What happens when your transmission mount is bad?

Transmission mounts are circular metal brackets that support the transmission and utilize rubber blocks to prevent the vehicle from vibrating and rattling while running. Most transmission mounts also come with rubber blocks or bricks, which sit between the chassis of the car and the mounting bracket to keep noise from being transmitted through the body of the vehicle.

Shaking

A bad transmission mount can cause your vehicle to shake and rattle severely while accelerating. This is often caused by a broken transmission mount, but may result from worn or damaged rubber blocks. If the transmission mount breaks completely, the transmission may shift during acceleration, causing a knocking or clunking sound. If the transmission shifts and twists severely enough, it may damage other components, which cand result in additional noise and possibly damage.

Noise

When the rubber blocks between the vehicle’s chassis and the transmission mounts break free or become damaged, the vibration and noise from the transmission will be conducted through the transmission mount and into the chassis of the car. This is most often recognized as a roaring or vibrating sound that echoes throughout the vehicle during acceleration. If the sound is caused by bad rubber blocks, the transmission mounts may break, damaging the transmission.

Loss

Though rare, if a transmission mount becomes damaged and breaks, the transmission may become dislodged and fall from the vehicle. This will result in thousands of dollars in damage and is not easy to repair.

A bad transmission mount can be dangerous because the transmission of your car can slip or even fall. The transmission mount is designed to hold the transmission in place, to keep it from jostling or moving around when you accelerate. If the transmission mount is bad, you’ll hear a banging noise as the transmission bangs against the mount, and the bad mount will place stress on other components. Knowing how to correctly diagnose a bad transmission mount can save you from dealing with more serious car problems down the road.

If you are seeing any of these signs, bring your vehicle to us at Murrieta Tire & Auto today! Our technicians are standing by to ensure your vehicle is in tip top shape to get back on the road safely!