Lots of Questions Under the Hood

[Juiceman74]

So I have had my 08 Denali for a couple months now and I have noticed a few things that I am not so sure about. First thing: when my mom bought the vehicle she was having real bad problems with the vehicle having a real bad jolt when she punched the gas. Low and behold there was very little transmission fluid in the truck. Now it doesn't really do that anymore but it does still have a jolt if I punch the gas whether it is from a dead stop or trying to pass someone on the highway. Second thing: There is this weird winding noise going on under the hood. I have no idea what it is but the car will be quiet then all the sudden after it has been running for a little bit (time changes every time) it will get loud with this winding sound. I think it could be a belt because when i turn the car off you can almost hear it winding down. Please Help!!!

 

[NathanJax]

So I have had my 08 Denali for a couple months now and I have noticed a few things that I am not so sure about. First thing: when my mom bought the vehicle she was having real bad problems with the vehicle having a real bad jolt when she punched the gas. Low and behold there was very little transmission fluid in the truck. Now it doesn't really do that anymore but it does still have a jolt if I punch the gas whether it is from a dead stop or trying to pass someone on the highway.

Possible engine mount? It's a known issue on here...

 

[Juiceman74]

Easy fix? and how do I check it?

 

[OneTwo]

Easy fix? and how do I check it?

1) Pop the hood and stand off to the side of the vehicle (not in front of it) so you can see the engine.
2) Have a friend put it in 1st gear, firmly hold the brake, and press the gas pedal simultaneously (this is why you aren't standing in front of the vehicle).
3) Watch the engine to see if it jumps up more than it should. If the driver's side pops up an inch or two, your driver's side motor mount is probably bad.

Repeat this process with the transmission in reverse while watching the other side of the engine to check the passenger side motor mount (although this one rarely goes bad).

Most people say the fix isn't the easiest (lots of "bloody knuckles" comments), but it's certainly doable in your driveway over the weekend. I just had my mechanic change mine out. It was two hours of labor, IIRC.

Also, stay away from the cheap, aftermarket engine mounts. You'll be tempted to buy the $20 one instead of the $120 AC Delco mount, but there are a LOT of horror stories about the cheap mounts. I've seen several posts about failure after just a few thousand miles and having to do it all over again with the OEM mount.