Nissan Motor Mounts

Motor mounts align the engine and keep it in place. While they stabilize the motor and keep the engine from falling out, these can't prevent the engine from twisting or rocking as the vehicle accelerates and drives over bumps or when it's under load. All the twisting and rocking or frequent stops and starts can wear out the mounts over time. The rubber holding them together can start to deteriorate or can be delaminated from the steel. If the mounts are failing or breaking, you'll hear more than just thumping and rattling noises. There'll also be engine vibrations. Faulty mounts can make the engine sag and droop, putting it out of alignment. This can also put certain components under stress such as the radiator and some exhaust parts. This may result in broken belts and hoses or busted wiring connectors. If you have a deteriorating or broken Nissan motor mount, here's how you can fix it:

Difficulty level: Moderate

Things you'll need:

• Jack and jack stands
• Screwdrivers
• Wrenches
• Ratchet and socket set
• Thread locking compound
• Pry bar
• Extension
• Universal joint

Step 1:Open the hood. Disconnect the black negative cable from the battery before you start working on the motor mount.

Step 2:Locate the mounts, which are held in place by bolts, and inspect them for any sign of damage or wear such as cracks, loose brackets, collapsed rubber, or missing bolts. A pry bar can help you check for separated mounts.

Note: Motor mounts should be checked whenever engine work or transmission service is done or when the clutch or driveshaft is replaced.

Step 3:Take a closer look at the surrounding components and check for clearance around the mounts and against the firewall. You may have to remove parts that are in the way to make room for removal and installation. Be careful not to tear hoses, crimp lines, or crack caps. Use screwdrivers, wrenches or a ratchet and socket set to undo the hardware that secure these parts.

Step 4:Raise the vehicle using a jack and support it with stands. The jack must be placed as near as possible to the mount's point of support. Don't lift the vehicle by the oil pan, which can bend and rupture. The engine/transmission must be supported as you replace the mount/s. The weight must be taken off the mount before this is unbolted.

Step 5:Find the best way to remove the mount bolts. Check the bolts from various angles. Depending on the mount assembly, the bolts can be removed from below. You may hold a locking nut with a wrench as you remove the bolt. A long extension and universal joint may be used to loosen the engine from the mount bolts.

Step 6:Disconnect the mount from the auto body frame and engine block. If you'll loosen the mount-to-frame bolts from underneath the vehicle, jack up the engine bit by bit to remove the motor mount safely.

Step 7:Compare the old mounts to the new ones. If they're the right match, apply a coat of thread-locking compound to the bolts before you install the new mount. You must also transfer any drip or heat shield to the new mount.

Step 8:Thread-in the mount-to-frame bolts before you lower the engine. The mount must be properly aligned. You may use a pry bar for lining up the mounting holes in the auto body frame and engine block with the holes in the mounts. Once the bolts are all in place, lower the engine and then fully tighten the bolts according to torque specs.

Step 9:Re-connect the black negative cable to the battery as you lower the vehicle to the ground. Test-drive the vehicle to double-check your work.