Engine Mount: Description and Operation

Engine Mounting




A twin tie bar torque axis system is used on all MINI engine derivatives. the system consists of 2 mass carriers and 2 torque reacting tie bars.

Brackets, bolt and mount rates vary with engine/gearbox combinations. the hydra-mount and hydra bush carry the mass of the engine. they control the vertical and lateral movements of the engine. these movements are generated by the engine itself and through road inputs from the suspension. the tie bars control torque reaction. This is the natural fore-aft movement of the engine during acceleration and deceleration.

Hydra Mount
the hydra mount is located on the right hand side of the engine (viewed from the driver seat). It is filled with glycol fluid to absorb vibration. the bracket that is located directly on the mount is constructed from cast aluminum and is attached by four bolts to the top of the cylinder block.

Hydra Bush
the Hydra bush is located between a two part assembly mounted on top of the gearbox. It consists of two die cast aluminum housings. the first part is bolted directly on top of the gearbox and houses the hydra bush. the second part is connected from the inner strut housing to the hydra bush. This also provides additional mountings for the fuse box, battery box (MINI COOPER only) and air cleaner assembly.

Top Stabilizer Bar
the stabilizer consists of a large die cast aluminum housing. This is bolted to the rear of the suspension strut and houses a large bushing. A mild steel bracket is used to connect the strut mount to the twin axis mount that incorporates a small bushing, this will be available as a separate part.

Lower Stabilizer Bar
the lower stabilizer is also constructed from die cast aluminum and incorporates two bushings of different sizes. the large bushing is bolted directly on to the subframe cross member. the other end is fixed to a mild steel bracket, bolted on the sump pan.