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Month: January 2020

Toyota Broken Motor Mount

When Should You Replace the Motor Mount in Your Toyota?

Toyota brings Japanese efficiency and futuristic innovations to the USA with their range of stylish cars that are perfect for work and play. Many drivers always give care and maintenance to the obvious parts of their vehicle, such as the wheels, the engine, or the body work. However, few remember to care for some of the less glamorous parts, such as the motor mount. This actually has an integral role to play in your vehicle and should be properly maintained with the other components of your Toyota. With this in mind, in this article we’ll be looking at some of the signs and symptoms that your Toyota’s motor mount might be in need of replacement.

What is the motor mount and what does it do?

The motor mount is what supports your engine and your transmission inside your car. This is done to stabilize and secure the expensive parts, reducing the noise and vibrations they produce in this process. This creates a smoother and more enjoyable driving experience. Your motor mount is a simple part made of metal plates and rubber insulator blocks.

There are several different types of motor mounts that have been developed over the years, such as hydro-mounts. Also referred to as hydraulic mounts, the rubber blocks in this system are filled with fluid. This fluid absorbs chassis vibrations. This type of mount is common in four-cylinder and V6 engines. There are 3 main types of motor mount which your Toyota might have:

1. Passive Rubber Mounts

The most basic type of mount, passive rubber mounts are made of metal and rubber and are bolted to the body of the car as well as the engine. Rubber mounts are designed for longevity and will typically last the lifespan of your Toyota.

2. Passive Hydraulic Mounts

A little more advanced, as previously mentioned, the hydraulic or hydro-mounts are filled with glycol or hydraulic fluid which are able to dampen stronger vibrations. This kind of mount is more costly and is often found in luxury sports cars. This type of mount may not last for your Toyota’s total life span.

3. Active Hydraulic Mounts

The most expensive type of mount, active hydraulic mounts, are usually reserved for high-end sports cars. The mounts in this system have a vacuum chamber which can adjust it’s stiffness to suit the situation.

The Signs and Symptoms your Motor Mount May Need Replacing

1. Noises

As previously mentioned, aside from supporting your engine, the chief role of your motor mount is to keep noises and vibrations down to a minimum. Therefore, if you notice loud noises such as rattling or juddering noises coming from under your hood, then it is likely there is some fault with the motor mount, usually the rubber mounts.

2. Lots of Vibrations

As we learned along side reducing noise, the motor mount also dampens vibrations. Of course, any engine will hum with a gentle vibration when running and a little more when accelerating, but anything that could be deemed as more than a purr should be investigated. Excessive vibrations can destabilise your engine, which can result in damage.

3. Drooping Engine

Where the previous issues tend to highlight an issue with the rubber mounts, engine drooping can be a sign of the failure of the mount as a whole. The mount is designed to keep your engine central and level. If the mount warps or fails, then the engine may dip to one side or sit at a camber. This minor change can cause serious engine issues, so needs to be fixed quickly.

What causes the need to replace your motor mount?

1. Bad Installation

If your mount was installed incorrectly in the first place, then it will be unable to properly support your engine. This will likely cause damage and excessive loud noises and vibrations.

2. Wear and Defects

Parts naturally wear over time, and with wear, sometimes defects that were impossible to spot at manufacture can surface.

3. Age

If your vehicle an older model or a classic, then your motor mount might simply reach the end of its left expectancy. Most commonly, this is due to the rubber mounts becoming dry and brittle, developing cracks and reducing their effectiveness in keeping vibrations and noise down.

Toyota Motor Mount Replacement Time

Euro Plus Automotive

Euro Plus Automotive of Canoga Park, Toyota Motor Mount Replacement Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles County, CA are experienced mechanics who are ready and waiting to help your Toyota with any problem it might develop. Please contact us today for an appointment.

