how to check engine mounts

[HeWhoKillz]

How do you figure out which engine mount, if any, are bad? I think this is why my 94 caravan is suffering from major vibrations. It gets pretty bad at about 50mph.

[maxwedge]

Doesn't sound like mounts, but get it up on a lift and look at them if none are visibly broken use a pry bar to lift up on them to see if they give. Could be an axle, tire, anything loose in the front end also.

[HeWhoKillz]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

Doesn't sound like mounts, but get it up on a lift and look at them if none are visibly broken use a pry bar to lift up on them to see if they give. Could be an axle, tire, anything loose in the front end also.

i have rotated and balanced the tires. the driver side axle was changed because a boot was missing. there does not seem to be any visual issue with the passenger side axle. It only does this while accelerating. It can be heard better when turning which is why i question the other axle. Once you get up to about 50 it is pretty shaky. When coasting it isn't heard. I think I'm just going to make a video. Seems to give people a better idea.

[maxwedge]

An inner cv joint can do this also.

[vgames33]

Sounds like the axle. Its pretty common on the older Caravans.

To check a mount, have a friend power brake the engine in drive and reverse while you watch the engine. A worn mount will usually show itself. otherwise you're stuck with a visual inspection.

[HeWhoKillz]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

An inner cv joint can do this also.

Is there any other way to tell other than a boot off the joint? The only side that I haven't changed seems fine and I'd rather not replace parts and parts if I can figure things out first.

[vgames33]

The ones I've seen on Caravans were very stiff once removed. I don't really know how you'd check it on the van other than removing the nut and trying to compress the axle. It should spring back once pushed in.

Try jacking that side up and spinning the wheel. If its bad enough you may feel it bind even with no load.

[Racefan83]

Open the hood and locate the mounts. Most likely you will have at least three with one for the transmission. Using a flashlight do a visual inspection as well as using a long bar for leverage and see if there is "play" in the mount! Hope this helps a little.

[jordontannie]

Engine mounts are responsible for holding your engine in place and preventing it from knocking into other components under the hood of your vehicle. Under normal operation, an engine produces torque, or twisting force. This twisting causes the engine to try to "rotate." If nothing is holding the engine in place, it will shake. Fortunately, checking the engine mounts can be done in your driveway or garage.