An engine mount is a part that holds the engine itself to the body or frame of the car. There are about three to four motor mounts located in the frame that keep the transmission beside the engine in place. These are the transmission mounts.
Apparently, the engine mount carries out one of the most significant jobs in running the vehicle. Without it, the entire engine and transmission will cut loose which may cause danger when driving. Consequently, when you damage this part, you do not only have a problem with its repair but also with the possible motor mount replacement cost.
The motor mount cost starts from $35 and can reach up to $150. That price is only for the part itself. As for the replacement, on a good estimate, you will have to spend around a safe $220 to as much as $550. That is inclusive of the labor fees.
How much to replace motor mounts highly depends on the degree of damage done and the car type. Basically, the amount varies all throughout the many car models. If the vehicle was manufactured a long time ago, the mounts will be a lot cheaper than those that are manufactured from the year 2000 and up.
If you think about it, these prices are relatively expensive. Especially if you are new to cars and do not have sufficient knowledge about repairs, you would think that it is way over your expected budget. Are you now secretly asking why?
What Are Motor Mounts?
According to an online article on cars, these engine mounts are blocks of rubber mounted on steel brackets that are bolted into place to support the engine. They are also utilized to eliminate or at the least minimize engine vibration and noise that you usually hear and feel from the compartment.
If you are wondering how these mounts break, you will be able to identify it yourself by checking if there is vibration or loose movement under the throttle or by listening for more noise.
More importantly, inspect the blocks if they are widely loose and are already inches apart. These are the common symptoms to the breakage. These cause the supposedly intact rubber to crack and the steel brackets to break. If this is the case, then you have to look out for possible liquid leakage from the liquid-filled mount.
Primarily, these mounts cost a lot because they serve a huge purpose for the car. As we know it, the parts that are more significant are the same parts that are harder to replace. This means that aside from the tools being pricy, you will have to pay the mechanic a fair price for this tedious work too.
This is the main reason why car owners spend a ton when visiting the repair store for any engine situation. The task is mainly difficult because it takes so much time to disassemble, lift, and put out the entire engine body from your hood. If you are going to be paying your mechanic per hour, you will be charged expensively.
DIY repair or replacement
You can always do this repair on your own, but only if you have two things: the necessary repair tools and the determination. Obviously, you will need the former to perform the actual repair, while the latter will be of help when you start feeling overwhelmed by the work. Again, doing it yourself requires more time and more effort.
Surprisingly though, only if you are up to the challenge of doing a mini experiment, you can look for motor mount inserts made out of poly urethane and replace each of the bushings on your own. This will take time since you have to do it one bushing at a time, but it is the less costly method. Plus, the materials are relatively easier to find.
Where to go for repair or replacement?
On the other hand, if you think working on your own engine is too much for you, and you have decided on passing the job to someone more knowledgeable, then you can start doing your research. There are lots of readily available repair services within your reach because a lot of automotive repair stores have branched out to the different states. When your motor mounts start acting up, you can just call up and inquire on how much to replace motor mounts.
These stores also have websites wherein the rates and promo discounts are indicated. The following are some of the most trusted shops that are well-reviewed by their customers.
Your Mechanic offers a 12-month warranty service for about $220 to $680, inclusive of the parts and the labor fees. The motor mount replacement cost ranges depending on the car model. For instance, the mount of a Nissan Sentra 2002 model will amount to about $142. This will give you a total savings of 24% as compared to the car dealer’s price of $187.74. Meanwhile, for a Suzuki Reno 2008 model, you will only be charged $195 that will give you a total savings of 18% as compared to the car dealer’s price of $240.81.
Midas is another auto repair shop that offers a good deal with a 12-year warranty. For the parts and labor fees combined, the motor mount cost will range from $247 to $550. In all their stores, they offer a free Courtesy Check wherein they inspect all the ins and outs of your vehicle, from the hood up to the trunk and under. With this, you will be able to foresee upcoming problems other than your present motor mount situation.
Pep Boys, meanwhile, offers a 6-month warranty for their repair, which is shorter compared to the others. However, for the motor mounts parts and labor, they charge cheaper with a minimum of only $200 to a maximum of $780. Currently, they also offer a 25% discount for any online purchase of parts and accessories. You may avail this by signing up your own account.