Do all three engine mounts need to be replaced together?
3 Answers
Engine mounts do not need to be replaced all three together. Here are the functions of engine mounts: 1. Eliminate resonance: When the engine is running, it generates certain vibrations. The rubber components in engine mounts can eliminate the resonance produced during engine operation; 2. Hydraulic pressure reduction: Some engine mounts also have hydraulic pressure reduction functions, with the main purpose being the same. If an engine mount is damaged, the vibrations from the engine will cause the entire vehicle body to vibrate; 3. Reduce accelerated damage: There are generally three engine mounts, fixed to the vehicle frame. If one is damaged and not replaced in time, it disrupts the balance and can cause the other two to wear out faster.
I've been working in the auto repair shop for over a decade, and this kind of issue is quite common. The purpose of engine mounts is to absorb engine vibrations and prevent the whole car body from shaking. If you only replace one, the new mount will bear different forces compared to the other two old ones, which may cause the engine to tilt and accelerate wear on the new mount. I recommend first checking the cracking condition of all three mounts. If they're all over five years old or show obvious deformation, it's best to replace the whole set. Of course, if only one is broken while the others are still firm, replacing just one is acceptable, but you need to pay special attention to the vibration condition after replacement. After all, this job involves complicated disassembly and assembly, and labor costs aren't cheap either, so solving it all at once is more efficient.
Last time my old car also had an engine mount issue, so I specifically asked my friend who's an auto mechanic. He said the lifespan of engine mounts in new cars nowadays is similar - if one fails, it means the other two are also nearing their end. If you replace just one, the new mount's elasticity won't match the old ones, which might actually increase steering wheel vibration when driving. Plus, the other two might fail within months, requiring another engine bracket removal. I did the math: replacing a single mount costs about 600 RMB including labor, while a full set replacement costs just over 1,000 RMB but saves two removal procedures. In the end, I opted for the complete replacement for peace of mind. After all, the engine bracket position is difficult to access, and repeated disassembly could cause more damage to the vehicle.
