How to Replace Motor Mounts: DIY Removal and Installation

Do you hear a clunking noise from your car’s engine compartment or feel a vibration through the cabin? Then you may be dealing with a bad motor mount.

Motor mounts live a difficult life, constantly supporting the weight of the engine and absorbing vibrations. So, it’s not uncommon for one or more of the mounts to eventually fail. The good news is, if you’re handy and have the proper tools, you can save a substantial amount of money by replacing a faulty motor mount yourself.

What is a Motor Mount?

Motor mounts support the weight of the engine—but that’s not all. The mounts also isolate the engine from the chassis to minimize vibrations.

Most vehicles have a few motor mounts for the engine, along with one or two mounts for the transmission. Each mount consists of an outer metal frame, which bolts to the engine or transmission, and an inner rubber portion that absorbs vibrations. In some cases, the rubber portion is filled with liquid.

Motor mounts can wear out due to long-term exposure to the elements or from regular use over time. Also, engine oil or other fluids leaking down onto the mounts can cause premature failure.

Worn-out motor mounts should be replaced right away to prevent further damage to other parts of the vehicle.

How to Replace Motor Mounts

The procedure for replacing a motor mount will vary, depending on the year, make, and model of the vehicle. As such, it’s important to consult the replacement instructions for your application in a repair manual or repair database.

But for a general overview of what replacing a motor mount typically involves, check out the information below.

Tools and Equipment Needed to Replace a Motor Mount

The tools needed to perform a motor mount replacement will vary, depending on the type of car you have.

In general, however, you’ll need:

• Block of wood
• Pry bar
• Hammer
• Ratchet and socket set
• Repair manual or access to a repair database
• Safety glasses
• Torque wrench
• Wheel chocks
• Wrench set

Motor Mount Replacement Instructions

Now, let’s get started on replacing one of your car’s motor mounts. The following steps will give you an idea of what the job typically entails

Note: The following are general guidelines for educational and entertainment purposes only. Consult your vehicle’s factory information for specific repair instructions and recommended safety procedures.

Motor Mount Removal

1. Put on your safety glasses.
   
   
2. Chock the rear wheels and set the parking brake.
   
   
3. Safely raise and support the vehicle using a jack and jack stands.
   
   
4. Gain access to the motor mount by removing the fender liner or anything else that’s in the way.
   
   
5. Place a block of wood on top of your jack.
   
   
6. Use the jack (with the wood on top) to lift the engine only enough to remove weight from the mount. The wooden block will prevent the jack from damaging the oil pan.
   
   Warning: Do not lie underneath the engine when it’s supported by a jack! Severe personal injury may result.
   
   
7. Remove the mount to-engine retaining bolts along with any brackets.
   
   
8. Remove the motor mount from the engine bay.
   
   Note: You may need to use a pry bar to remove the motor mount from its perch.

Motor Mount Installation

1. Compare the new motor mount to the old motor mount to ensure both are the same design.
   
   
2. Position the motor mount in the engine bay.
   
   Note: You may need to use a hammer to carefully tap the motor mount into position.
   
   
3. Use a torque wrench to tighten the motor mount retaining bolts to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification.
   
   
4. Reinstall the fender liner or anything else that was removed to gain access to the motor mount.
   
   
5. Safely remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle.

The video below demonstrates what replacing a motor mount typically involves:

How Long Does It Take to Replace Motor Mounts?

The amount of time it takes to replace a motor mount will depend on several factors, including the year, make, and model of the vehicle. Your personal skillset will also come into play, as will the vehicle’s condition (severely rusted mounts can be more challenging to replace).

Should I Replace All of the Motor Mounts?

Typically, there are three or four mounts holding the engine and transmission in place. But in most cases, you don’t need to replace them all at once. In the event that one of the mounts gets worn out or busted, you can usually just change out the one that needs replacement.

In some cases, however, you may want to replace all the mounts at once as a preventative measure. Often, when one mount fails, it will put additional strain on the other mounts, leading to their early demise.

Where to Get Quality Replacement Motor Mounts

Motor mounts play a small but important role for your vehicle by supporting your engine’s weight and absorbing excess vibrations. If enough motor mounts fail, these vibrations can seriously damage your engine and other parts under the hood. Thankfully, you can easily buy replacement motor mounts here at CarParts.com.

CarParts.com offers many different aftermarket brands at different price points, which allows you to pick a set of motor mounts that suit your budget and vehicle. Simply use the built-in vehicle selector to view parts guaranteed to fit your vehicle’s make and model. Our strategically located warehouses let us ship your motor mounts quickly. Once you place an order, you can receive it in as fast as two business days.

Don’t wait for all your motor mounts to break before replacing them. Get new motor mounts at CarParts.com today.