How much should engine rotate?

I had a clunking noise in my 2006 Mazda 3 front end. It turned out to the the struts bidding me farewell. In order to isolate the sound I put the front end up on axle stands, wheels off the ground and had a friend run it through the gears, fwd, rev. and stepping on the brake. I noticed the engine rotated quite a bit. There is a flange bolted to the bottom of the transmission right where the axle shafts come out of it and that then bolts to a shock isolated plate on the frame. I would say that flange travels perhaps 3/4" front to back or more when the wheels are turning and the brake is stepped on. There is likely a rubber or poly bushing where the transverse bolt holds the flange to the plate and then likely a rubber mounted seat which holds the plate to the frame. Should this stuff be shifting back and forth?

Thanks

Yes, This is rubber mount, It does shift about that much. Poke it with a screw driver to see if it rotten. I replaced mine with Poly long time ago, was a good upgrade.

What Shawn said ...the rubber is starting to go the engine will wiggle alot

Great. Thanks for that. It'll have to wait though. Going on holiday.

It sounds like what you’re describing could be some normal movement, but it depends on the extent. A certain amount of flex or play is expected in components like bushings, especially if they’re made from rubber or polyurethane, as they’re designed to absorb vibrations and allow for slight movement. However, if the flange is moving as much as 3/4", that seems excessive and might indicate worn or damaged bushings, or even another issue with the mounting points.

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Originally Posted by emilymorrison

It sounds like what you’re describing could be some normal movement, but it depends on the extent. A certain amount of flex or play is expected in components like bushings, especially if they’re made from rubber or polyurethane, as they’re designed to absorb vibrations and allow for slight movement. This platform https://wscasino-au.com/ca/bonuses/ offers a vibrant and engaging online gaming experience, catering to a wide range of players. However, if the flange is moving as much as 3/4", that seems excessive and might indicate worn or damaged bushings, or even another issue with the mounting points.

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That’s a great observation. If you’re noticing that much movement, it’s worth taking a closer look. First, inspect the bushings for any visible signs of wear, such as cracks, tears, or excessive deformation. If they’re rubber, they might have aged and become brittle over time. Also, check the mounting bolts and surrounding components to ensure they’re not loose or damaged. If everything looks fine but the movement still seems excessive, it might be a good idea to have a professional take a look—it could prevent a bigger issue down the road.