Replacing an engine mount can cost $200 to $600 per mount, but the total bill depends on how many mounts you have and how difficult it is to access and replace the parts.
The engine mount may be the cause of extra vibration in your car or new clunking sounds when accelerating. Though basic components, engine mounts play a crucial role in keeping your engine stable and isolated from the rest of your vehicle.
Here’s a look at what engine mounts do, how to tell when they’re going bad and what affects replacement cost.
Factors that influence engine mount replacement costs
Engine mount replacements are on the expensive side of car repair. Most cars have at least two engine mounts, so the number you need replaced is likely to have a significant impact on costs. But there are a few other variables that determine whether you pay more or less than your friends and neighbors.
Vehicle
Luxury cars, hybrids and high-performance vehicles often have more complex mounts that cost more to replace. Vehicles with tight engine compartments may require extra labor time just to access the part, leading to a higher charge from your mechanic.
Type of engine mounts
The type of engine mounts in your vehicle may affect both your parts cost and the ease with which a mechanic can swap them out, as some are more complex and high-tech than others. Engine mounts can be single-piece, two-piece, hydraulic or flange mounted on a base plate.
Number of mounts
Some cars have two engine mounts while others have four. The number of parts you need to replace will impact your parts and labor costs.
Location
In general, you can expect to pay more for auto repairs in an urban setting than a rural one. You may also pay a higher repair bill at a dealership than a local independent repair shop or smaller mechanic.
Other repairs or damages
If left unrepaired for too long, a failing engine mount can cause other problems with your vehicle. Waiting until sensors, your transmission or the engine itself have also sustained damage can make for much more expensive repairs.
What is an engine mount?
An engine mount, also known as a motor mount, is a part that secures a car’s engine to the vehicle frame or subframe. Most modern vehicles have either two or four engine mounts, which are designed to absorb vibrations and ensure that the engine doesn’t shift or move excessively while you’re driving along.
Most engine mounts are made of rubber and metal, which is ideal for absorbing vibration and dissipating heat, though some modern vehicles use hydraulic or electronically-controlled mounts for improved performance and comfort. By eliminating excessive movement, these mounts keep the engine properly aligned and prevent damage to surrounding components.
How often should you get engine mounts replaced?
Engine mounts typically last between five and seven years, or roughly 60,000 to 100,000 miles. However, the longevity of your mounts can vary based on your vehicle, driving habits, the roughness of your roads, how often you wash your engine and the local weather.
This part is considered non-serviceable, meaning drivers typically only replace engine mounts when they show signs or wear or failure.
Your engine mounts might be failing if you notice any of the following signs.
- Strange vibrations.
- Clunking, rattling or banging noises as the engine shifts from movement.
- Feeling the engine move when you stop or accelerate.
- An engine that is visibly out of place or shifted.
Some of these can also be signs that you need other services, like a tire balance or wheel alignment.
See a trained mechanic if you suspect your engine mounts are going bad so you can identify the problem and get any necessary repairs before they cause additional damage.
How to save on engine mount replacement
If you suspect your engine mounts are going bad or have failed, you’re probably dreading a hefty mechanic’s bill. Here are some ways you may be able to save on those repair costs.
Get multiple price quotes
Call around to local shops, dealerships and national repair chains to compare labor rates and parts pricing before choosing where to get your engine mounts replaced. You can also ask for a breakdown of the cost for the parts versus the cost of labor, which may help you choose.
Look for coupons or discounts
Many local and nationwide shops offer discounts on repairs through online coupons, direct mailers, social media and community ads, while others may offer to price-match or beat a lower quote from another shop. Discounts probably won’t be specific to engine mounts but might include a percentage off your total bill or the labor costs.
Consider any memberships or affiliations
Some shops offer discounts for specific groups such as active-duty military members and veterans, teachers, first responders and senior citizens. If you fall into any of these categories, it never hurts to ask about discounts. You may also snag discounts if you’re a AAA member and use an affiliate repair shop.
Ask about a warranty:While a warranty on your engine mount repair won’t save you money today, it may down the road. A good mechanic will offer a shop warranty on both the parts and labor, often for at least 12 months or 12,000 miles. If your engine mounts fail or you have any issues with the repair after you drive off, you can usually bring it back to get fixed again free of charge if it’s under warranty.
FAQs
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Are engine mounts covered by my vehicle’s warranty?
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Can engine mounts be repaired instead of replaced?
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Do I need to replace all of my engine mounts at the same time?
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Can I replace my own engine mounts?
Stephanie Colestock is a seasoned writer specializing in personal finance. With over 14 years of experience, she crafts insightful and accessible content on a wide range of financial topics, including insurance, credit and debt management, banking, investing, retirement planning, and household finances.
Her bylines appear in top-tier publications such as TIME, Fortune, MSN, Forbes, USA Today, Money, Fox Business, and CBS. Stephanie’s deep understanding of complex financial concepts and her ability to communicate them clearly have made her a trusted voice in the industry.
When she’s not writing, Stephanie enjoys helping individuals make smarter financial decisions through her engaging and well-researched articles.
Annie is a writer and editor at Jerry with more than a decade of experience writing and editing digital content. Before joining Jerry, she was an assistant assigning editor at NerdWallet. Her past work has appeared in the Associated Press, USA Today and The Washington Post. Her work has been cited by NorthWestern University and Harvard Kennedy School. Annie served as a spokesperson for NerdWallet during her time at NerdWallet and has been featured in New York Magazine, MarketWatch and on local television and radio stations.
Previously, she worked at USAA and newspapers in Minnesota, North Dakota, California and Texas. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota.
