Top 3 Bad Transmission Mount Symptoms to Watch Out For

Written by

Mia Bevacqua, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Automotive Subject Matter Expert at CarParts.com

Updated on May 15th, 2024

Reading Time: 4 minutes
Summary
  • The transmission mount supports the weight of the transmission and minimizes its vibrations.
  • A faulty transmission mount can show symptoms such as abnormal noises, excessive vibrations, and excessive transmission movement. Sometimes, it can also impact shift timing and quality.
  • You can expect to pay somewhere around $200 to $800 to have your transmission mount replaced.

All vehicles have one or more transmission mounts that support the weight of the transmission. Although the mounts are designed to last the life of the vehicle, they can eventually wear out, resulting in some noticeable symptoms.

What is a Transmission Mount?

Your car uses a transmission mount (or multiple transmission mounts) to support the weight of the transmission. The mount also isolates the transmission from the chassis to minimize vibrations.

A vehicle can have multiple transmission mounts that support the weight of the transmission.

A typical transmission mount consists of an outer metal frame, which bolts to the transmission and chassis, as well as an inner rubber portion that absorbs vibrations. In some cases, the rubber portion is filled with liquid.

Transmission mounts can wear out due to long-term exposure to the elements or from regular use over time. Also, premature failure can result from fluids leaking down onto the mounts.

A worn-out transmission mount should be replaced right away to prevent further damage to other parts of the vehicle.

The Most Common Signs of a Bad Transmission Mount

Do you think your car might have a bad transmission mount? If you’re noticing one or more of the following symptoms, you might be right.

Abnormal Noises

The most common sign of a worn-out transmission mount is a clunking noise. Usually, the sound is most noticeable during hard acceleration, abrupt braking, or when putting the transmission into gear.

Vibrations

The rubber portion of the transmission mount helps absorb vibrations from the transmission and engine. As such, if the transmission mount fails, vibrations may travel through the chassis and into the cabin of the vehicle.

Excessive Transmission Movement

Worn-out transmission mounts can allow the transmission to move around more than it should. It’s unlikely that you will notice this movement during regular driving. But there’s a good chance you (or your mechanic) will see the movement if a power brake test is performed.

Power braking involves putting the transmission in drive, holding one foot on the brake, and lightly accelerating the engine without moving the car. An assistant should be watching the engine compartment during the test.

A worn-out engine mount or transmission mount will allow the powertrain to move up and down excessively during power braking.

Expect to pay somewhere from around $200 to $800 to have a professional replace your car’s transmission mount.

Can a Bad Transmission Mount Cause Slipping?

The answer is almost always, no—a bad transmission mount will not cause the transmission to slip. But there may be some rare cases where a failed mount causes enough movement to throw off the manual shift linkage or the throttle valve linkage (on an older vehicle), thereby impacting shift quality and shift timing.

How Much Does a Transmission Mount Replacement Cost?

If you choose to have a professional replace your car’s transmission mount, you can usually expect to pay somewhere from around $200 to $800 to get the job done. Of course, the exact price will depend on a variety of factors, such as the year, make, and model of your vehicle.

Get a Replacement Transmission Mount Without Leaving Your Home

Driving with a damaged transmission mount could lead to engine and transmission troubles, which usually require costly repairs and part replacements. To avoid that, it’s best to replace a worn-out mount as soon as you can. Thankfully, you can easily find new transmission mounts that fit your vehicle here at CarParts.com.

At CarParts.com, you can browse high-quality transmission mounts without leaving the comforts of your home. Access our website using your mobile device or laptop. Use our vehicle selector to view compatible parts, then toggle the filter tool to find the mounts that fit your specific needs.

We want to give you the best value for your money, which is why we source our products from the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. We ship from strategically located warehouses across different states, so you’ll get your purchase delivered days after ordering.

Avoid driving with damaged transmission mounts and dealing with their hassles. Check out our wide selection of high-quality transmission mounts now at CarParts.com.

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About The Author
Written By Mia Bevacqua, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Automotive Subject Matter Expert at CarParts.com

Mia Bevacqua has over 14 years of experience in the auto industry and holds a bachelor's degree in Advanced Automotive Systems. Certifications include ASE Master Automobile Technician, Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technician, L1, L2, L3, and L4 Advanced Level Specialist. Mia loves fixer-upper oddballs, like her 1987 Cavalier Z-24 and 1998 Astro Van AWD.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.