Replacing motor mounts is a crucial maintenance task for ensuring the smooth operation of your vehicle’s engine and transmission. These mounts are responsible for securing the engine in its proper position and absorbing vibrations to prevent damage and discomfort.
Now the question is, how long does it take to replace a motor mount? The time it takes to replace motor mounts can vary depending on several factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, the number of mounts that need replacement, and the skill level of the technician performing the job.
Usually, replacing the motor mounts takes 1-4 hours depending on the arrangement of the components. But if you own a more modern vehicle, expect it to go towards the higher limit.
Read the whole to learn more about the times it takes to replace motor mounts and the overall cost of it.
How to Know If Motor Mounts Need Replacing
Before discussing how long does it take to replace a motor mount, you need to know when you should replace it.
If your vehicle is making strange noises when accelerating or the steering feels loose, it could indicate worn or failing motor mounts. Here are some signs it’s time for replacement:
- Excessive Vibration: As motor mounts break down, the engine isn’t secured properly and will shake, rattle, and vibrate, especially when idling or accelerating.
- Tilting Engine: Pop the hood and check if the engine is sitting crooked or at an angle. Healthy motor mounts keep the engine level.
- Damage Visible: You may see cracks, splits, or deterioration in the rubber of the mounts. Metal parts can also become loose or break.
Replacing motor mounts is a tricky job and best left to a mechanic with the proper tools and experience. The process typically takes 1-4 hours for a skilled technician to complete, depending on your vehicle make and model.
They will support the engine with a jack, remove the old mounts, install new mounts, and ensure everything is properly aligned before lowering the engine.
What are the Common Causes of Motor Mount Failure
The motor mounts on your vehicle play an important role in keeping your engine securely in place. Over time, the rubber or fluid in these mounts can break down, causing the engine to rock, vibrate, or make noise. If you experience any of the following signs, your motor mounts may need replacement:
- Excessive engine vibration or shaking. As motor mounts weaken, the engine is no longer properly isolated and its vibrations are transmitted to the chassis and cabin.
- Tilting or dropping of the engine. Bad mounts can’t properly support the weight of the engine, allowing it to tilt or sag.
- Loud knocking noises from the engine bay. When the engine rocks excessively, it can knock against other components.
- Difficulty steering or handling. The engine’s movement can disrupt the geometry of the steering and suspension.
Replacing your motor mounts is not an easy DIY task for the average vehicle owner. It requires supporting and lifting the engine to access the mounts, then aligning and securing the new mounts.
For most vehicles, the entire process can take between 1-4 hours for a shop to complete, depending on the specific vehicle and number of mounts that need replacement. Labor costs are typically between $200 to $1000. Parts themselves vary from $50 up to $500 or more per mount.
While it can be an expensive repair, replacing degraded motor mounts is important to prevent damage to other components, ensure safe handling and braking, reduce noise and vibration, and keep your engine running smoothly. Catching the problem early and having the work done by a trusted mechanic is well worth the investment.
How Hard Is It To Replace Motor Mounts
Replacing your motor mounts is usually not too difficult for a DIYer with some mechanical experience. The job does require lifting and supporting the engine, so you’ll want a floor jack and jack stands. But with the right tools and patience, replacing your mounts is certainly within the abilities of a moderately skilled home mechanic.
To start it, you’ll need to lift and support your engine with jack stands so you have room to work. Now locate the mounts. There are typically two to four mounts attaching the engine to the frame. You may need to remove splash shields or other components to access the mounts.
Remove the bolts holding the mounts to the frame and engine. Have someone help support the engine as you do this. Lower the engine slowly onto the new mounts and hand-thread the bolts to hold everything in place.
Tighten the bolts in a star or criss-cross pattern with the torque wrench. Double check that the engine is level and securely supported. Replace any components you removed to access the mounts.
Lower the car from the jack stands and you’re done. Overall, replacing motor mounts typically takes between 2 to 6 hours for a DIYer, depending on your vehicle model and engine size. The parts themselves are often under $200 total.
While replacing your own motor mounts does require some mechanical skill, the job is within the reach of many car owners. With the necessary tools, patience, and by following all safety precautions, you can replace your worn out or damaged motor mounts and have your engine running smoothly again.
How Much Time It Takes to Replace a Motor Mount
Replacing motor mounts typically takes between 1-4 hours for a mechanic to complete, depending on your vehicle make and model. For most vehicles, you’re looking at around a 4 to 6 hour job. This can vary quite a bit though, so when booking the service, be sure to ask for an accurate time estimate for your specific vehicle.
What’s Involved
To replace your motor mounts, the mechanic will need to:
- Raise and support your vehicle
- Remove components like the air filter housing, alternator, power steering pump or A/C compressor that block access
- Support the engine with a jack
- Remove the old mounts
- Install the new mounts and torque to the proper specifications
- Reinstall all components that were removed
- Lower the vehicle
In some cases, the mechanic may need to remove the engine mounting brackets to access the mounts. This will add additional time to the job. It’s best to have motor mount replacement done by a certified mechanic to ensure it’s done properly according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended procedure.
Why It’s Important
While waiting longer for the repair may be inconvenient, it’s important that motor mounts are replaced when needed. Worn or broken mounts can cause damage to other engine components and affect vehicle handling and safety. Replacing them helps ensure your engine is properly supported and aligned, and that you get the maximum life from your vehicle’s engine and transmission.
Though it may seem like a time-consuming repair, replacing worn motor mounts is well worth the investment to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely for the long haul. Regular inspections and maintenance help detect problems early so you can schedule repairs before emergency situations arise.
How Much Does the Motor Mount Replacement Cost
The cost to replace your motor mounts can vary depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. On average, you can expect to pay between $200 to $1000 for motor mount replacement.
Labor costs represent the bulk of the total bill, ranging from $150 to $800. The motor mounts themselves are usually between $50 to $200 each. Most vehicles have two to four motor mounts, so the parts cost will depend on how many mounts your particular vehicle has and need replacement.
Some signs you may need to replace your motor mounts are excessive vibration felt inside the vehicle, especially at idle; clunking or knocking noises when accelerating or braking; and difficulty steering or changing gears. If left unrepaired, worn out motor mounts can cause damage to other components like the transmission, axles, and exhaust system.
Overall, you’re probably looking at a total bill of $350 to $1500 for motor mount replacement at a shop, depending on the number of mounts, make and model of your vehicle, and your location.
While it’s not the cheapest repair, replacing bad motor mounts should be considered an essential maintenance item to avoid further damage and ensure safe, dependable operation of your vehicle.
Final Thought
Replacing a motor mount typically takes 1 to 2 hours for a professional mechanic. DIY enthusiasts may require more time, depending on their experience and tools. Prompt replacement is crucial to maintain vehicle stability and prevent further damage.
Hopefully, this small effort is much helpful for all of you to get an idea on how long does it take to replace motor mount. However, if tackling this repair sounds too daunting, a trusted mechanic can have you back on the road in no time.
