Sign up now to join the JEGS email newsletter and be the first to learn about new products, special deals and e-mail only offers!
An engine mount or motor mount is an often overlooked component in your vehicle's engine bay, but they’re crucial bits of engineering. Aside from holding the engine in place, they also reduce vibrations, preventing structural damage to the chassis or transmission. Over time, it’s relatively common that engine mounts will wear out and fail, causing multiple issues.
In this article, we’ve covered everything there is to know about engine mounts, from the different types to the warning signs of a faulty mount and the cost to replace a motor mount.
Crash Course On The Different Types Of Engine Mounts Found Today
A car usually designed with up to four engine mounts, depending on its make, model, engine capacity, and placement. These mounts can vary in construction and material based on several factors, like the weight and size of the engine, the mounting position, and the level of vibrations produced.
Solid Rubber Engine Mounts
As the name suggests, solid rubber engine mounts employ a rubber piece backed by a steel plate for added durability. They’re the most widely used type of engine mount, and this likely is what you’ll find in your vehicle. They’re also one of the most affordable types of engine mounts and offer decent vibration damping.
Hydraulic Engine Mounts
Hydraulic motor mounts use a hydraulic fluid or gel to reduce the intensity of vibrations being passed onto the chassis. Manufacturers can tweak the characteristics of the liquid used in these mounts, so they can design them to mitigate high or low-frequency vibrations based on a specific application. For this reason, they’re also more expensive to design and manufacture.
Metal Engine Mounts
Metal engine mounts are some of the most durable ones you can get and are unlikely to fail even under heavy loads. The added rigidity does come at the cost of vibration-damping efficiency. Still, these are extremely common, especially in racing applications, and you can find several aftermarket metal engine mounts that fit your budget and requirements. That said, if you prioritize minimal vibrations and a smooth driving experience above all, these may not be your best choice.
Polyurethane Engine Mounts
Polyurethane engine mounts are a middle ground between solid rubber and metal mounts, offering a balance of stiffness and flexibility. They last longer than rubber mounts but are more expensive and less heat-resistant. This can cause them to wear out faster in high-performance applications with extreme engine temperatures.
Electronic Engine Mounts
Electronic engine mounts employ advanced technology and are the most expensive type of motor mount. They feature multiple electric motors that continuously adjust the mount’s stiffness and damping based on vibrations being produced. This translates to an exceptionally smooth ride and little noticeable vibrations.
How You Can Tell You Have A Faulty Or Damaged Engine Mount
A damaged engine mount can land you in a heap of trouble. Luckily, a faulty unit will cause some obvious symptoms, so it won’t go unnoticed for too long. Here are some of the most common signs that your vehicle’s engine mounts might be due for a replacement.
Increase Vibrations
An engine mount is designed to reduce the vibrations produced by the engine. Expectedly, if it fails, there will be a noticeable rise in vibration intensity. You can feel your engine’s vibrations in the cabin more prominently and might also notice your vehicle move more than usual while idling. Remember that increased vibrations can also be caused by engine misfiring, so it makes sense to rule that out before replacing the mounts.
Clunking Sound
When an engine mount is worn out, the engine will move around more than usual, and this can cause some unusual sounds. You’ll find that these are most prominent when you fire up or kill the engine since that’s when the most movement is produced. A failed engine mount may also allow the engine to come in contact with other components in the engine bay, resulting in loud clunking noises.
Other Possible Symptoms
Aside from the above signs, it’s also a good idea to visually inspect the mounts for wear or cracks before replacing them. The symptoms above can also stem from other mechanical issues. Another symptom you might experience is a bumpy ride. An engine that isn’t mounted adequately might move around under load or when you change gears.
Overall, it’s essential to watch for any of these signs. A damaged engine mount can end up causing damage to other parts of your vehicle, like the transmission or the chassis, so you should rectify it as soon as you’re aware of the problem.
Breaking Down The Cost Of Replacing Your Engine Mount
The engine mounts replacement cost can vary on multiple factors like the make and model of your vehicle, the type of mount you choose to install, and any labor costs involved. Another factor to consider is whether you’re buying an individual mount or a set that comprises both engine and transmission mounts for your vehicle.
In any case, prices for a solid rubber mount can start at $40 to $50 and go upwards of $300 for a set that includes two engine and two transmission mounts. If you intend to upgrade the mounts on your car with high-performance units, you can expect to pay notably more to have them all changed. Hydraulic and electronic motor mounts will cost more than rubber or polyurethane mounts.
Finally, there are also labor costs to consider. The engine mounts are relatively straightforward to remove or install, but on some vehicles, they can be hard to reach and require you to remove the engine from the engine bay. This process can be cumbersome, and having professional-grade tools will make the job easier.
