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The 2 front Vee-Mounts are Aluminium and mounted very low between the subframe and inner bodywork close to the steering column. They are prone to corrosion and when they start to go, their rubber parts can de-bond which will lead to woolly handing and clonk noises. Vee mounts support the weight of the engine so replacing them is a bit of an effort. The JTIS has a good procedure for their replacement which includes supporting the weight of the engine and dropping the front subframe. See these pics
Support Engine New Vee-Mounts Corroded and De-bonded Vee mount SubFrame dropped
It was an advisory on last year’s MOT inspection, but the guys who did it this year didn’t think they needed changing. So I planned to have a look myself. The car can have a slight weave on an uneven road surface, but it’s always done this since I’ve owned it. On a smooth surface it always feels fine.
There is an element of fail-safe in the Vee-mount design and this is perhaps why you get thru MOT. Even when de-bonded, the weight of the engine keeps these mounts engaged. However, under certain conditions (such as heavy acceleration load and an uneven road surface) there is tendency for one side of the engine to want to lift which is when a knock can be noticed.
There is an element of fail-safe in the Vee-mount design and this is perhaps why you get thru MOT. Even when de-bonded, the weight of the engine keeps these mounts engaged. However, under certain conditions (such as heavy acceleration load and an uneven road surface) there is tendency for one side of the engine to want to lift which is when a knock can be noticed.
definitely don’t have or ever have had a knock. A little tendency for the car to wander on uneven roads. And perhaps some shimmy over bumpy surfaces on hard acceleration.
Those are mild conditions. May be nothing wrong with it!! or perhaps just a sign of suspension bushes starting to go. I certainly wouldn’t commit to do the Vee Mounts unless you have to - you need more symptoms and evidence. It can be one of those frustrating jobs that shear bolts as you go...
Front VEE Mounts
