Front Engine Mount Question - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

fullthrottle52 · 06-29-2011, 07:09 PM

Can anyone tell me what the symptoms are if you have a bad or broken motor mount.
Over the past week my clutch seems to have changed some. It catches about half way up in first gear but 2nd - 5th seems to be very "soft". 2nd - 5th also has a higher catch point, about 2 in. from top. It used to seem a little harsher.

The Boxster is a 2000 with 52,000 miles on it. It makes me think it may be a broken front motor mount more than a clutch going. There is no slipping at all and first gear will still launch if you want to.

Any suggestions?

timothy · 06-29-2011, 08:03 PM

One test is to have someone watch the exhaust while you pull away. If the tips dip down under the initial load, better order a new mount.

Jager · 06-29-2011, 08:46 PM

A bad motor mount will look like the one in the photo (one I removed from my 2001). Symptoms have been described as having motor vibration at ~3000 RPM or sometimes thumping noise when accelerating hard or dumping clutch.

Since the clutch is hydraulic (flex lines) and the shifter linkage is via cables, it’s not likely a motor mount issue you are experiencing. I think it’s either your clutch hydraulics (bleed the fluid or master cylinder issue or slave cylinder issue) or something mechanical with the clutch itself (pressure plate/disk).

clickman · 06-29-2011, 09:07 PM

I just replaced my front motor mount. It needed it.

It hasn't solved the 3000 rpm vibe issue, although it might have reduced it. I'll have to drive it for a while before I'll be able to tell.

Bobiam · 06-30-2011, 03:52 AM

It is VERY likely that your mount is shot considering age and miles. If it's not, it will be next year. You need it.....Just change it.

When mine was changed the clutch engagement improved substantially and I solved the 3000 rpm shimmy.

There are lots of replacement choices. Personally I advise genuine Porsche so you'll know what to expect.

san rensho · 06-30-2011, 04:58 AM

Doesn't sound like motor mount problem, but as others have said, theres a good chance its gone or about to go. If the waterpump is original, do the pump at the same time. Removing all the coolant hoses makes the motor mount a snap and lowering the engine to remove the mount makes replacing the waterpump a breeze.