sweetsc400

Hey All -

My '95 SC400 has 97,XXX miles and has been well-maintained both mechanically and cosmetically. However, over the last 5,000 miles or so, I've noticed that there's more vibration travelling through the steering wheel and shifter. Sometimes I can even hear an interior piece vibrate as I take off after a cold start.

When I first had the car I can remember it being much smoother running, but now it feels like an 85 Jetta (read "enormous exaggeration" ). Other related symptoms include the jult experienced when putting the car into gear during cold idle, and a noticeable "clunk" when selecting drive from reverse.

I'm beginning to wonder if this is due, in large part, to the transmission mounts. Or if it's more of a combination of both the transmission and engine mounts.

I didn't have a great deal of luck while searching on the subject. Ironically, when using pertinent search words for the topic (i.e. rough, idle, mounts, etc.), Mercedes came up numerous times . I'm basically wondering what experience you all have had with transmission and engine mounts being replaced. Have you noticed a smoother idle? A better cold start? And finally, what kind of prices have you seen? Thank you all in advance for your help.

Matt

jeremyp111

It could be the engine and/or tranny mounts or it could be the lower control arm bushings. Each of these problems is pretty common. Put it on a lift and check 'em out. The tranny mount is really easy to do yourself, but the engine mounts are a tad more difficult as are the LCA bushings. Vibrations through the steering wheel could also be from unbalanced tires or an alignment problem too.

sweetsc400

Thanks, Jeremy. I just had a 4 wheel laser alignment done at the dealership, including a 4 wheel balance, so I can rule that out. I hadn't thought about the LCA bushings being the culprit, although I have thought them to be a bit worn.

jeremyp111

Do you get a clunking noise when going over bumps at all? That's a tell tale sign of totally shot LCA bushings.

sweetsc400

No, the suspension is surprisingly solid. The shocks squeak a little when it's been sitting in the cold for a while. I think I'm going to start with the transmission mount.

Nomis

I'd be leaning towards the engine and trans mounts as well - especially if you're feeling the vibration when in park. I replaced my mounts and the engine is like butter - smooth.

sweetsc400

Hey Nomis - Did you replace your engine and tranny mounts? How many miles do you have on your car?

Nomis

Yes I did @ 108K, the rubber was compressed and seperated from it's steel bracket. I detailed my experience here:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ghlight=mounts

sweetsc400

Nice write-up, Nomis. Was there much of a difference after you were able to test it out? If there was a difference, in what situations was it most noticeable?

Nomis

Less of a jerk on take off from a stop. No clunk in gear change from Park to Reverse.