Everything You Need to Know About Motor Mount Failure in Your Volvo

Your Volvo’s motor is made of thousands of small parts, all of which work together in harmony thanks to the precision engineering we have come to expect from the Volvo brand. Each part is important, though some are certainly more complex than others.

One part that is relatively simple, but incredibly important, is the motor mount. While they may be a somewhat vaguely-known part, they are integral to the safe and comfortable operation of your vehicle. Below, you’ll learn a little more about what motor mounts are and what to look for when they begin to fail, so you can know when to seek professional help should your motor mounts begin to exhibit any troubling symptoms.

What is a motor mount?

Your Volvo’s motor mounts are located just below the engine, and are responsible for keeping the engine mounted to the engine compartment. The motor mounts in your Volvo are made out of fortified rubber and steel.

Aside from securing the engine to the body of the car, motor mounts also serve as shocks for the engine, absorbing the many vibrations that result from the engine running. Because they absorb those vibrations, their failure can make for a pretty uncomfortable ride.

When it comes to Volvos, they are highly engineered in every aspect, and the motor mount is no exception. Volvo’s motor mounts are designed to ensure that your ride is as smooth as possible by both absorbing vibrations and by ensuring your motor is anchored firmly and does not shift during turns or braking. That means you’re going to notice some major differences in the comfort of your ride when one or more motor mounts fail.

Sources of Motor Mount Failure

The most common reason that your Volvo may experience motor mount failure is due to the deterioration of the rubber on the mount. This deterioration is something that can occur for a number of different factors, but the main one is often that the engine was simply putting off too much heat and overheating the engine compartment.

When the rubber on your Volvo’s motor mounts is constantly heated and cooled, it causes that rubber to expand and contract. This is a cause for concern, as it can potentially make the rubber dry out or crack, essentially starting the disintegration process. That means that you can expect the motor mounts to become loose when too much expansion and contraction has occurred over time.

Another common cause of motor mount failure is careless driving. If you are driving over any type of rough terrain and roads, over time you will cause the motor mount to become overworked as it struggles to absorb those shocks from the engine being jostled while also holding it firmly in place. This excessive wear and tear will eventually lead to the rubber from the mounts breaking down and not functioning properly.

Signs Your Motor Mounts are Failing

Some of the more common signs that your Volvo’s motor mounts are starting to fail includes:

• You start to feel excessive vibrations coming from the engine compartment of your Volvo.
• Clunking noises have started in the engine compartment that were not there before. These may be more noticeable when you are braking, taking sharp turns, or going over bumps in the road.
• You notice that your engine is actually moving around in your engine compartment.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to reach out to a professional for assistance as soon as possible. One failed motor mount out of the four in your engine compartment can put more pressure on the others. So the chances are pretty good that the longer you put off getting the problem solved, the more motor mounts you will have to replace.

How to Fix Your Volvo’s Motor Mount Problem

If you have a Volvo in Redwood City, CA, and think that you may be experiencing any type of motor mount failure, be sure to visit Cerrone’s European so we can do a complete inspection and repair the problem as soon as possible.

At Cerrone’s European, we have the expertise and experience needed to diagnose and fix your Volvo properly and quickly, so you can be safely back on the road as soon as possible.