Engine Mount Buyer's Guide

Engine mounts are the components that attach your car's engine to its frame. They are made out of steel with rubber or polyurethane bushings to reduce engine noise and vibration. Like most parts, the engine mounts eventually wear out. If they aren't replaced, they will cause damage to the engine or other parts of the car.

In this guide, we'll cover:

The signs of a bad engine mount
How to replace an engine mount
Why OEM engine mounts are better than aftermarket parts

If you'd like to know more about engine mounts in general, check out this article which goes into more detail.

Signs of A Bad Engine Mount

You can usually tell a bad engine mount by looking at it. If the bushings appear cracked, worn, or missing, the engine mount needs to be replaced. Sometimes the engine mount feels loose. If it can't be secured by tightening the bolts, it should be inspected further and replaced if necessary.

In addition to visual signs you might experience one of the following symptoms:

More vibrations than normal coming from under the hood of the car.
The car feels like it lurches or there are thumping noises under the hood when you start the car.
Occasionally you hear kicking or banging noises when the car shifts gears or go over bumps.

How To Replace An Engine Mount

Replacing an engine mount is not that difficult, but you need the right tools and need to take the right safety precautions.

Tools and Equipment

In addition to the replacement engine mount, you'll need the following tools:

Wheel chocks
Carjack
Jack stands
Penetrating oil
Socket set with a ratchet wrench
Pry bar
Rubber mallet
Vice grips

Steps For Replacing an Engine Mount

Image Credit: Samarins

First, part the car on a level surface, ideally in a driveway, garage, or other off-street location. Then set the parking brake.

Place chock blocks behind the car's rear wheels.
Locate the engine mounts.
- The front or side engine mounts will be located low on the engine block and near the suspension. You should be able to see how the engine mounts are bolted to the engine and the car's frame.
- The rear engine mount should be located under the engine near the back of the engine compartment. You may need to get under the car to find it.
Raise the car with the jack and place the jack stands under each side of the car. The jacks need to sit flat on the ground and securely support the weight of the car. If you aren't sure where to position the jack or jack stands, check your owner's manual.
Once the car is secured, support the engine with the jack to take the load off the engine mount. Place the jack under something solid and not something flimsy like an oil pan.
Soak the engine mount's bolts in penetrating oil. It's best to wait about 30 minutes for the oil to soak through the rust and grime.
Remove the bolts from the engine mount using the ratchet wrench. If the bolts won't come out once they are unbolted, use the vice grips and a pry bar to help extract them.
If the engine mount won't come out after removing the bolts, you can try tapping it with the rubber mallet to loosen it. Or use the pry bar and penetrating oil.
Position the new mount in place making sure it fits squarely and the bolt holes line up. Tighten the bolts with the ratchet wrench and check to make sure they are tightened evenly.

Are OEM Motor Mounts Better Than Aftermarket?

There is nothing wrong with buying aftermarket parts. But while they may be cheaper to buy they are usually more expensive in the long run. This is because:

Aftermarket parts do not have the same quality as OEM parts and tend to be more cheaply made. OEM parts are built with high-quality materials and meet or exceed original factory standards.
Aftermarket parts are usually not an exact fit. Many parts are advertised or labeled as "universal-fit". All that means is the part is designed to fit more than one car and may not be an exact fit for your vehicle. OEM parts are built to OE specs and made to exactly fit your vehicle.
Aftermarket parts do not last as long for the above reasons - they do not have the same quality standards, are not made with the same quality of materials, and are usually not an exact fit for your vehicle.

For over 70 years Suburban Auto Parts has been a reliable source for OEM parts and accessories. Contact us if to order parts or if you have any questions. Our helpful staff will be happy to look up any part for free.