I have a 2004 MCS and I noticed oil around the front (top) engine mount. Car runs fine, no noises. Is this mount shot? Thanks for any help.

Tosa Mini

 

They are filled with fluid. If it's leaking, it needs to be replaced.

 

Key is find the reason you have oil on it. Oil will deteriorate rubber over time.

 

IIRC, there was a running change in engine mounts mid-2004. If you have the later engine mount, they're prone to fail every 30-50k, under $100 and not a bad repair. Note, however, that several methods are shown on the all-knowing Internet, and anything that involves lifting the engine can be harmful - you need to support the engine from beneath (jack and a slab of wood), then loosen the engine mount bolts (the lower one takes a special socket), then remove the (4) 16mm bolts holding the upper engine mount BRACKET on the block itself (careful around the dipstick and PCV valve). That way the engine stays roughly in the same position it was. By removing the bracket the engine mount pulls right out from above. Installation is the reverse of removal.

These are the ones that fail quickly, even "good" ones like OE or Loemfoerder:


The earlier engine mounts are also prone to failing, fail about 75-90k, are replaced the same way, but you should consider replacing BOTH PS engine mounts when you do them (2002-2004 MC's have 2 mounts on the PS)..
Early mount:

 

+ on what DixenL2 said. Yes, early ones can fail 12/2003 was the split year: So make sure you get the right ones.

-12/2003 22116759732 Just Genuine MINI for now.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/22116759732/



Then one on the backside also: 22116756405

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/ES41644__ES2883406__ES2869638/




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Then went to the 12/2003+ the newer design and has more options: 22116778610

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/22116778610/




Thanks and good luck .

 

One of the most common parts to deteriorate on the MINI are the engine mounts. The rubber that is contained within the mounts becomes old and brittle, and doesn't perform a good job of isolating the drivetrain from the rest of the chassis. This eventually can cause a whole host of problems and cause wear to other critical components. In the later MINIs (2004 on), they use a liquid filled engine mount on the passenger side that can leak and eventually collapse. Good thing is the replacement is easy. We have a great DIY tech article here that can help you with the replacement.

You can buy replacement mounts here.


If you need any further assistance please let me know.

-Luccia

 

Old thread (sorry) I had a look and didn't find any info on this. If I have the older rubber mount can I swap it out for the newer fluid filled one without any hassles?

QUOTE=tosa mini;4091032]I have a 2004 MCS and I noticed oil around the front (top) engine mount. Car runs fine, no noises. Is this mount shot? Thanks for any help.

Tosa Mini[/QUOTE]

 

What year/model MINI do you have? I am unsure if the mount will be a direct fit in your MINI. If you're looking for a better/upgraded mount to replace your stock one, there are powerflex Upper Engine Support Bracket bushings that you could go with.

 

Its an '03 Cooper S and I've looked at the powerfelx as well as WMW ones. More than likely will go that route as finding the OEM rubber one is proving pricey and painful to get hold of here in sunny South Africa.

Thanks for the help

 

As far as OEM, we have the Lemforder brand one here: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg3.htm#item8 (part # 29901-01-INT), which is a great brand and cheaper than the OEM supplier/Genuine brand. We also do ship to South Africa. Just another option.

 

I switched out my upper and lower mounts with Vibra-Technics. A little more cashola, but I am happy with them.