Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Engine Mount

I recently bought a '98 Contour SE, Zetec, with 91,000 miles, and I am doing some overdue maintenance.

Below is a picture of the right engine mount (passenger side). This engine mount looks different than the mount that is pictured in my Haynes manual. Can anyone tell me if this mounts condition looks OK or not? It seems like it sits a little low to me. Does it need replaced?


I posted some other pictures here... http://members.aol.com/mailless/

There are 3 pictures of the right mount, and 3 pictures of the front mount (roll resister). The front mount looks ok to me. I'm guessing since it sits kinda in the middle it is ok. I know I can fill it, but I want to take care of some other necessities first. Unless someone tells me it is bad.

The Contour is a pretty cool car. This site is great.

I appreciate any help, comments or opinions.

Right Engine Mount

Yeah, I'd say those look pretty worn. I would just go ahead and replace them all. Remember, they aren't broken, just worn. Prioritize and fix only what needs to be done and then replace the mounts whenever you can. I do believe the duratec and zetec mounts are similar to a certain extent, but those should be replaced sooner than later. I'll get you some pics of mine when I can. Good luck and I hope this helps.
Sean

Thanks, Sean. Since they appear worn I will work engine mount replacements into my schedule. I may do the right mount and the timing belt at the same time. If you can get time for a picture that would be great. Thanks again.

what if you don't fix them?

Well, I know what happens when one becomes worn, and when it breaks. What I don't know is what exactly would happen if it went unchecked for a long time. If left broken/worn, the others would probably follow suit very quickly. Remember, the engine/trans combo needs at least three good mounts to function proberly. It's like when plotting a line, at least three points are necessary. This has not happened to me on the Contour (still in pretty good shape), but it did happen on my old Lumina APV. All I heard was loud thumps when I hit bumps, but nothing else. One day when I was changing the oil, I noticed one of them didn't even exist!!! So, remember, your mounts are worn, not broken...yet. Check the BAT catalogue ( clicky ). They have a whole bunch of fun stuff for the Contiques, along with pretty good pictures of the mounts. I, however, can't get pictures yet. Mine is getting new Pre-Cats right now and is still in the shop (Make sure you do this before 8yrs/80k mi). Once I get it back, I'll post some pics of mine. Or if anybody has pics of theirs, please do.
Sean

Alright, here's the pics of the right mount. I couldn't get a picture of the lower mount because I couldn't get my arm under there (it's a really low car). Hope this helps!
Sean

Well, now that I look at it again, they are very different. Regardless, they should still be replaced! Your front mount does still look ok, but maybe buying a replacement is a good idea. That's about it, I'm out of things to say!
Sean

Sean,

Yeah they are different. Yours is like the hydraulic mounts in the Haynes manual, and what I see when I can find photos of other Contour engines. Mine is a 98.5 Contour with a Zetec and an ATX. I just can't find another mount like mine to compare mine with.

Thanks for taking the trouble to try and help. I appreciate your efforts.

you cant go by the Haynes manual for alot of things.. i got a 93 traurus and the taurus book had all kinds of conflicting stuff in it... if i would have followed the haynes manual i would have had more problems doing the repairs...