Nissan Gear Change Pauses

Tips to Detect Transmission Issues in Your Nissan

Nissan and transmission issues can sadly go hand in hand. Nissan’s recent slew of parts issues has overshadowed the quality of the cars they produce. Many Nissan drivers still love their cars, and are loyal to the brand, and rightly so, as there is still plenty that their vehicles offer. With this in mind, in this article, we will take a closer look at Nissan’s transmission, learn more about the system, and how to detect issues in your own car.

Automatic and Manual

Traditionally, there are two kinds of transmission: automatic and manual. Automatic transmissions change gears automatically by the car’s computer systems with minimal driver input. Manual transmission requires the driver to change gears using the clutch pedal and gear selector.

CVT: The Third Option

Just under a decade ago, Nissan released its first line of cars that use CVT transmission. CVT transmission stands for Continuously Variable Transmission. It provides simplified and more powerful delivery, making the transmission conserve fuel economy. This makes for a seamless gear shift, which the driver shouldn’t notice at all.

Nissan Cars with CVT

Many Nissan cars now feature CVT. Listed below are some of the most common lines that feature this transmission, though of course this is not an exhaustive list.

  • Versa: S Plus, SV, SV Special Ed., SL
  • Versa Note: S Plus, SV, SR, SL
  • Sentra: SV. SR, SR Midnight Edition, SR Turbo, SR Turbo Midnight Edition, SL, Nismo
  • Altima: Base, S, SR, SR Midnight Edition, SV, SL, Platinum
  • Maxima: S, SV, SL
  • Juke: S, SV, SL, Nismo, Nismo RS
  • Rogue Sport: S, SV, SL
  • Rogue: S, SV, Midnight Edition, SL
  • Murano: S, SV, SL, Platinum, Midnight Edition

The CVT Controversy

While designed to increase performance, for many Nissan models, the addition has had the reverse effect. Many drivers experience loss of power, jerky gear changes, transmission slippages, and leaks of the CVT coolant hose as well as CVT error messages. This not only brought Nissan intense scrutiny but also outrage from drivers who found their cars were suddenly unsafe.

In response to this, Nissan undertook a mass recall of the most concerning models and has doubled the warranty on all CVT models to a whopping 10 years/120,000 miles. This extended warranty covers all repairs, replacements, and towing needs. If you drive a Nissan with CVT, it’s worth checking if your car has been recalled or qualifies for a warranty extension. You should also treat your transmission with extra care.

Detecting Transmission Problems

Now that you know why you may need to pay extra mind to your Nissan’s transmission, next, let’s look at the signs and symptoms you should look for to detect transmission problems:

1. Noises

Changing gears should be effortless and unnoticeable by drivers. Therefore, any sounds heard when shifting gears should be treated as a sign of an issue with the transmission system.

2. Pauses

Gear changes should happen immediately. Therefore, any delay or hesitation should be seen as an issue worth investigating.

3. Burnt Smell

An acrid or burning smell is commonly caused by the transmission fluid either leaking or overheating, but it can also be the transmission unit overheating too.

4. Leaks in the Transmission

To change gears successfully, your Nissan uses pressurized transmission fluid. If there is a leak in the system, then this pressure won’t be achieved, and your car will struggle to change gears.

5. Grinding

In manual cars, you will be able to feel that the gears are grinding against one another. Whereas, in an automatic transmission, gear changes will feel rough or jerky.

6. Neutral Noises

As mentioned, any noises from your transmission should be seen as a warning sign, and hearing noises when in neutral is a signal of low fluid levels or fluid that is expired.

7. Warning Lights

Lights such as your check-engine light can illuminate because of transmission problems and definitely shouldn’t be ignored!

Nissan Transmission Issues Detection Tips

Euro Plus Automotive

Residents of Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, Nissan Transmission Issues Check San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles County, CA can benefit from the incredible service offered by the dedicated team at Euro Plus Automotive. Our expert team will always advise you on the best solution to your problem. We are always upfront and honest with costs and repair times, meaning we are a name you can trust for all your future Nissan maintenance and servicing needs.

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