If you drive a 2015 to 2021 Chevy Tahoe, you might have heard murmurs of motor mount problems. Unfortunately, there’s some truth to those rumors, leaving many truck owners with serious driveability issues. You don’t have to get caught off guard by motor mount failure, though, because our Ranglin’s Complete AutoCare team is here to help. Let’s start with a look at why the motor mounts fail before diving into what you can do about it.
How Do Motor Mounts Work?
The motor mounts securely connect your Chevy Tahoe’s engine to the chassis. They’re typically made from metal covered in rubber, which provides the best combination of strength and flexibility. Engine mount to frame bolts mate all the parts together for a lasting connection.
When in good condition, the mounts help stabilize the motor and dampen vibrations caused by the internal combustion process. This keeps the engine from putting excess strain on other components, like the transmission and drivetrain, while allowing for smooth power transfer. It also helps decrease engine noise in the cabin space and optimizes your overall driving comfort.
If the mounts don’t stay attached to the frame properly or start to fall apart, connected components could suffer damage. You’ll also notice a marked decrease in drivability, making it a chore to drive your Tahoe around town, much less on the highway.
Why Chevy Tahoe Motor Mounts Fail
Unlike many other model years, 2015 to 2021 Chevy Tahoe motor mounts are prone to premature failure. The factory design simply doesn’t hold up to the demands of regular driving, causing the metal and rubber materials to wear out faster than normal.
Harsh driving conditions, heavy loads, and aggressive acceleration speed up the wear rate significantly. On top of that, exposure to leaking automotive fluids, including engine oil, can degrade the rubber and worsen the problem.
All motor mounts fail eventually due to wear and tear, but most should last at least 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Sadly, newer Chevy Tahoe’s mounts don’t last nearly that long, even when driven gently without carrying heavy loads.
Signs You Have Bad Tahoe Motor Mounts
When Tahoe motor mount problems arise, you’ll likely notice any or all of the following signs:
- Excessive motor vibrations when your truck is in Drive
- Feeling like your motor is running rough or has a low idle
- A harsh clunk sensation when the transmission shifts gears
- Strange banging or rattling noises from the engine bay
- Loud engine noises in the passenger compartment
Notably, you may notice that the symptoms of bad motor mounts go away when you put your Tahoe in Park or Neutral. They’ll promptly return when you shift back into Drive. You might also notice the issue when in Reverse, but that’s not always the case.
How We Can Fix Chevy Tahoe Motor Mount Problems
Our Manchester MD auto repair team can fix your bad Tahoe motor mounts. Since the symptoms mimic many other issues, our team must first diagnose motor mount problems.
Our ASE-certified techs will inspect the mounts, complete a test drive, and perform additional diagnostic tests as needed to confirm the cause of your complaint. We can then provide an accurate diagnosis and repair recommendations.
If it’s your motor mounts causing the issue, we can fix it in one of two ways. We will need to either replace the mount with an updated version or shim the bolt location. The repair needed for your truck depends on the type of factory mount you have.
We will go over our repair recommendations and reasoning with you in full before starting the work. Our team will always provide all the information you need to make confident repair decisions at every visit. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Need Tahoe Motor Mount Replacement? Give Us a Call
Whenever you notice any signs that you might need Chevy Tahoe motor mount replacement services, please feel free to get in touch with our team at Ranglin’s Complete AutoCare. As your leading Manchester MD auto repair shop, we have the skills and expertise needed to diagnose and fix your truck whenever issues arise.
You can get in touch with our team by calling (667) 314-3910. We’re also available at 3037 Main Street Manchester MD 21102 if you’d like to stop by our front desk to set up your appointment. Either way, we look forward to helping you get your Tahoe running and driving at its best through every mile.