Engine Mount Replacement Cost

What Are Engine Mounts?

Engine mounts (also called motor mounts) secure the engine and transmission to the vehicle frame while isolating vibrations from the cabin. Understanding engine mount replacement cost starts with knowing what these components do—they simultaneously hold hundreds of pounds of powertrain in place while absorbing constant vibration and movement.

Most vehicles have 3-4 mounts total: typically two on the engine, one or two on the transmission/transaxle. Each mount must withstand thousands of small movements daily as the engine rocks during acceleration, deceleration, and going over bumps.

Types of Engine Mounts

Engine mount replacement cost varies based on mount type:

Solid Rubber Mounts

The traditional design uses molded rubber bonded between metal brackets. Simple, durable, and inexpensive—but transmits more engine vibration to the cabin.

Hydraulic Mounts

Contain fluid (similar to engine oil) inside the rubber housing that absorbs vibration more effectively. When the fluid leaks out, the mount essentially becomes a failed rubber mount with harsh vibration.

Active/Electronic Mounts

Found on luxury vehicles like BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus. These mounts use sensors and actuators to actively cancel engine vibrations. They provide the smoothest experience but are expensive to replace.

Engine Mount Configuration by Vehicle Type

Signs of Bad Engine Mounts

Watch for these symptoms indicating engine mount failure:

Vibration Symptoms

• Excessive idle vibration - Felt in steering wheel, floorboard, or seats
• Vibration at specific RPMs - Mount resonance at certain engine speeds
• Harsh vibration at stop lights - Most noticeable when engine is under load (AC on, in Drive)

Noise Symptoms

• Clunking when shifting - Engine rocks excessively during gear changes
• Banging over bumps - Engine bottoms out on failed mount
• Metallic knock during acceleration - Engine contacts frame or body

Visual Symptoms

• Engine sits lower on one side - Visible under hood
• Cracked or torn rubber - Inspect mount from below
• Oil-soaked mount - Oil leaks degrade rubber faster
• Separated rubber from metal - Complete mount failure

Movement Symptoms

• Engine rocks when revving - Have someone rev while you watch the engine
• Excessive movement during acceleration - Normal movement is 1-2 inches; more indicates failure

Mount Failure Cascading Effect

When one mount fails, it puts additional stress on the remaining mounts. Understanding this helps justify the recommendation to replace all mounts:

1. Single mount fails → Engine tilts toward failed side
2. Remaining mounts compensate → Work harder, wear faster
3. Additional mount fails → Severe engine movement
4. Component damage → Hoses, wires, exhaust stressed or broken

Replacing all mounts at once prevents this cascade and ensures balanced support.

Engine Mount Replacement Cost: Single vs All Mounts

Replacing all mounts at once typically saves 20-30% versus doing them individually over time.

DIY Engine Mount Replacement

Vehicle Assessment

Before starting, assess accessibility:

DIY-Friendly Mounts:

• Top-mounted dog bone/torque mounts
• Visible mounts accessed from above
• Mounts with clear bolt access

Leave to Professionals:

• Mounts under intake manifold
• Mounts requiring subframe drop
• Active/electronic mounts
• Vehicles without easy engine support points

Basic Procedure

1. Support the engine - Use engine support bar across fenders OR floor jack with wood block under oil pan
2. Locate the mount - Identify bolts on both frame side and engine side
3. Remove upper fasteners first - Typically engine-side bracket bolts
4. Remove through-bolt - Main bolt going through rubber mount
5. Lift engine slightly - Just enough to remove old mount
6. Install new mount - Position carefully, start fasteners by hand
7. Torque to specification - Typically 35-50 ft-lbs for main bolts
8. Lower engine - Remove support equipment
9. Test - Start engine, check for vibration and proper clearance

Critical Safety Note

Never work under an engine supported only by a jack. Use jack stands or an engine support bar. A dropped engine can be fatal and will certainly cause expensive damage.

How to Save on Engine Mount Replacement Cost

1. Replace all mounts together - Labor overlap saves 20-30%
2. Get multiple quotes - Mount labor estimates vary significantly
3. Use an independent shop - Often 30-40% less than dealerships
4. Quality aftermarket mounts - OE-quality brands like Anchor, DEA, and Westar cost less than dealer parts
5. Avoid hydraulic-to-solid downgrades - Tempting for cost, but sacrifices ride quality
6. DIY accessible mounts - Top mounts are often straightforward
7. Ask about warranty - Quality mounts should have 12-24 month warranty

OEM vs Aftermarket Engine Mounts

For most vehicles, quality aftermarket mounts from established brands provide good value. Avoid the cheapest options—they often fail quickly or transmit excessive vibration.

Engine Mount Replacement Cost by Region

When Engine Mount Replacement Isn't Worth It

Consider the overall vehicle condition:

Replace mounts if:

• Vehicle is otherwise in good condition
• You plan to keep the vehicle 3+ years
• Vibration or noise significantly impacts enjoyment
• Excessive movement risks component damage

Defer or skip if:

• Vehicle has high mileage with multiple issues
• Repair cost exceeds 25% of vehicle value
• Planning to replace vehicle soon
• Vibration is mild and mount isn't visibly failing

Transmission Mounts vs Engine Mounts

Transmission mounts serve the same function as engine mounts but support the transmission/transaxle. They're often forgotten during engine mount replacement:

When replacing engine mounts, inspect transmission mounts and include them if worn.

Preventing Engine Mount Failure

Maximize mount lifespan with these practices:

• Fix oil leaks promptly - Oil deteriorates rubber
• Avoid aggressive driving - Hard acceleration stresses mounts
• Address engine misfires - Rough running vibrations accelerate wear
• Regular inspection - Visual check during oil changes
• Stay off speed bumps at full speed - Impact loading damages mounts