What are the cars transmission mounts?
Your car’s transmission is the system that controls what gear your engine is in. It consists of many heavy parts that work together in order to change gears according to user input (manual transmission) or automatically without user input (auto transmission). Since the transmission system weighs so much, and has to transmit the engines energy / torque then transmission mounts must be used to secure the various parts.
Transmission mounts are metal brackets with rubber inserts that hold the transmission in place. A healthy set of transmission mounts will prevent your cars transmission from vibrating and rattling while you are driving. Most transmission mounts also come with rubber blocks, which sit between the chassis of the car and the mounting bracket to prevent noise and vibrations from being transmitted through the transmission and into the body of your car.
Transmission mounts can wear over time as the rubber part of the transmission mount can perish, crack, rip and split or come away completely from the transmission mount steel brackets. The transmission mount metal bracket can also become loose and the bolts on the transmission mount can break or rust (especially if the vehicle is near the ocean and the salt).
Causes of failing transmission mounts
- Wear and age – Over time, transmission mounts can naturally deteriorate and wear out. The constant exposure to engine vibrations, heat, and the stresses of driving can weaken the rubber or metal components of the mounts, causing them to fail.
- Excessive engine and transmission Movement – If the vehicle is frequently subjected to hard acceleration, aggressive shifting, or heavy loads, it can place excessive stress on the transmission mounts. The repeated strain and movement can lead to premature wear and eventual failure.
- Oil or fluid contamination – Exposure to oil or other fluids, such as engine oil, transmission fluid, or coolant, can degrade the rubber components of the transmission mounts. Leakage or spills from adjacent systems can cause the mounts to deteriorate more rapidly, resulting in failure.
- Impact or accident damage – Sudden impacts, collisions, or accidents can damage the transmission mounts. The force of a collision or a hard impact can cause the mounts to become dislodged, bent, or broken, compromising their effectiveness.
Symptoms of failing transmission mounts:
- Car vibrating with noises while driving – A broken car transmission mount can cause your car’s transmission to vibrate and knock while driving. This can create noticeable shaking or rattling while you are accelerating. As the problem gets worse, the vibrations may be accompanied by loud clunking noises.
- Difficulty shifting gears – In some cases, faulty transmission mounts can cause the transmission to become misaligned with the chassis. This can prevent your transmission from shifting gears properly while you are driving.
- Transmission misalignment – Failing transmission mounts can cause the transmission to become misaligned with other components, such as the driveshaft or exhaust system. This misalignment can lead to driveline vibrations, unusual noises, or difficulty shifting gears smoothly.
- Increased transmission wear – Failing transmission mounts can cause additional stress and strain on the transmission. The excessive movement and lack of stability can lead to accelerated wear and tear on transmission components, potentially resulting in transmission issues and the need for costly repairs.
- Damaged CV joints or Universal joints – if the transmission mounts have collapsed and the engine and transmission are on incorrect angles then this can put major stress and strain on a number of car components including CV joints and driveshaft universal joints, as well as cables and wires and many other items.
- Increased movement from engine bay – Transmission mounts not only support the transmission but also help stabilize the engine. When the mounts fail, the engine may shift or move excessively, causing noticeable movement under the hood. This can result in unusual engine vibrations or misalignment.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other issues in the vehicle. Therefore, it is advisable to have a qualified mechanic inspect the vehicle if you experience any of these signs. They can assess the condition of the transmission mounts and determine if they need replacement or repair. Addressing failing transmission mounts promptly can help prevent further damage to the transmission and ensure the smooth operation of your vehicle.
New Transmission Mount Installation Service in Hamilton
Is your car in need of new transmission mounts? If so, we can help!
At Grimmer Motors, our skilled mechanics can remove damaged or worn transmission mounts, replacing them with functional, reliable transmission mounts that will last a long time. As well as reducing vibrations and noises, new transmission mounts will prevent costly damage occurring due to a dislodged transmission.
For reliable, honest transmission mount diagnosis, replacement and installation in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!