Automatic Transmission Mount

How do you know if your transmission mounts are worn?

Excessive movement or vibration in the shifter and knocking or banging of the exhaust against the body when accelerating from a stop or when idling is a key indicator. Severely worn mounts can allow the oil pan to rest on the engine subframe causing all sorts of racket and it is not uncommon for the cooling fan to come into contact with the radiator shroud. Visually inspect the mounts for signs of failure.

The most common failures are where the top metal plate comes loose from the rubber mount. If the mount has softened (bulging at the center) it should be replaced. This is usually caused by oil breaking down the rubber, so it would be wise to locate and repair the oil leak as well.

The main reason that Volvo motor mounts have a shortened life span is that the mount is part of an engineered safety system. The system puts the mount in shear and compression, allowing the engine to break away and slide under the car in a head on collision instead of being forced into the passenger compartment .