Can I Drive With Bad Motor Mounts?

No, you absolutely should not drive a vehicle with worn out or damaged motor mounts. Driving with compromised mounts risks expensive transmission, engine, and drivetrain damage.

This article will examine the symptoms of bad motor mounts, how long you can drive with them, how to avoid driving on bad mounts, when you should replace them, and what noises and vibrations to listen for. Key points covered include the mechanical problems and safety hazards caused by worn engine mounts, how to inspect mounts and identify failure warning signs, and the recommended replacement guidelines before catastrophic damage occurs.

While it may be possible to carefully limp a vehicle short distance, any lengthy driving with degraded motor mounts can lead to severe drivetrain damage costing thousands in repairs. This underscores why prompt replacement of bad mounts is critical to avoid destroying your engine and transmission.

Can I drive with bad motor mounts?

No, you should not drive with bad motor mounts. Driving with damaged or worn out motor mounts can lead to severe problems.

Driving with worn out or damaged motor mounts can lead to a number of serious problems:

• Excessive engine movement and vibration can damage powertrain components like the transmission, axles, CV joints, belts, hoses, sensors, and exhaust hangers. The engine may bang against other parts when shaking severely.
• Poor engine and transmission positioning can cause driveability issues like trouble shifting gears smoothly or stalling. It may lead to gear wear and premature failure.
• Excess vibration transfers through driveline and chassis components, putting added stress on bushings, bearings, ball joints and other hardware. This leads to premature wear of these parts.
• Steering feel and precision will suffer. Excess engine movement gets transferred through the steering linkage, making handling unpredictable.
• Driving comfort is greatly reduced. Cabin vibration from bad mounts can be extremely annoying. Noise levels also increase.
• Accelerated wear of other engine parts like valve train components. The violent shaking damages internal components.
• Oil leaks may occur as the engine shifts beyond seal tolerances.
• Potential safety hazards from reduced control, or components coming loose at speed.

What are the symptoms of bad motor mounts?

There are several key symptoms that indicate your motor mounts may be worn out or failing:

• Excessive vibration, especially when idling or at stoplights. This is often most noticeable inside the cabin.
• Clunking or banging noises coming from the engine bay, particularly when starting from a stop.
• Excessive engine movement. If you can see the engine rocking excessively, the mounts are likely worn.
• Cracks or leaks in the rubber of the mounts. The rubber will appear cracked or dried out.
• Loose or missing mount bolts. This allows the engine to shift position.
• Transmission shuddering or bumping when shifting gears.
• Poor handling or steering wander. Bad mounts can affect steering control.

If you notice any of these symptoms, have your motor mounts inspected immediately. The longer you wait, the more damage can occur.

How long can I drive with bad motor mounts?

You should not drive with bad motor mounts at all if possible. Even driving short distances with worn mounts can allow damaging engine movement and vibration. This can damage engine components like the transmission, belts, hoses, and exhaust. It’s best to replace bad mounts as soon as symptoms appear.

In a pinch, you may be able to carefully drive short distances of 5-10 miles to a repair shop. Any more than that risks damaging your vehicle. Do not exceed 20 mph, and avoid potholes or bumps. Even this is not recommended, however, and should only be done if absolutely necessary.

How to avoid driving with bad motor mounts

• Get your engine mounts inspected every 50,000 miles or so. Catching problems early prevents damage.
• Listen for new vibrations, clunks, or rattling noises which may indicate mount problems. Address any new drivetrain noises right away.
• Look under the hood during idling and acceleration. Excessive engine movement indicates worn mounts.
• Have mounts replaced in pairs. If one needs replacing, plan to do both on that axis.
• Use OEM or high quality aftermarket mounts. Cheap mounts often fail prematurely. Paying more up front can prevent problems down the road.

Following regular inspections and promptly replacing worn mounts can help you avoid the risks of driving with faulty engine mounts. Don’t put it off.

When to replace your motor mounts?

You should replace mounts under the following circumstances:

• When mounts appear visibly cracked or dried. The rubber has begun to fail.
• When you notice fluid leaks coming from the mount. This indicates the rubber has split.
• If mounts are making clunking or banging noises during driving. The mounts can no longer dampen vibrations.
• When you see excessive engine movement (more than 1-2 inches) during acceleration.
• If vibration is severe enough to be felt inside the cabin at stoplights or idle.
• When handling, steering, or drivetrain performance seems compromised or unpredictable.

Catching and replacing bad mounts promptly can prevent damage to other components. Ignore the signs, and you risk transmission, engine, or drivetrain damage that can be very expensive to fix.

What does a bad motor mount sound like?

Bad motor mounts may produce various audible symptoms including:

• Knocking or clunking when starting from a stop
• Banging or hammering noises during acceleration
• Rattling or shaking noises at idle
• Loud clanks when shifting gears
• Squeaking or squealing from engine vibration 
• General interior cabin vibration

These sounds indicate the motor mounts are no longer absorbing vibration effectively. The noises get worse as the mounts deteriorate. Address any new or concerning audible symptoms right away before they lead to bigger problems.

Can bad motor mounts affect steering?

Yes, bad motor mounts can affect steering control and feel. Because motor mounts secure the engine and transmission to the chassis, worn mounts allow more engine roll and movement. This unwanted motion can be transferred through the steering components, causing looseness or wander.

Severely worn mounts may also allow the powertrain to shift enough to contact the steering linkage or components. This direct contact further compromises steering precision. Replacing worn mounts restores proper engine positioning and steering feel. Don’t ignore steering symptoms.

Can bad motor mounts cause a vibration when accelerating?

Yes, it’s very common for bad motor mounts to cause noticeable vibration when accelerating. As engine torque increases during acceleration, the forces cause more severe engine movement and rocking when motor mounts are compromised. This exacerbates vibration symptoms through the chassis and steering components. Many drivers first notice vibration upon acceleration that gets worse as mounts degrade further. This vibration feedback is trying to tell you there’s a mounting problem.