Engine mount. Porsche 986 Boxster 1997-04 / 987 Boxster 2005 > / 987C Cayman 2006 >

Position: center engine mount (the central mount that locates the engine fore/aft and resists torque). 

• Porsche Boxster 986 2.5L 1997-99
• Porsche Boxster 986 2.7L 1999-02
• Porsche Boxster S 986 3.2L 1999-02
• Porsche Boxster 986 2.7L 2003-04
• Porsche Boxster S 986 3.2L 2003-04
• Porsche Boxster 987 2.7L 2005 -08/08
• Porsche Boxster 987 S 3.2/3.4L 2005-08/08
• Porsche Cayman 2.7L 987C 2006-08
• Porsche Cayman S 3.4L 987C 2005-08  

Replace the part when it has lost its ability to control engine movement and damp vibration. Typical triggers to replace the centre mount include: 

• Hard clunk or bang on acceleration, deceleration or gear changes (engine shifting against chassis).
• Excessive vibration into the cabin, especially at idle or specific RPM bands.
• Visible damage — torn, separated rubber, oil-soaked or collapsed mount/bushing, or corrosion of mating faces. 

Common issues & failure causes

• Rubber deterioration: age, heat cycling and mechanical fatigue cause the rubber to harden, crack or de-bond from the metal, reducing isolation and allowing increased engine movement.
• Fluid contamination: oil or coolant leaks accelerate rubber breakdown (softening or swelling), commonly seen on older engines where leaks occur.
• Mechanical shock / abuse: repeated hard launches, aggressive shifting or collisions can cause sudden mount failure or promote early fatigue.
• Bracket wear / corrosion: the bushing may be fine, but the aluminium bracket can crack, corrode, or the bushing may need pressing into a worn bracket — which is why some techs prefer replacing the full assembly.