Creaking during takeoff - Motor Mount?

[Elite130]

This is happening on my 2007 Mazda6 S, V6, 5-speed manual, 62,000 miles.

For a while, I have had an issue with a creaking noise coming from under the drivers side dash, at the same elevation as the pedals. The creaking happens only when I begin accelerating from a stop light, essentially during the weight shift. It doesn't happen any other time.

Is this a motor mount?

 

[nardvark]

I'm wondering if I have the same problem. I have an ATX, but I assume the mount is similar. My noise is more of a light thud behind the firewall, sounds like the passenger side from where I am. It only occurs when I accelerate from a stop.

I also wonder if it's a motor mount becuase the clearance between the radiator and the exhaust manifold is getting so tight as to make getting the oil filter out extremely difficult. Makes me think a mount is sagging.

Let me know if you figure anything out, when the weather clears up a bit I'm going to try to inspect my mounts.

 

[banzairx7]

If the noise is from the dash good chance it is not a motor mount. I'd guess the steering column is the more likely culprit. Not sure exactly what would cause it. It's just the column is really the only thing being stressed at all under the dash during take off.

 

[nardvark]

It can be incredibly difficult to localize a noise like this, so a sound from the "dash" area just means it's not from the rear wheels, doors, etc...It could be anywhere from the engine compartment, front axle, steering, etc...

 

[nardvark]

Just to update, at least one of my mounts is definitely shot. I had my wife give the car some gas in gear (with her left foot on the brake!), and I've got a good 2 inches of engine motion. It's rolling front/back, still trying to figure out which mount is shot. I'm guessing the dogbone.

 

[Elite130]

huh...i may need to try the same test. ill let you know what I find.

 

[banzairx7]

I wouldn't be surprised if you find all the mounts to look OK even with all that movement. The stock mounts are ridiculously soft. I've replaced two of the three mounts because the engine was moving enough to hit something. There was nothing outwardly wrong with them. They just aren't stiff enough.