Your engine might be the heart of your car, but motor mounts keep it secure, absorbing vibrations and preventing excessive movement for a smooth and stable ride.
Damaged engine mounts can result from hydraulic failure, stress, or wear. Ignoring it can lead to excessive vibration, a bumpier ride, and potential engine or transmission damage.
Suspect a broken motor mount?
Let’s break down the signs of a bad engine mount, what causes them to wear out, and how much you can expect to pay for a replacement.
This Article Contains:
- 7 Signs You Have a Broken Motor Mount
- 5 Common Causes of Engine Mount Failure
- Can You Drive with a Bad Motor Mount?
- How Much Does It Cost to Replace Bad Motor Mounts?
- How to Replace Broken Engine Mounts: A General Know-How
7 Signs You Have a Broken Motor Mount
These symptoms indicate it may be time to replace your worn engine mounts:
- Increased vibrations: One of the first signs of a bad mount is stronger-than-usual vibration throughout your car. This is because a damaged motor mount can’t effectively absorb movement from the engine block, leading to excessive vibration, especially when idling or accelerating.
- Unusual noises: A broken motor mount can lead to clunking, banging, or knocking sounds, particularly when you accelerate, decelerate, or shift gears. These noises happen because the insecure engine moves around more than it should, hitting other components in the engine bay.
- Engine movement: Without all the motor mounts functioning, your engine compartment may move around, lean, or sag. If this happens, you may feel the engine block moving from side to side or up and down as you accelerate, corner, or brake hard.
- Rough starting: When starting your car, there’s a moment of torque as the engine fires up. Without properly functioning engine mounts to absorb this torque, the engine block will shift excessively, causing a jarring sensation on startup.
- Bumpier ride: A motor mount issue can make your car feel less comfortable to drive. Vibrations and movement from the engine compartment can make your vehicle feel bumpy, particularly during sharp turns.
- Visual wear: A simple engine bay inspection can reveal cracks, tears, or damage to the rubber component. Any visible signs of damage clearly indicate that you need a replacement.
- Engine or transmission damage: In extreme cases, a broken engine mount can cause extensive damage to the transmission mount and exhaust system components. When the insecure engine shifts too much, it may affect wheel alignment, create an oil leak, or damage other parts.
Catching these signs early can save you from bigger and more expensive problems down the road.
Now, let’s dive into what actually causes engine mounts to fail.
5 Common Causes of Engine Mount Failure
Here are five common reasons engine mounts fail over time:
- Wear and tear: Like most car repair components, mounts don’t last forever. Constant exposure to heat, engine vibration, and engine movement causes the rubber component to break down over time.
- Fluid leaks: A coolant or oil leak can seep onto the engine mounts, causing the rubber to soften, crack, or degrade much faster than usual.
- Driving habits: Aggressive driving, such as frequent hard braking or driving over rough terrain, can put extra stress on engine mounts and cause them to wear out quickly.
- Accidents: Fender benders, severe collisions, and hitting potholes at high speeds can damage an engine mount or transmission mount, causing misalignment.
- Poor installation: Incorrectly installed engine mounts face excessive strain, leading to premature failure.
Next, let’s see what happens if you keep driving with a bad engine mount.
Can You Drive with a Bad Motor Mount?
While you can drive with a bad motor mount, it’s not something you should do for long.
A failing motor mount compromises the engine’s stability, leading to unnecessary strain on other components. Over time, this excessive movement can damage critical parts like the drivetrain, exhaust system, or even nearby electrical wiring.
The longer you drive with a broken mount, the higher the risk of causing significant damage, which could turn an affordable fix into costly repairs. So, if you suspect a motor mount issue, it’s best to address it promptly.
But how much will it cost to fix a bad mount?
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Bad Motor Mounts?
Replacing bad motor mounts typically costs between $500 and $600, depending on the type of motor mount and your vehicle’s make and model. Basic rubber or metal mounts are more affordable, ranging from $10 to $150, while hydraulic or active mounts can cost between $50 and $200.
Labor costs vary widely based on how accessible the motor mounts are, but you should expect to pay between $200 and $300. However, for mounts that are difficult to access, labor can go up to $400.
Let’s take a look at why replacing the mounts costs so much.
How to Replace Broken Engine Mounts: A General Know-How
This repair often requires specialized tools, a good understanding of your vehicle, and precise handling to avoid damaging other components. As such, it’s best to leave a broken engine mount replacement to a professional mechanic.
Here’s what they would do:
- Disconnect the battery: Remove the negative cable from the battery to prevent any electrical issues while working on the vehicle.
- Support the engine: Use an engine hoist or a jack with a wooden block to hold the engine in place safely.
- Lift and secure the vehicle (if needed): If the damaged engine mount is located underneath the engine, use a jack to elevate the car; otherwise, access it from the engine bay. Then securely place jack stands to support the vehicle before they start working.
- Remove the old motor mount: Locate the damaged motor mount and remove the bolts that attach it to the engine and the chassis.
- Install the new motor mount: Replace the old motor mount with the new one, aligning it properly with the engine block and the chassis.
- Reassemble any removed parts: If accessing the damaged motor mount requires removing parts of the subframe or other components, the mechanic will carefully reassemble them.
- Reconnect the battery: After installing the new mount, reconnect the negative cable to the battery.
- Test the vehicle: Start the engine and check for any unusual vibrations or noises to ensure the new mount is functioning correctly.
Keep Your Ride Smooth with AutoNation Mobile Service
If you suspect a broken motor mount, don’t ignore the warning signs. Addressing the issue early can prevent excessive engine noise, costly repairs, and damage to other components, such as the suspension or wheel alignment.
Looking for a hassle-free repair experience?
Try AutoNation Mobile Service.
Our experienced mechanics come to you, so there’s no need for a trip to the shop or the hassle of towing. We provide upfront pricing, convenient online booking, and a 12-month, 12,000-mile repair warranty for peace of mind.
Book your motor mount replacement today, and we’ll get your car running smoothly — right from your driveway!