Rubber mount or hydraulic mount

ANSWER : Engine mount and motor mount are completely interchangeable terms that refer to the identical component. There is an additional mount though and that is the transaxle or transmission mount. That mount is important, too, in minimizing vibration. For ordinary passenger cars, there are no choices as to mount type (i.e., hydraulic versus solid rubber). Vibration at idle can have multiple causes so you should be sure that the mechanic has provided you with an accurate diagnostic, accompanied by reasoning as to why the mounts are the cause of the vibration versus other potential causes.

In your circumstance, where you are trying to resolve a vibration issue, it is recommended that the original OEM mounts, as designed and manufactured by Honda, be used as the replacements. If you use aftermarket mounts, and the vibration issue persists, it will literally be impossible to rule out the aftermarket mounts as a "new" source of vibration due to a defective design. To save yourself headaches, and further diagnostic problems if the vibration persists after replacement, if you suspect motor mounts are bad, replace with OEM mounts only. Obviously, the Honda mounts are going to be more expensive though. After replacing the mounts, if the vibration issue persists, the problem is either engine running condition, or a mechanical or balance issue with the engine, for example the harmonic balancer. Before doing anything, I would ask the mechanic who told you the mounts are bad what his reasoning is. If he has no credible explanation, you should get a diagnostic FIRST before replacing any parts. If you are in need of a diagnostic, please use YourMechanic’s vehicle engine vibration diagnostic service page. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic because we want you to make the most of your repair dollars and help you to get the best possible results.

ANSWER : Sometimes the way they are labeled is confusing. In a car like yours, where the engine is mounted front to rear, there are three mounts. The two in the front on either side usually look similar to each other, but not identical. The rear mount at the tail of the transmission will look entirely different and makes the third point of the plane. Many times the transmission mount will be referred to as a rear motor mount in parts literature. If you need too have your mounts inspected or replaced, you can contact Your Mechanic.they can send a technician to your home or office to replace your motor mounts right there on the spot.

ANSWER : I believe you need to replace all of your mounts. You are saying it is touching the frame, so I would suggest the rest of them be replaced also. You may also look around and see if you have anything obstructing the fact that it isn’t sitting properly. I hope this helps with your issue.

ANSWER : There is nothing in a basic tune up that would require loosening or touching the motor mounts. If the motor mounts are in fact loose, they could potentially cause damage to the axles if the motor were to shift enough while driving; however, this would take time and there would have been a very distinct vibration and clunk that you would have very likely noticed while driving. I would recommend having a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, come take a look at the car to properly diagnose and repair your motor mount problem.

ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. I suggest returning the motor mount and getting the correct one before proceeding with the repair and replacement.

ANSWER : If a motor mount diagnostic was performed and the mounts were confirmed to be faulty, the only safe repair strategy would have been to install dealer OEM motor mounts. If you use aftermarket parts in this application in essence you are using your time, money, and so forth to conduct an experiment with parts that, very often (not always, but VERY often) simply were not designed for your car. As a practical matter, the only way to determine if new motor mounts will resolve your issue is to install the mounts that were intended for your vehicle and those are the OEM dealer supplied mounts. If after installing the correct parts, you still have a vibration issue, at least at that point you can continue on with further diagnostics knowing that the mounts are NOT an issue. Motor mounts are not what they were years ago. Modern mounts have internal hydraulics and valving. There are many, many parts on a car which should not be repaired with aftermarket (or worse, rebuilt) parts if you desire to keep headaches to a minimum.

ANSWER : Hello there, it is true the engine mounts are not typically covered under the powertrain warranty of your 2013 Ford Explorer. The powertrain warranty generally only covers mechanical engine and transmission parts. If you decide not to go the dealer route, YourMechanic’s experienced and qualified technicians can come to you and service your engine mounts. Best of luck.

ANSWER : Any broken motor mounts should be replaced immediately. If "all" are broken, then all should be replaced immediately. The problem with operating a vehicle with damaged mounts is the engine gets out of position and that can cause collateral damage to the CV axles (as the CV axles, in turn, run out of position) and other components. HOWEVER, it is unusual for all mounts to in fact be bad, all at the same time, and so you should ask that the mechanic PROVE to you that the (or each) mount is defective (show you, by visual demonstration, the break, deterioration or other fault in the mount) before you make a decision. Trust but VERIFY. If no actual evidence is shown to you of a fault in the mount and/or if the explanation that is given to you of the fault does not make sense to you, run for the exits. Alternatively, get a second opinion, but there again, you have to have proof. If it turns out that you need new mounts, do not waste your time with aftermarket mounts. A motor mount is a high tech, highly engineered part these days and indeed some are actually hydraulic in operation. If you want the motor mounts that were designed for your car, buy the mounts from the dealer (OEM). That is the ONLY way you can be sure they will fit and work properly. As far as the serpentine belt is concerned, generally the belt only needs to be replaced every 100,000 miles or so. If your belt is original, absolutely replace it. However, if the belt has been replaced already and perhaps has only 50,000 miles or so on it, there is no need to replace it again now. If the belt is replaced, all of the pulleys, the tensioner, and all rotating elements in the circuit, MUST be carefully inspected and replaced as needed. You might ask the mechanic the open ended question, "what about the pulleys that the belt rides on?". If he doesn’t immediately state in response, "after we remove the belt, of course we inspect the pulleys for smoothness of operation and to be sure the grease is still good", run for the exits.

If you desire an inspection of the motor mounts (and drive belt), and advice and replacement as needed, please simply request motor/transmission mount inspection/replacement and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.