Mazda 3 motor mount help!

[Hansolorio]

About two weeks ago my 04 mazda 3 started shaking while in drive at a stop. Today my car now sounds a lot louder and is running really rough. I've been doing some research and read that it could be the motor mounts. After inspecting two mounts (one near coolant chamber, and one under the carriage) and both seem fine. I read that there is a transmission motor mount but haven't located it yet. Any advice on what I should do next? What I was also wondering is could the shaking of the engine damage the exhaust system causing the loud noises I'm hearing? Any info/advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[pell16]

Shaking is definitely attributable to engine mounts, as the 2.3L is a pretty smooth operator. How many miles on your Mazda? The mounts may be bad, they aren't too expensive... there are 3 of them total

 

[MSFANATIC]

your transmission mount is located under the battery in order to reach it you have to remove the battery itself then the box that holds the battery and then you will see the bracket that is bolted down on top of the mount

 

[weatherdan822]

It could also be the exhaust rattling around. I also have felt/heard the vibration/rattling and had a trusted mechanic look over my engine bay. He assured me that the motor mounts were still in great condition and he said that it may be the exhaust rattling. Since the 2.3L has VVT, it can idle very low in the RPM-range (~500-600 RPM), which is barely above stalling the engine, so some noise is expected. At least that is what I am experiencing.