When dealing with gear shifting problems, people often blame the transmission system.
Although the transmission system can indeed cause car issues, the transmission mount can also cause those, as well as other issues. Here’s what I found!
Bad Transmission Mount Symptoms
1. Drooping Transmission
A visual inspection may be all you need to perform to identify a problem with your car’s transmission mount.
Generally, the transmission mount connects the transmission’s rear to the chassis.
In the worst-case scenario, you’ll need a new engine or transmission mount if you can see your engine or transmission sagging or moving around from below.
Moreover, you should be aware that letting your engine or transmission droop that way may cause some damage to other components that you’ll need to have checked or replaced.
2. Misshapen Car Frame
Aside from a drooping transmission, a faulty transmission mount can also cause chassis flex.
In this case, a damaged transmission mount will result in your car’s transmission moving around more than normal.
Additionally, the force it exerts on the chassis increases as it does this more frequently.
As such, it can cause damage if it does it frequently enough.
Moreover, the procedure of fixing the chassis of your car is very expensive, and occasionally the sum of the costs just isn’t worth it.
3. Unusual Noises
Furthermore, strange noises could be a sign of a broken transmission mount.
In this case, you’ll hear these noises because a bad transmission mount does the exact opposite of what a good one is intended to do, which is to hold the transmission firmly.
Additionally, the sounds are highly loud whether you shift gears, accelerate, go over a bump, or apply the brakes.
Moreover, the rubber blocks between the vehicle’s chassis and the transmission mounts may be responsible for these noises by enabling vibrations to pass from the transmission mount into the chassis.
4. Transmission Issues
Apart from my points above, a bad transmission mount can also cause problems with your car’s transmission.
As mentioned earlier, the transmission mount’s primary purpose is to securely connect the transmission to the chassis or frame of your car.
Therefore, it follows that if you have a faulty transmission mount, this means that the transmission isn’t being held in place and may move around.
Furthermore, if the transmission isn’t secured to the chassis, then this can affect transmission performance and affect its connection to the engine.
5. Moving Transmission
Apart from transmission issues, a damaged transmission mount can also cause the transmission to move around more than usual.
Generally, this is something that you won’t feel when you’re driving at a steady speed.
However, you’re most likely to notice when you engage the power brake, as you’ll have to step on the brake pedal while the transmission is set to Drive.
As a result, this will leave the drivetrain free to move up and down if you have a worn or damaged transmission mount.
6. Excessive Vibration
In addition, if you find that your car vibrates and shudders more than normal, it’s likely a symptom of a faulty transmission mount.
Usually, vibrations from the engine and transmission are reduced by the rubber section of the transmission mount.
However, this rubber seal may wear down or become damaged along with the transmission mount over time with regular use.
As a result, vibrations may enter the vehicle’s cabin through the chassis, resulting in a bumpier drive than what you’re used to.
7. Damaged Transmission Components
Aside from my points above, noticeable damage to the transmission components can also be indicative of issues with the transmission mount.
As mentioned above, the transmission may move excessively if the transmission mount is faulty.
Because of this, you might find upon further inspection that some parts of the transmission have become damaged.
Moreover, it’s important to check the bushings and bearings on the transmission as these parts are susceptible to damage from regular wear and tear.
Fortunately, if you’re able to catch this right away, it’s far less expensive to address than a more serious transmission issue down the line.
8. Distorted Driveshaft
A distorted driveshaft may also be a symptom of a bad transmission mount.
Typically, you’d expect the transmission to stay in place while you’re driving.
However, if you have a damaged transmission mount, then there’s a large possibility that the transmission has shifted out of place.
Therefore, it follows that tension in the shift linkage, driveshaft, or wirings may impair the efficiency of shifting if your transmission mount is poor and the transmission is not mounted in the proper position.
9. Engine And Transmission Misalignment
Aside from my points above, the transmission may become misaligned because of a bad transmission mount.
Generally, the transmission is connected to the engine in such a way that the wiring and other components can work synchronously with those of the engine with no issues.
However, when the transmission mount is faulty, this can cause the transmission to come out of alignment with the engine.
As a result, the transmission may not work optimally, or may not be able to execute gear changes.
To know more, you can also read our posts on why car batteries are so heavy, why ceramic brakes are better, and why Hyundais are so cheap.
Conclusion
There are several things to consider when you have a bad transmission mount, and these may include a misshapen chassis or drooping transmission.
Furthermore, other more serious signs like transmission issues may make it dangerous while you’re driving.
As such, it’s best to get your car brought in for regular maintenance to prevent these issues in the future.