So my car/engine's been vibrating and sqeaking. Motor mounts?

psteng19

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Dec 9, 2000
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It vibrates mostly when in reverse, on low speeds, sometimes accompanied by a squeal or squeak.
Is it the motor mounts?

How important is it to get it fixed?
Can I get away without fixing it?

TIA :D

'95 Sentra Auto 75k miles.
 

ElFenix

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Mar 20, 2000
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if your mounts were broke it would feel like you were running over a brick every time you accelerate due to the engine climbing the transmission

<--- voice of experience
 

alm99

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vibration at low speeds = most likely engine mounts,
squeal = its the fan belt
 

radioouman

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Look at the motor mounts to see if the rubber is squashed or broken. Sometimes your engine and transmission will be rubbing against the metal if the mount is really broken...
 

alm99

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Originally posted by: ElFenix
if your mounts were broke it would feel like you were running over a brick every time you accelerate due to the engine climbing the transmission

<--- voice of experience

It depends, if they are collapsed it will vibrate at low speeds at a stop. My car did this and got the mounts fixed.
 

Reel

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Originally posted by: ElFenix
if your mounts were broke it would feel like you were running over a brick every time you accelerate due to the engine climbing the transmission

<--- voice of experience

Same thing here. Went around and got quotes. Some places said I only needed 2 replaced, some said all 4. Got 2 and its been much nicer. They like to tell the horror story of you being on the highway and the engine slamming up against your hood and denting it outward.
 

psteng19

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Dec 9, 2000
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Originally posted by: ReelC00L
Originally posted by: ElFenix
if your mounts were broke it would feel like you were running over a brick every time you accelerate due to the engine climbing the transmission

<--- voice of experience

Same thing here. Went around and got quotes. Some places said I only needed 2 replaced, some said all 4. Got 2 and its been much nicer. They like to tell the horror story of you being on the highway and the engine slamming up against your hood and denting it outward.

Well, it's not THAT serious yet.
Like I said, mostly and only when in reverse and moving at very low (next to no) speeds.
I'm assuming it'll progressively get worse.

Should I wait awhile to get it fixes, or does it need immediate attention to prevent further/possible damage.
How much should it cost to get done?

 

psteng19

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Dec 9, 2000
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Originally posted by: alm99
vibration at low speeds = most likely engine mounts,
squeal = its the fan belt

Actually, I don't think it's the fan belt because if it were that, it would squeal all the time.
The squeal only comes when the engine is vibrating.

It's not other fans either, because I had them changed and tensioned not too long ago.
 

Reel

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Jul 14, 2001
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I am nowhere near the level of expert in cars and i probably couldn't even qualify as an amateur but I ignored the problem. Nothing worsened and no further damage was inflicted by my negligence. I think I had it broken for a month or 2. You just have to keep in mind if it is 2 of them that are broken and you let it go, it may soon become 3 that are broken and then 4. I suppose its a matter of risk.