smartypants

Hi TLer's :

I just got back from my local stealership and after getting the ignition switch recall done, I was told that two (front and right side) engine mounts were broken. I did not ask them to check anything under hood, but they found this issue in any case. I have not had ANY symptoms such as a rocky engine or loud thumps when I acelerate/decelerate. Am I missing something ?

I took a look at the front mount and it looks perfect normal (to me) which begs the question, what does a broken mount actually look like ?

Also, is this a DIY task or it too dangerous due to having to "free" the engine to replace the mounts.

Thanks to all who reply !!

smartypants.

fsttyms1

Odds are your mounts are shot. I bet 90% of the people on this forum are driving with shot mounts and dont even know it. If you have more than 40k miles its probably shot. Yes its a DIY thing.

newperson

iTrader: (2)

I think I've read on here that if an engine mount is leaking it's broken. Can anyone confirm that?

01tl4tl

thats one thing that happens to them, and often how the tech spots it while the car is on the lift
Check your driveway for an odd oily fluid- just droplets

They performed a courtesy safety inspection for you- looking at the major known failure points of the car, brake condition etc- hoping to sell you some needed repairs.
That front mount runs ~$100-120 for the part and is a dealer item

01tl4tl

only the front and rear mounts are fluid filled- the others are normal type
Some years even have a vacuum assist booster to front/rear mounts!! - stiffening them in response to the engine pulling hard on the power
Will cause a mystery engine miss when mount fails

ChrisQ1980

The factory motor mounts on these cars are shit. It's either a poor design, or poor placement.

01tl4tl

lots of HP on a trick design mount...sure they are going to fail
This is not a basic crap car, it does have special needs~

fsttyms1

Id like to say PISS POOR PLACEMENT with nothing up top to help hold the motor.

01tl4tl

Its a luxery touring car designed in the late 80s- what do you expect?

willmo

Does anybody know of a lower cost repair place in Chicago? The dealer just informed me that my front and right side engine mounts need to be replaced. I drive a 2000 TL with 112,000 miles.

sleepgsr

rubbish

Luke7

Put your car in drive=have someone hold the brake pedal down=with the hood open=accelerate the engine slightly while the car is in drive=stand on the SIDE of the car and if the front / side mount is broken/leaking or bad the top of the mount (especially the front one) will rise up as if there is no resistance. If the mount is good=there will be a little rise on the mounting plate on top of the mount. It's pretty easy to tell if they are shot. Chances are that they are bad if the dealer told you that. Common problem. I replaced mine myself $130 or so ordered online from an Acura dealer in Georgia=25% off the local dealers price.

my.daily'tl'

IMO one of the most underlooked causes for idling issues. Just changed out my front mount and it has helped with startup and running too. Here's a few pics:
[IMG] http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/s...AxMTEuanBn.jpg [/IMG]
New mount on the left
[IMG] http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/s...AxMTIuanBn.jpg [/IMG]
Pic of the old mount

smartypants

Hi All :

Just changed my upper passenger side and front mounts today. Not a fun job ! My front mount looked just like the picture....totally shot. I'm going to update the DIY section with my comments.

smartypants

smartypants

Hi All :

I can finally answer my own question.....

You know you have broken engine mounts, when you put the car in D4, stand on the brake and gently "pulse" the gas pedal, and you see the engine move back and forth. I was able to see the "before and after" replacement and now know what to look for. With new mounts the engine is rock solid and with the old ones, there was well over an inch of play.

You will not be able to see anything by looking at the mounts as the broken parts are hidden and perfroming the "rocking test" in the only way to know for sure.

smartypants.