DIY Engine Mount Replacement: Tools, Steps, Torque Specs & When NOT to DIY
Front mounts save $120-$280 in labour. Transmission mounts require an engine support bar. Here is everything you need to know before starting.
Difficulty by Mount Position
| Position | Difficulty | Time | Labour Saved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torque strut / dog bone | 2/10 | 45-90 min | $80-$150 |
| Front driver engine mount | 4/10 | 1-2 hr | $120-$250 |
| Front passenger engine mount | 4-6/10 | 1.5-2.5 hr | $150-$280 |
| Rear transmission mount | 7/10 | 2-3 hr | $180-$350 |
Tools Required and Investment
| Tool | Cost (to buy) |
|---|---|
| Floor jack (2-3 ton) | $45-$85 |
| Jack stands (pair) | $30-$60 |
| Socket set (metric + SAE) | $60-$100 |
| Torque wrench (1/2" drive) | $50-$120 |
| Engine support bar | $80-$180 |
| Penetrating oil (PB Blaster) | $8-$12 |
| Pry bar | $15-$25 |
| Wheel chocks | $10-$15 |
Total tool investment: $100-$200 if starting from scratch. Renting the engine support bar from AutoZone or O'Reilly eliminates the biggest single cost.
10-Step Front Mount Replacement
Park, chock, and prepare
Level ground. Parking brake on. Chock rear wheels. Disconnect the negative battery terminal if working near electrical components.
Loosen top mount bolt (do not remove)
Access the through-bolt from the top of the engine bay with the hood open. Loosen 2-3 turns. Removing it at this stage will cause the engine to shift when you jack it.
Raise front and support on stands
Jack at designated frame points. Place jack stands before getting under the vehicle. Never work under a car supported only by a floor jack.
Position jack under oil pan with wood block
Place a 2x4 between the jack pad and the oil pan. This distributes the load and prevents cracking the pan. The jack is now supporting engine weight.
Raise engine slightly
Raise the jack until the mount just begins to unload. You are lifting the engine 1-2 cm maximum. Do not lift enough to stretch coolant hoses or tension the exhaust.
Remove through-bolt and bracket bolts
Remove the now-accessible hardware. Note the orientation of the mount relative to the bracket before removal. Some mounts are directional.
Extract the old mount
Wiggle and pull free. If seized, apply penetrating oil and wait 20 minutes. A pry bar on the bracket (not the rubber) helps.
Clean surfaces and inspect bracket
Clean contact surfaces with a wire brush. Inspect the bracket for cracks. A cracked bracket must be replaced; a mount on a cracked bracket will fail quickly.
Install new mount
Position in correct orientation. Hand-start all bolts before torquing any. This allows the mount to self-align.
Torque to spec and verify
Torque through-bolt first (typically 40-80 ft-lb), then bracket bolts (20-40 ft-lb). Lower vehicle. Start engine, rev to 2,500 rpm, observe engine movement. No unusual rock = success.
Torque Specs (Generic Ranges)
| Fastener | Generic Range |
|---|---|
| Mount through-bolt (large centre bolt) | 40-80 ft-lb |
| Mount bracket-to-chassis bolts | 20-40 ft-lb |
| Transmission mount through-bolt | 50-70 ft-lb |
| Torque strut bracket bolts | 28-45 ft-lb |
Always look up your specific year/make/model torque specs before starting. AllData, Mitchell, or your OEM service manual are the correct sources. Generic ranges above are for estimation only.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When NOT to DIY
- Severely seized and rusted brackets (Northern states, older vehicles) that require heat or cutting tools
- Any AWD transmission mount where the transfer case adds significant complexity
- Hydraulic mounts on vehicles with VCM or active engine damping systems
- If you have never done suspension or powertrain work before and are attempting a transmission mount
- Vehicles with no room to place an engine support bar (some packaging-constrained imports)
Free Loaner Tool Programs
AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts offer engine support bars, engine hoist rentals, and pullers free of charge with a refundable deposit. Call ahead to confirm availability. This eliminates the biggest upfront tool cost for a transmission mount job.