Engine movement. Normal?

[SHO_ROLLER]

I had my hood open today and noticed that if I turn the wheel while the car is running, the engine rotates a bit. Is this normal? Thanks!

Anthony burn_out

 

[SilverSHO]

How much does it rotate? If it's noticeable and more than half an inch or so, you might have one or more bad motor mounts. The front one typically craps out first. To check it, you can put the car in first gear, put on the parking brake, and torque the motor a bit to see how much the front side of the intake moves (if it's a MTX). If you have an automatic, you may be able to do that, but I'm not sure (don't have any experience with ATX SHOs).

 

[projectSHO89]

No, this is not normal. The steering rack is mounted to the rear cross member of the subframe.

If the engine moves (twists) when you turn the wheel and the car is at rest, that means that the rear of the sub-frame is moving relative to the car's body. Probably worn out subframe bushings or a problem with the bolts/nuts.

Steve

<small>[ November 08, 2002, 05:26 PM: Message edited by: projectSHO89 ]</small>

 

[SHO_ROLLER]

Can I still drive it? It will be going into the shop Monday.

Anthony frown

 

[SHOZ123]

Didn't someone have the subframe and motor fall out of their car due to bad bushings/bolts?

 

[SHO_ROLLER]

Well, I don't want that to happen eek! eek! !! Is there a way to tell the difference between bad bushings and lose bolts?

Anthony frown

 

[projectSHO89]

Crawl under it and try to tighten the bolts.

Steve

 

[SHO_ROLLER]

Where are the bolts?