Bad Motor Mounts?

[mtritt]

So the latest problem with my TB is a horrible shaking that at times is so bad that I think the engine wants to jump out from under the hood. The entire front end of the truck is vibrating so much the screws must be loosening up. This only happens in Drive with the brakes on, not in neutral. I'm thinking that because of the load and torque on the engine that this is the problem.. or maybe it could be the transmission mounts.

Anyone had experience with this? Is it doable yourself or best left to a shop with a lift and the proper tools? Any idea on the cost if this is the problem?

Thanks, guys.

[rbarrios]

also check your fan clutch-
if the water pump shaft is failing the fan clutch will wobble--- at its worst it WILL make the engine vibrate. (been there--- I6 though).

with engine off-- grab fan and see if it moves sided to side on the water pump shaft.

[TXBlazer]

Culzero had a very similar problem.......turned out his Motor mounts were shot......he had the vibration/shuddering in drive, kicked it into Neutral and it would go away....replaced the mounts, problem fixed

[mtritt]

Awesome info, guys.

Just had the fan clutch replaced in October and that's good. Yes, the engine runs well in neutral. Drive at 0 mph is the problem. Take off and drive and no issues - smooth. The engine is torqued to one side, I guess, so it doesn't allow for the shaking.

Is this a DIY job or is a visit to the shop required?

[mtritt]

Update:

I took the truck to a local shop and they confirmed that there was some play in the two motor mounts. They replaced them and, wow, what a difference! It's amazing what you get used to over time. It's so smooth now that I can't even feel the engine starting anymore, just like when my truck was new. The vibrations while sitting at lights are totally gone. Apart from a hardly noticeable rough idle (which I can live with), it's like driving a totally different car. Even while driving, which I thought was smooth before, is even smoother.

[KHill]

Glad you got it fixed! What'd the shop charge to get it done?

[mtritt]

They got me for $400. The mounts were a little over $100 each from the dealer. They were unable to find aftermarket mounts locally and even the dealer I called had only one in stock. They called another dealer that had only three. I guess it's not a high-demand item. Anyway, I figured that since the OEM mounts lasted 97K miles, it didn't hurt to put the same mounts back on. It's possible that I may have overpaid a little, but I'm happy with the end result so that makes it worth it for me.

[KHill]

Yeah no kidding, in that case if the price isnt EXTREMELY unreasonable, its just nice to have it fixed.

[mtritt]

Agreed. I love a bargain, but sometimes it just doesn't pay to start making calls all around town. My time is worth much more. Sometimes paying a little more is worth it.

[Martymfla]

I had a little vibration at the red lights. Neutral would solve the problem. I thought it was the idol. Dealer said its the motor mounts. They said 3 need to be replaced for $900.00+!?!!?!?! Are they crazy!!!!