How Much Does an Engine Mount Replacement Cost?

If you’ve owned a car for an extended period of time, it will reach a point where components that you normally don’t think about need to be replaced. The majority of the components in your car are not considered “maintenance items” (maintenance items are things like spark plugs, brakes, fluids, and filters). Wear items (think suspension, axles, and motor mounts) do still need to be replaced and typically show signs of wearing out after tens of thousands of miles and many years of driving. 

Motor mounts in particular play a critical role in the performance, comfort, and overall driveability of your vehicle. If you’ve been told it’s time to replace your motor mounts, you are probably wondering what to expect in terms of cost. In this article, we are going to take a deep dive into the function of motor mounts, as well as the cost associated with replacing them and some of the symptoms you may experience. 

What is a Motor Mount?

Your engine and drivetrain sit under the hood of your car, but they are not bolted directly to the frame. Engines produce a lot of vibrations and make noise. If the connection to the rest of the car was solid, driving your vehicle would be almost unbearable. 

This is where motor mounts come in. These components suspend the engine, allowing it to move and flex as needed. Motor mounts also reduce the vibrations transferred to the rest of the car, leading to a smoother driving experience. Most vehicles have between two and four motor mounts, but it’s highly dependent on the vehicle and manufacturer.

Types of Motor Mounts

While the end goal is the same, there are a few different types of motor mounts that are commonly used. 

Rubber Motor Mounts

Rubber motor mounts use a combination of metal plates and dense rubber to support the engine and absorb vibrations. This style of mount is inexpensive and durable. Over time, the rubber bushings in this style of mount will wear out or tear, leading to failure.

Hydraulic Motor Mounts

Instead of rubber, hydraulic motor mounts are filled with a fluid that helps reduce vibrations transmitted to the chassis. Hydraulic mounts are more complex than their rubber counterparts, and can fail due to tears and leaking fluid. They are also more expensive to replace. 

Electronic Motor Mounts

This style of mount allows for active adjustment of dampening depending on driving situations. Using sensors, these motor mounts will adjust dynamically, giving you a smooth and vibration free drive. The added complexity of electronic components make these mounts very expensive to replace.

Polyurethane Motor Mounts

Polyurethane is a very dense and durable material used as an alternative to rubber.Generally, polyurethane mounts cost more and provide less dampening than rubber engine mounts. They are often used on performance vehicles. 

Signs of Motor Mount Failure

A bad engine mount can produce some pretty noticeable symptoms while you drive, but it will vary depending on the severity of the failure. 

When a motor mount fails, the engine is no longer supported properly. This can lead to excessive movement and collision with other parts of your car. As a result, you may start to notice some clunks and creaks, especially when accelerating, braking, or taking a corner. This happens because as the car moves, the weight of the engine shifts. With one (or more) motor mounts not working correctly, the exaggerated movement will be apparent. 

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Motor Mounts?

Unfortunately, there is no way to put even an average number on the cost of motor mount replacement. With so much variability from vehicles, the cost of the parts and the labor time needed to complete the job varies significantly. For commuter cars, the cost can be as low as $300-$500. On larger vehicles with complex drivetrains using hydraulic or electric mounts, the cost can be many thousands of dollars. The best way to know for sure is to speak with your trusted repair shop and get an accurate diagnosis. 

Motor Mount Replacement at Red Rock Repair Las Vegas

Whether you drive a commuter car, a Jeep or a pickup, the team at Red Rock Repair has the skills and experience to diagnose and replace your engine mounts. Give us a call today and see why we are trusted by so many in Summerlin and the Las Vegas Area!