How Much Does It Cost To Replace Motor Mounts?

Although they may seem insignificant, your engine’s motor mounts play an important role. Over time, however, these mounts wear down. If you’ve noticed issues related to your motor mounts, you may be wondering how much it will cost to replace them.

Typically, replacing your motor mounts will cost somewhere between $200-$600. Parts are priced between $50-$150, while labor makes up the rest of the cost. A DIY replacement can help you save money, costing $100-$200 on average.

It’s important to replace your motor mounts as soon as you notice a problem to prevent more severe issues in the future. 

Below, we will discuss everything you need to know before you replace your motor mounts. Make sure you have all the information before you take any next steps.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Motor Mounts?

The price of replacing your motor mounts depends on whether you have it done professionally or do it yourself. If you have a mechanic replace your motor mounts, it’ll typically cost between $200-$600. If you do it yourself, the total cost will be around $100-$200. 

One of the biggest variables with professional installation is labor costs. Different shops charge different prices, and it’s more difficult to access the engine mount in some vehicles than others. 

Below, we’ll highlight the average cost of replacing the motor mounts in a few different vehicle makes and models. 

What Are Motor Mounts?

Every vehicle has at least two mounts that hold the engine in place. These mounts are located in the engine bay, and they’re designed to isolate the engine in the chassis to prevent it from moving. 

Depending on the vehicle, these bolts may be mounted to either the vehicle’s frame or a subframe. In modern vehicles, they’re usually composed of a composite rubber insert (also called an “insulator”) in metallic housing, with a liquid-filled core in the center. 

This liquid-filled design allows the mounts to flex, preventing the driver from feeling vibrations from the engine. The metallic housing provides a firm mounting service that keeps the engine stable. 

Motor mounts are essential for keeping the engine stable and aligned with the vehicle’s frame. In front-wheel drive vehicles, motor mounts often also support the transmission.

They keep the driver from feeling excessive vibrations from the engine and absorb road shocks to protect engine components. 

Symptoms of Bad Motor Mounts

There are a few different signs that will tell you your engine mounts need to be replaced soon. These include:

If you notice any of these signs, visit a mechanic and have them inspect your motor mounts. If you know where they’re located in your vehicle, you could also perform your own inspection. 

Can You Drive with Bad Motor Mounts?

If you suspect that your motor mounts are starting to go bad, you may be wondering if it’s safe to continue driving your vehicle. You’ll be relieved to hear that driving with bad motor mounts is usually okay, at least in the beginning. 

When these mounts first start to wear down, you won’t notice much of a difference in terms of performance. Over time, however, their condition will worsen. Eventually, you may start hearing harsh knocking sounds when you accelerate or put your vehicle into gear. 

Motor mounts serve an important purpose. They keep your engine securely attached to your frame, and if they loosen over time, it can cause problems with your belts and hoses.

While this is an issue you can ignore for a little while, motor mounts will eventually require replacement. It’s always best to address the problem sooner than later to avoid additional damage. 

Can You Replace Motor Mounts On Your Own?

As long as you have the right tools for the job and are comfortable doing so, you can replace your own motor mounts. It does require a bit of work, and you may have to remove, then later replace, several vehicle components. In addition to your replacement mounts, you will need the following tools to do this job:

Once you have everything you need, you can begin the process of replacing your motor mounts. While the exact process may differ based on your specific vehicle, the following is a general overview:

1. The first thing you’ll need to do is remove your old motor mounts. To start, put on your safety goggles, then chock the rear wheels and put the parking brake on.
2. Raise the front of your vehicle with a jack, then support it with your jack stands.
3. Find the location of your motor mounts. Remove anything in your way, such as the fender liner.
4.  Place your wood block on top of your jack, and use it to lift the engine just enough to take the weight off the mounts. Using the wood will prevent any damage to your oil pan.
5. Once you have access to the motor mounts, remove the mount-to-engine retaining bolts and any other brackets connecting the mounts to the frame.
6. Using your pry bar if necessary, remove the motor mounts from the engine bay.
7. Now that you have the old mounts out, take a moment to compare them to your new mounts. Make sure they have the same design.
8. Place the new mounts in the engine bay. If necessary, use your hammer and gently tap them into position.
9. Use your torque wrench to tighten the motor mount retaining bolts to the manufacturer’s specification. 
10. Reinstall anything you removed to access the mounts.
11. Finally, you can remove the jack, stands, and chocks to lower your vehicle. 

While replacing the motor mounts is not too difficult, the preparation can be tedious. You must have all the right tools to do the job properly. If you don’t have everything necessary or if you don’t feel 100% comfortable, have a professional replace the mounts for you. 

Motor Mount Kits

Sometimes, it’s best to replace all of your motor mounts when one starts to go bad. Although one may be in worse condition than the rest, replacing them all at once will save you from having to repeat the process in the future. 

This is when motor mount kits come in handy. These kits are typically much less expensive than purchasing individual motor mounts, and they’re widely available online. 

In addition to motor mounts, some of these kits also include replacement transmission mounts. Below, we’ll highlight the average costs of these kits for several different vehicles.

Purchasing one of these kits can help you save a lot of money in the long run. In addition, they’ll save you the headache of having to repeat the process as additional mounts wear down. 

How Often Do Motor Mounts Need to be Replaced?

While the exact interval will depend on your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications, most motor mounts last between 60,000-100,000 miles. Check your vehicle maintenance schedule, as some manufacturers recommend inspections at certain intervals.

Some driving and environmental conditions may shorten the lifespan of your motor mounts. These include particularly aggressive driving, collision, and dry climates. If any of these pertain to you, you may want to have your mounts inspected more often.

The Bottom Line

Stable, secure motor mounts are essential for a vehicle. If yours have worn down over time, it might be time to consider having them replaced. 

The cost of replacing your motor mounts can vary. If you have a mechanic do it for you, the total price could be anywhere between $200-$600. If you choose to replace them yourself, the total cost will reduce to between $100-$200. 

While it can save you a lot of money, you should only replace your own motor mounts if you have the right tools and mechanical knowledge to do so. This is an important job, and you don’t want to cut corners to save a buck.