Mitsubishi Eclipse Motor Mounts
Your Mitsubishi Eclipse is a tremendous piece of machinery that can traverse even rough and uneven road surfaces with power and agility. However, over time parts start to wear down, and the mounts holding the engine of your Eclipse to the frame may need to be replaced. When this occurs, it will be beneficial to know your options.
How are motor mounts constructed?There are a lot of different options available when it comes to the mounts available for your Mitsubishi Eclipse car, whether you have a Spyder, a GS Turbo, or a GSX. They all share the same basic structure. There is a steel bracket that bolts into the frame of your Mitsubishi. That mount will utilize different buffering materials and is attached to the engine and the hardware that connects the two.
- Rubber mounts are the more common mounts on the market and also the ones your Mitsubishi Eclipse came equipped with. They use a rubber sleeve which acts as a buffer between the engine and frame to avoid metal-on-metal contact. The rubber dampens both the vibration and noise in your vehicle.
- Hydraulic mounts are great for smaller four- or six-cylinder engines that tend to vibrate more in the frame. They use a hollow chamber filled with hydraulic fluid to absorb noise and vibration.
- Polyurethane mounts are harder than rubber mounts and absorb less noise and vibration from the engine of your Eclipse. However, because the engine has less ability to move, it will need more power transfer down the driveline of the vehicle.
- Solid engine mounts are metal-on-metal with nothing to dampen the noise or vibration within your Mitsubishi Eclipse. It will be much louder and vibrate more in your car, but the trade-off is that you will get maximum performance out of this aspect of your Eclipse. These are great if your Mitsubishi is going to be racing.
Once you have figured out which style of mounts will suit your driving needs, the next step is to decide if you want to go with original manufacturer equipment (OEM) or aftermarket mounts for your Mitsubishi Eclipse. OEM mounts are designed by Mitsubishi and are made specifically to fit the needs of your particular Eclipse, while the latter is a term to describe any company not authorized by Mitsubishi to make mounts for the Eclipse. They may have a wider selection of mounts available because they are more universal in nature.
How do you replace motor mounts on the Mitsubishi Eclipse?- First, check to be certain there are no obstacles between the engine and the frame of your Eclipse. Make sure all hoses, wires, and lines have clearance for protection.
- Secure the engine on a jack. Remove the mounting hardware then crawl underneath your Mitsubishi and remove the bracket bolts.
- Slowly lift the engine until you can reach in and remove the mounts. Install the new mounts working in reverse order.