The owner of a 2005-06 Honda Odyssey minivan may come into your store with a complaint of a vibration from the engine at idle or under a load at about 2,000 rpm. One likely cause of the trouble, Honda says, is a damaged rear engine mount.
To make the diagnosis, install a 0.024-inch feeler gauge between the rear engine mount bracket and the rubber bumper on the mount, as shown in the illustration. If you can't get the gauge to slide between the two parts and the rubber on the mount bulges outward, the rear engine mount is damaged.
Installing an improved rear mount, part No. 50810-SHJ-A62, H/C 8485906, should eliminate the vibration. Along with the new mount, Honda recommends replacing the four short retaining bolts and the one long bolt.
"Factory Fixes" is written by Jim DePalma, a 30-year veteran of the auto repair business who has worked as a service manager, parts manager and ASE-certified technician. His column provides vehicle manufacturers' factory technical service bulletins (TSBs) that have been condensed for easier reading. Mr. DePalma advises that techs always check with a dealer or repair information system for the latest revisions before starting to work on a vehicle. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].