Excessive Movement
Watch the motor mount for lifting. Since the mount is made of rubber, it’s normal for there to be some movement, but look for excessive movement that could cause a clunking noise.
You’ll typically find motor mounts around the radiator support and timing chain, and near the transmission by the subframe.
- Check the Motor Mounts for Dry Rotting and Cracking
You can also lift your vehicle up with a jack and secure it with jack stands. Then pry the motor mount with a pry bar and check for excessive movement, dry rotting, and cracking.
If there’s excessive movement, the engine mount needs to be replaced.
A dry rotted engine mount won’t be completely broken, but it will crack and make a clunking noise when the vehicle is accelerating.
More on checking motor mounts and front end parts if you hear a clunking noise when accelerating
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