09.12.2013 Three Out Of Four Engine Mounts Fail Benchmarking Test

Corteco is warning distributors and garages to take extra care when ordering a replacement engine mount.

Three out of four alternatives tested by its sister company TrelleborgVibracoustic (which is the OE engine mount market leader), fell well short of the performance criteria of the original quality mounts available from CORTECO. CORTECO engine mounts, developed for 1998 versions of the Renault Clio II, Kangoo and Kangoo Rapid were compared with the performances of three alternative aftermarket versions. 

During the load test, with the spring load set at 800N and 1,100N respectively, the CORTECO engine mount was the only one to remain 100% inside the specified tolerance range. The three alternative engine mounts tested were between 5-68% outside the tolerance band. Moreover, their excessive rigidity caused the engine to be lifted higher than the 'normal' position, allowing it to tilt on to one side. This increases the tensile force on the drive shaft, which increases wear and tear. 

Problems could arise as a result of driving off or simply through idling, for example. 

The CORTECO mount was the only one of the four to satisfy the vehicle manufacturer's specifications. If the damping is too low, vibration levels increase. This is transmitted initially through to the engine and from there, throughout the entire vehicle. As well as reducing passenger comfort, there is a risk of damage to the engine as well as to other auxiliary systems. 

Under dynamic load testing - the sweep test - two of the three alternatives failed to meet the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.

"This illustrates the high level of OEM technical expertise required in order to satisfy the broad range of functions that hydraulic engine mounts must perform in order to meet the vehicle manufacturer's criteria," says CORTECO. 

In addition to the engine's aggregated weight, the engine mounts absorb drive torque and the forces of inertia during acceleration and cornering. They are safety-critical components. They also absorb vibrations caused by the combustion process, the mechanical inertia of the engine, while dampening the vibrations generated when the vehicle is in contact with the road. 

"Given their safety critical role and the diverse range of loads and forces that they are expected to cope with, it's safer to choose the engine mounts of original equipment quality available from the CORTECO range."

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