Replacing your vehicle’s transmission mount can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! With the right tools and a little bit of know-how, you can get the job done quickly and easily. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to replace your transmission mount and provide some helpful tips along the way.
What is a Transmission Mount?
A transmission mount is an essential component of your vehicle, as it secures the engine and transmission to the frame and absorbs vibrations from the road. It’s normally a bracket that bolts to the engine/transmission on one side and the frame/chassis on the other. Its purpose is to keep your transmission secured and well-supported, while also allowing for slight motion. Generally, transmission mounts are simple components. They’re usually made of rubber and steel, with a layer of rubber to keep vibrations to a minimum. If you suspect that your mount is broken, you’ll need to raise the car and pry upward on the transmission near the transmission mount.
How to Identify a Faulty Transmission Mount?
A bad transmission mount can cause all sorts of problems for your vehicle, so it’s important to be able to recognize the signs of a faulty one. The most common indicators are clunking noises, difficulty steering the vehicle, tilted or misaligned chassis, body roll when turning, broken motor driveshaft, transmission slipping, and excessive vibrations. When the engine is running, you may even experience hard shifting and a feeling of the vehicle lugging heavy. If these symptoms persist, it’s time to replace your transmission mount.
Tools and Supplies Needed for Replacement
Before you can replace the transmission mount, you will need to gather the right tools and supplies. These include a wrench or ratchet with socket, a cross member, and a block of wood. Make sure that the size of the nut or bolt of the transmission mount matches the socket you have. Additionally, be sure to have a jack or engine support bar ready to lift the engine once you begin the replacement process.
Steps to Take Before Replacing the Mount
Before replacing the transmission mount, it is important to inspect the other engine and transmission mounts. Most cars have multiple engine and transmission mounts. You should also check your wheels and tires for wear. Wheels and tires must be inspected periodically for wear and replaced when they become worn out. After taking these steps, you can start to replace the transmission mount.
Replacing the Mount
Before replacing the mount, make sure you have the right tools and supplies. You may need a wrench or ratchet with socket to remove the nuts or bolts that secure the transmission mount. Additionally, you may need a floor jack to raise the engine slightly before replacing the mount. Once you have the necessary tools and supplies, you can begin replacing the mount.
Jack Up the Engine
Now that you have removed the old transmission mount, the next step is to jack up the engine. This is a safety precaution and should always be done when working on your vehicle. To do this, you will need a hydraulic jack and some wooden blocks or planks of wood to place under the car. Place the blocks or planks of wood under the car, at a point close to where you will be jacking up the engine. Place the hydraulic jack under the engine and carefully raise it up until it is level with the frame of the car. Once you have lifted the engine, be sure to secure it with jack stands on each side. This will ensure that your car is properly stabilized and will not fall when you are replacing the mount.
Place the New Mount
Once the old mount is removed and any other parts that need to be replaced are in hand, you can now place the new mount. Make sure to insert a transmission mount bolt from the bottom and lower the floor jack until the transmission is seated on top of the rubber shock absorber of the mount. It is important that you do not over-tighten the bolts as this could cause damage and will also make it difficult to remove if repairs are needed in the future. Once the new mount is placed, it’s time to tighten the nuts or bolts to secure it in place.
Tighten the Nuts or Bolts
After the new mount has been secured, it’s time to tighten the nuts or bolts. Make sure your vehicle has cooled down completely before starting. Using a wrench or socket, tighten the nuts or bolts securing the transmission mount to the transmission crossmember, making sure to follow the torque specifications provided in the service manual. Finally, double-check that all of the bolts and nuts are tightened correctly before you lower the engine.
Lower the Engine
After securing the new mount, you can lower the engine again. Make sure to use the jack and block of wood to slowly lower it and be sure to keep it level. Once the engine is in its original position, you can go ahead and replace any other parts that were removed during the process. Be sure to double-check everything before starting your engine.
Replace Any Other Parts
Once the transmission mount is replaced, make sure to inspect other parts such as the wheels and tires for any wear and tear that should be addressed. Your wheels and tires are among the most important parts of your car as they help to keep your vehicle stable while driving. If they are not in working condition, it can lead to other issues down the line. You should also check the engine clearance against the firewall to ensure that it is not too close and might cause a jolt when shifting gears. Replacing and extending the lifespan of your engine mounts and other vehicle components is a great way to ensure your vehicle remains in good condition for years to come.