How to Replace Engine Mount: A Step-by-Step Guide

Experiencing rough idling or clunking engine noises? A failing engine mount might be the issue. Replacing it yourself can save money, but it requires care.

Replace engine mount involves safely supporting the engine, removing the old mount, installing the new one, and correctly torquing bolts. While DIY is possible with the right tools and skills, always prioritize safety and consult a manual.

A bad engine mount can really spoil your driving experience with vibrations and noise. As a manufacturer and supplier of automotive parts, including engine installation components and rubber bushings since 1998, we at GSW Autoparts understand the importance of this job. While some repairs are best left to professionals, replacing an engine mount can be a rewarding DIY project for those with some mechanical aptitude. This guide will walk you through the general steps involved.

Can I replace my engine mounts myself?

Thinking about tackling engine mount replacement on your own? It’s a job many skilled DIYers can do, but it’s not for absolute beginners.

Yes, you can replace engine mounts yourself if you have moderate mechanical skills, the right tools (including an engine support), your vehicle’s service manual, and a strong focus on safety. Some mounts are easier to access than others.

This is a question our team at GSW Autoparts often hears from enthusiastic customers who purchase our engine mounts. The answer is a qualified "yes." If you’re comfortable working on your car, understand basic mechanics, and have a good set of tools (sockets, wrenches, torque wrench), then replacing an engine mount could be within your reach. However, the difficulty can vary greatly from one vehicle to another. On some cars, an engine mount might be right on top and easy to get to. On others, it might be buried deep in the engine bay, requiring removal of several other components. The most critical aspect is safely supporting the engine – we’ll cover that in more detail.

I always tell DIYers to consult their vehicle’s specific service manual first. It will provide torque specifications and identify any vehicle-specific procedures or challenges. If, after reviewing the manual and assessing the job, you feel it’s beyond your current skill level or toolset, there’s no shame in having a professional install your quality GSW replacement mounts. Safety first, always!

How to properly install engine mounts?

Ready to get started on the installation? Following the correct procedure is key to a successful and lasting engine mount replacement.

Properly installing engine mounts involves preparing your workspace, safely supporting the engine, carefully removing the old mount, fitting the new mount without forcing it, and tightening all bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque values.

As manufacturers of quality engine mounts at GSW Autoparts, we want to ensure they are installed correctly for optimal performance. Here’s a general step-by-step guide. Remember, specifics vary by vehicle, so always consult your service manual!

1. Preparation is Key: Gather all your tools, your new GSW engine mount¹(s), safety glasses, and gloves. Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. It’s also a good idea to disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Access the Mount: You may need to remove components like the air intake assembly, plastic engine covers, or other parts blocking access to the engine mount(s). Keep track of all removed hardware.
3. Support the Engine: This is CRITICAL. The engine must be supported before you unbolt any mounts. Use an engine hoist, an engine support bar², or a floor jack with a block of wood under a safe point on the engine (like the oil pan, but ensure the wood distributes the load to avoid damage). Lift just enough to take the weight off the mount you’re replacing.
4. Remove the Old Mount: Carefully loosen and remove the bolts and nuts securing the engine mount to the engine block and the vehicle chassis or subframe. Note the orientation of the old mount.
5. Install the New GSW Mount: Compare your new GSW mount to the old one to ensure it’s correct. Position the new mount. Hand-tighten the bolts and nuts. Do not force anything; if it’s not aligning, slightly adjust the engine support.
6. Torque to Specs: This is vital. Use a torque wrench³ to tighten all bolts and nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications found in your service manual. Uneven or incorrect torque can lead to premature failure or other issues. Some vehicles require a specific tightening sequence.
7. Lower Engine & Reassemble: Once the new mount is torqued, carefully and slowly lower the engine, ensuring everything settles correctly. Remove your engine support. Reinstall any components you removed earlier.
8. Final Check: Reconnect the battery. Start the engine and check for any unusual vibrations or noises. Take a short test drive.

