More motor mount issues

[Rittmeister]

I installed a set of RR-Racing front and rear motor mount inserts in my '02 ES a few months ago. The stock mounts were pretty tired (and were torn partway through, I found on removal). Had trouble with the throttle body not sealing properly but got that all sorted out.

At first I was happy with the new mounts; the vibration wasn't as bad as I'd anticipated and of course it pretty much disappeared when the car got moving.

HOWEVER, I have begun to experience a horrible shuddering/juddering when stepping away from a stop. The whole car shakes when trying to launch normally, and the problem is compounded when I have the a/c on. It's especially bad when turning at the same time as trying to move in first gear.

The only way I've found to alleviate the problem is to use double or triple the amount of throttle I'm used to, and riding the clutch longer than I feel I should have to. It's not a drag launch but I know it's going to wear the clutch faster than a more relaxed takeoff. I've been able to drive every other manual-transmission car I've owned, and quite a few others, like this with no trouble, so it's not me and my driving style being deficient or defective here.

After doing some reading here I saw a lot of talk about clutch chatter, but the symptoms don't seem to be quite the same.

Is this just one of the prices of upgraded mounts? If so they may have to come out in favor of new factory mounts.

Any input appreciated.

 

[ForceFed]

Aftermarket MM's are pretty rough..but usually they get better..not worse with time....Unless you have bad one already.

And yes..with the A/C on..the vibration can get worse.

It is motor vibration you feel or Clutch chatter...which you would likely feel through feedback of your Clutch foot?

 

[Rittmeister]

Matt, it's not just through my foot. The whole car shakes, it seems pretty severe. Honestly I'm ready to get a set of new factory mounts and put them in. I've had motor mounts in other FWD cars (SE-Rs, G20) and while the vibration was expected I never had the launching problem I'm having now.

To be clear, I'm not complaining of the vibration at idle, I've dealt with it on other cars and I expected it. What I wasn't ready for was this incredible shaking on normal launching of the car from a stop.

 

[eagles453809]

honestly it sounds more like a transmisison issue to me. maybe your differential. open your hood and mess with the throttle and see if the engine flexes. if so you have mount issues.

 

[Rittmeister]

Can you be any more specific about the tranny? Is this just some kind of wheel hop (which I thought the mounts were supposed to alleviate)? The tranny shifts fine, never grinds or hangs up, the clutch engages properly, etc etc.

I guess I'll try to source a new rear mount and install it, maybe that's what I should have done in the first place.