Bad engine mounts?
 

Hi.

I recently bought a 1999 Porsche Boxster 2.5 with 60k miles on it.
This is my first Porsche and I'm completely in love :)

However, I have an issue that worries me a bit.

When I accelerate hard in 1st and 2nd gear (sometimes 3rd) and shift upwards, I get a hard clunk from what feels like the entire chassis. So I figured that I may have a bad engine mount.

Also if I get wheelspin during acceleration on wet roads it feels like the tyres is slipping and gripping in an endless cycle. This causes the same type of hard/violent clunks as when I shift, but in perpetuity instead.

Can you brilliant Porsche minds provide me some insight on this issue? :)


Here is a picture of it :) :)

http://i.imgur.com/fkaG0kyl.jpg

Sounds like a front engine mount to me. Mine sounded and felt like a bad CV joint if I was on the gas during a hard turn. It also had a clunking if I shifted really hard sometimes.

A constant clicking when the car is moving is likely a CV
A clunk when up shifting is likely a front motor mount

Lots of threads on both

Yep, that is a classic symptom of a failing motor mount. While you're under the car, also check the transmission mounts for any leaking. The trans mounts are filled with a viscous dampening fluid and if there is any leakage, they should be replaced.

Does your car have traction control? My Boxster has TC and will do something similar as the computer applies and releases the brakes to try to control wheelspin. If no TC, then hard to say what might be happening and maybe someone else has some ideas.

By the way, I like the 2001-2003 wheels!

Check the 'use by' date on the tires. They may have good tread but if they are very old ,they become hard and less grippy.

Bad motor mount may also presents itself as a resonance at around 3,000 rpm.

If you do change out your motor mount, spend more and swap out the water pump. You'll be right there and it's worth it...

Thanks for the good replies, guys :)

Do you know where I can buy a cheap OEM front engine mount? :)

No need to buy the entire mount, just the insert. Remove the old one and have the new one pressed in
Look online
Get the 987/997 insert, but you will need the new side rubber things as they are a different thickness

Lots of threads on this. The search function works well

IIRC, the insert is around $40

Have you tried Pelican Parts who host this forum?