Technical 2008 1.4 8v. Do my engine mounts look knackered?

[Mikeldn88]

Guys,
I get judder and knocks at slow speeds. Judder mainly when driving off, and knocks when going slowly over uneven ground.

What I've changed thus far:
1) Drop links. This did quieten the knock originally.
2) Front Shocks, and Top mounts. Again this solved the issue for a few weeks.
3) Rear engine (Dog bone) mount. The rubber was knackered. Did deaden the sound but again the knocks/jubber reappeared.

Now, I'm thinking its could be two things
A) Knackered control arm bushings?
B) Knackered left and right engine mounts?

Does the engine mount closes to my alternator look right? It looks 'off', which indicate my mount under the battery could be broken so the engine is offline.

Any tips on testing for knackered engine mount, also what brand mounts to buy. I replace the dogbone mount with a Febi Bilsten. Are the cheaper brands OK for the two side mounts or stick with Febi?

For control arms; Can a competent mechanic with a lift spot knackered control arm bushings? My mechanic has used a pry bar and says the suspension is good. I know he isn't the sort of guy to rip me off as he changed my dogbone engine mount for £10.

Can't really see the mount under the battery;

 

[bugsymike]

You may be able to test if very careful not to stand in the way, by with hand brake on firmly, have someone go from first to reverse a few times lifting the clutch pedal quickly, but not enough to move the car!!!
Basically you are pulling against the handbrake to jerk the suspension and engine mounts etc. So do with bonnet up also.
However any spectators must stand at the side of car for very obvious reasons
Note, if uncertain then do not do it!!!

 

[AnthonyH]

Guys,
I get judder and knocks at slow speeds. Judder mainly when driving off, and knocks when going slowly over uneven ground.

What I've changed thus far:
1) Drop links. This did quieten the knock originally.
2) Front Shocks, and Top mounts. Again this solved the issue for a few weeks.
3) Rear engine (Dog bone) mount. The rubber was knackered. Did deaden the sound but again the knocks/jubber reappeared.

Now, I'm thinking its could be two things
A) Knackered control arm bushings?
B) Knackered left and right engine mounts?

Does the engine mount closes to my alternator look right? It looks 'off', which indicate my mount under the battery could be broken so the engine is offline.

Any tips on testing for knackered engine mount, also what brand mounts to buy. I replace the dogbone mount with a Febi Bilsten. Are the cheaper brands OK for the two side mounts or stick with Febi?

For control arms; Can a competent mechanic with a lift spot knackered control arm bushings? My mechanic has used a pry bar and says the suspension is good. I know he isn't the sort of guy to rip me off as he changed my dogbone engine mount for £10.




View attachment 453233

Can't really see the mount under the battery;

View attachment 453234View attachment 453235

Sounds like the exhaust is the problem to me.

a) Its much easier to get Punto exhaust hangars that are too loose than tight, the loose ones create a judder when you take off.

b) The exhaust backbox inners may as well be made of wood on these Puntos, likely the metal has disintegrated, so when you go over rough ground slowly - imagine a stone inside a tin can. Thats the knocks.

c) The loose hangars in a) amplify the problem in b)

 

[Mikeldn88]

Sounds like the exhaust is the problem to me.

@AnthonyH I will get the mechanic to check the exhaust and hangers.


I am suspecting the engine mounts (right and left) at the moment, since the gap on mine looks off compare to a picture I found online.

For those that have changed engine mounts before, shall I go for Ridex, Magnetti Marelli or pay a little more for Febi Bilsteins?

It's a 2008 with a few more running years, so I'm thinking to just buy the Ridex which may last a few years before I get another car. Is the penny pinching worth the hassle??

thanks

 

[GrandePunto PL]

Best way is to remove the mounts and then you will see the cracks etc. Video starts with good mounts.

With good mounts, you can't wiggle the engine-gearbox by hand (on old worn ones you can).