Can engines come loose?

[Fingolfin]

I ask because today I attempted to go for a drive, but before leaving the driveway I heard a knocking from the front when I went over bumps, and then I discovered this:[frame][/frame]
It appears that the right-hand engine mount is disintegrating! (This is disappointing because it's brand new.) Jacking against the sump confirmed that the engine is not loose -- yet -- but can this mount fail catastrophically? Can I drive safely?

[jagnut66]

Hi,
Probably best not to drive it with them in that condition.
I have heard that the new mounts can be a bit hard but not of them actually breaking up......
If you still have the receipts speak to the supplier and request replacements, they should send you them FOC but they may ask for the old ones back first, so they can see for themselves.
Do you still have the old ones and would they suffice until you get replacements?
Best wishes,
Mike.

[Fingolfin]

I haven't got the old ones (which had turned to lava rock -- crumbly and hard), but I have got a spare or two. I'll replace it and see what happens.

I should add that I don't think the knocking is coming from the engine; it seems to be coming up through the steering column, so it's the rack or the suspension somewhere.

[bmcecosse]

It may have been fitted incorrectly - under some 'tension' - but it seems to be general view that the mounts supplied these days are rubbish quality...... I wouldn't drive it like that - but I doubt it is the source of your noise........

[jagnut66]

Just a thought with regard to your knocking, check all the nuts and bolts holding your front suspension / brakes together, mine have come loose in the past (or I didn't tighten them enough ).
Also I've had it suggested to me that the wheels nuts can work loose.
All or any of the above could lead to a knocking whilst the car is in motion.
Best wishes,
Mike.

[stag36587]

I found the front brake back plates loose on my car - worth a quick check

[Fingolfin]

Part of the knocking/rattling/etc. was probably caused by a loose torsion bar, which I just fixed: http://mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=51255

I'm going to replace the engine rubber tonight or tomorrow, and then I'll take the car for a drive and see if things are better. I think I'll also loosen the steady bar slightly, as I've done it up real tight and I've read that that's not a good idea.

[IslipMinor]

Is that mount right? It looks like the right hand part is the new mount and the left hand part a plate left over from the old one?

[Fingolfin]

No no...it's all one part, or at least it came as one part. I guarantee I replace engine mount rubbers wholesale and not in pieces. It split after slight use.

I changed this mount for one of my old ones (I thought I had new spares, but I was wrong, and it turned out I hadn't thrown out my old ones), but the old one isn't very happy either. I'm going to order some NOS rubber blocks and see if they make a difference.

[Fingolfin]

The old one has actually sheared longitudinally, with the blockside plate separating from the rubber. I'm glad I didn't drive with it much! I've ordered a new one, and I'll let you know how I get along.