Following these steps carefully will help ensure your new GSW engine mounts provide a smooth and reliable service life.

How to support the engine when replacing motor mounts?

Worried about the engine falling when you unbolt a mount? Proper engine support is the most critical safety step in this entire process.

Support the engine using an engine hoist (cherry picker) from above, an engine support bar that spans the engine bay, or a floor jack with a wide block of wood placed carefully under a strong point of the engine, like the oil pan.

This is a step where you absolutely cannot cut corners. The engine is extremely heavy, and if it’s not supported correctly, it can shift or fall, causing serious injury or extensive damage to your vehicle. At GSW Autoparts, we always stress safety. Here are the common methods our professional clients and skilled DIYers use:

• Engine Hoist (Cherry Picker)⁴: This is often considered the safest method. An engine hoist lifts and supports the engine from above using designated lifting points on the engine block. It provides stable and adjustable support.
• Engine Support Bar: This tool spans across the top of the engine bay, resting on the fender rails or strut towers. It has hooks and chains that connect to the engine’s lifting points, also supporting it from above. This is a great option if you don’t have a full hoist.
• Floor Jack and Wood Block⁵: This is a common DIY method. You’ll need a sturdy floor jack and a solid block of wood (at least 2×4 or larger, and wide enough to distribute the load). Carefully position the jack and wood block under a strong, flat part of the engine, often the oil pan. Extreme caution is needed here: ensure the wood distributes the load evenly to avoid cracking the oil pan. Lift the engine only enough to take the load off the mount being replaced. Never work under an engine supported only by a jack; use jack stands to support the vehicle frame as well.

Whichever method you choose, ensure the support is stable before you loosen any mount bolts. The goal is to hold the engine securely in its normal position.

How to find out which engine mount is bad?

Feeling vibrations but not sure which engine mount is the culprit? A few diagnostic checks can help you pinpoint the failing mount.

To find a bad engine mount, visually inspect for cracks or separation in the rubber, observe excessive engine movement when revving or shifting gears (with an assistant), listen for clunking noises, or carefully use a pry bar to check for play.

Before you start replacing parts, it’s good to confirm which engine mount (or mounts) has failed. Since most vehicles have 3 or 4 mounts, here’s how our experts at GSW Autoparts suggest you can diagnose them:

1. Visual Inspection: This is often the easiest first step. Using a good flashlight, carefully examine each engine mount. Look for cracks, tears, or splits in the rubber sections. If it’s a hydraulic mount (fluid-filled), check for any signs of fluid leakage. A collapsed or separated mount is a clear sign of failure.
2. Engine Movement Test: This usually requires an assistant. With the parking brake firmly set and wheels chocked, have your assistant start the engine. While you safely observe the engine (stay clear of moving parts!), have them gently shift the transmission from Drive to Reverse, or briefly rev the engine. Watch for excessive lurching, lifting, or rocking of the engine. Significant movement indicates a mount isn’t doing its job.
3. Listen for Noises: Pay attention to when you hear clunking or thumping sounds. For example, a clunk during acceleration might point to a rear or torque strut mount, while a noise when turning could be a side mount.
4. Pry Bar Check (Use with Caution): With the engine off, you can sometimes use a pry bar to gently check for excessive play in a mount. Place the pry bar between the engine bracket and the frame near the mount and apply slight pressure. There should be very little movement. Be extremely careful not to damage any components or the mount itself if it’s still borderline.

If one mount is clearly bad, especially on an older vehicle, it’s often a good idea to consider replacing the others as well, or at least those on the same axis, as they’ve likely experienced similar wear. Our GSW Autoparts catalog offers a comprehensive range to cover your needs.

Conclusion

Replacing engine mounts yourself can be a satisfying job. With careful preparation, the right GSW parts, and a focus on safety, you can restore your vehicle’s smoothness.