How to tell if IFS engine mounts need to be replaced ?

[KZTE Nut]

Hi all

I have the original engine mounts on my IFS KZTE. How does one tell if they need replacing ?
On idle I can hear a soft rattle which goes away when revs go up. I don't hear any knocking sound when accelerating hard.
Is it a big job to replace and are there decent non Toyota parts ?
Has anyone replaced their IFS engine mounts ?
Thanks.

[Hilux 1]

Hi Mervyn

i have the same sound, i thought it to be my exhaust. how did you come to think about the mountings? did you had a look at them?

[dalkill]

could it not be release bearing noise?

[GRWLR ZN]

Afternoon Mervyn,

If you suspect engine mountings, obviously have a look at them with a decent light and look for cracks or any kind of fatigue. Then find a good solid spot on the engine towards the front, preferably not on the sump, and jack the engine up lightly and not too high, just so there is movement on the mounts. Have a look at the mounting rubbers etc. You should definitely see a problem if the mounts are tired.

I doubt the rattling would be mounts though.

When you switch off, does the motor coming to a stop "jerk" the bakkie? Do you have difficulty selecting first when you pull of sometimes?

[Mud Dog]

If there's a rattle at idle, it should be quite east to find by listening around under the hood and under the vehicle. More than likely it will be something small like a loose bolt on one of the peripherals or something.

IRO the mounts, not always apparent and can be difficult to see (the OEM ones have a heat shield shroud over the rubber).
If you have someone you can trust to hold the gas and brake pedals with one foot while operating the clutch with the other while you crawl in underneath you can check the mounts from top and bottom while they rock the motor both ways using 1st and reverse. Otherwise you have to climb in there with a tommy bar or lever an manually rock the motor on each side while you check.

Look at the vulcanised rubber section between the two plates on the mounts if it has separated on the vulcanising or torn right through. If you see any kind of separation / tear, the mount needs to be replaced.

Best is to get the genuine ones from Toyota, but Midas stocks a fairly good pirate one at ¼ of the price, so if you don't mind doing the replacement work (which is quite easy with a decent lever / tommy bar), then you don't mind having to replace twice as often.

Check the gearbox mounts as well.

[Dzombo4]

What is the condition of your fan belts.
Had a similar problem and it was solved by at first lubricating the belts with q40, and after a while the noise returned, replaced the belts.

[KZTE Nut]

Thanks everyone !

Growler - no there is no sudden "jerk" when the bakkie switches off and no problems with getting into 1st gear.

I will try to have a look at the mounts as advised.