What is a transmission mount and where is it located?

All the movement going on in a running engine can cause a great deal of vibration. Engine and transmission mounts keep these vibrations from spreading throughout your car or truck’s chassis. They also keep the engine and transmission from moving around too much, keeping all the working parts—such as the engine, transmission, clutch, and driveshaft—stable and in proper alignment. 

Depending on the layout of your vehicle’s powertrain, you may have one or two mounts holding and supporting your transmission. Rear-wheel drive cars and trucks, with longitudinally mounted engines (in line with the length of the vehicle) will have one transmission mount at the rear of the transmission. Front-wheel drive cars and trucks with transverse mounted engines (across the width of the vehicle) will have two transmission mounts (one on either side of the transmission). 

These mounts usually consist of a rubber or polyurethane bushing that absorbs the vibrations, attached to a metal bracket that holds the mount to the chassis. In some models the mount may contain hydraulic fluid, and work almost like shocks or struts.

How do I know if my transmission mount needs to be replaced?

Since the transmission mounts’ job is to absorb vibration, they can take quite a beating. This can wear them out over time. The transmission mounts also get exposed to the elements in its position under the engine. Dirt, moisture and road salt from below, and any leaking fluids from above, can hasten the wear process. 

If your transmission mount is worn it will fail to dampen the vibrations of the movement of the engine. You may feel the vibrations even inside the normally comfy interior of your car or truck, and hear the noise it causes. Vibrations and noise may be especially prevalent when you are starting the engine or when you are accelerating. You can also visually inspect the mount for signs of corrosion or damage. If the mount is of the hydraulic type, leaking fluid is a sure sign of wear. 

Damaged transmission mounts can also lead to misalignment of the transmission. This can eventually lead to internal damage to the transmission or damage to the driveshaft. For this reason, it’s important to replace a transmission mount quickly once it starts exhibiting symptoms of failure. 

Can I replace a transmission mount myself?

Replacing a transmission mount should be a relatively straightforward task. The biggest obstacle to replacing it is that you need something to hold the transmission in place during the process. Once you’ve raised and secured your vehicle on jack stands, you can support the transmission pan with a floor jack and a block of wood. This allows you to unbolt the old transmission mount and bolt the new one into place.

Once the repair is complete, you’ll want to road test the vehicle to make sure the vibrations have been reduced and your problem has been corrected. 

Need a transmission mount replacement?

If your vehicle’s transmission mount has failed, then you have to the right place for a replacement! At 1A Auto, we carry replacement transmission mounts for many makes and models, and at great prices. These replacement transmission mounts are just what you need to keep your motor and transmission firm in place!

At 1A Auto, we make shopping for a replacement transmission mount for your car, truck, SUV or van easy—we're here to help you select the right part for your vehicle! Call our customer service toll free at 888-844-3393 if you have any questions about our mounts, warranty, compatibility or to purchase, or you can buy online. Our transmission mounts make a great replacement and have incredible cost savings over a dealer unit. So, replace your rusting or broken transmission mounts now with this great fitting alternative from 1A Auto.