Auto Parts: 1992 Ford Taurus GL Wagon, ford taurus gl, advance auto parts

Question
Both motor mounts need to be replaced and I want to know if I can rebuild the ones in there. They were supposedly replaced approximately one year ago but starting leaking oil after a month of driving. I had a friend who is a mechanic put them in and he used some new mounts he bought from a shop owner he used to work for. I told him what happened and he is no longer "in the business". Anyhow, does any of the parts dealers make a repair kit for them or do I have to pay the approximately $180 to get new ones?

Answer
Hi Scott,

Those viscus mounts were supposed to be the 'wave' of the future and to some degree, they are. Modern viscus mounts have an electronic valve in them that releases the fluid pressure in stages. When the vehicle pulls-out fast, the mount will allow more flow reducing the 'shock' felt through the car from an engine leaning on the motor mount which in turn gives you a smoother ride experience. In a perfect world. The problem with them is that they incorporated rubber and oil, two substances that do not get along so well. Yours are not electronic as far as I know, so they have a valve in them that has a pre-determined release rate. So if you always pull out like your trying to beat the 'tree', your mount will be stressed almost all the time. The internal valve doesn't have an issue with the constant high amount of pressure but the seals where the rubber connects to the steel mounts is where the seem separates causing the assembly to leak out the fluid and it doesn't take long after that until the boot rips completely in half causing your engine to jump around a little.

I think there is a replacement mount made by an aftermarket company that is SOLID rubber. You can probably find it at a local new parts dealer like Autozone or Advance Auto Parts. Around here, those mounts are about $40.

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
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