How Often Should Engine Mounts Be Replaced?
4 Answers
Engine mounts should be replaced every 6 years. The steps for replacing engine mounts are as follows: 1. Use a lift to raise the bottom of the car. Alternatively, a jack can be used, although it is less convenient. 2. Locate the air filter, remove its cover and pipes, and also dismantle the air filter base. 3. Remove the center mounting bracket and adjust the height of the jack to make it easier to dismantle the bracket. 4. After removing other attachments, the engine mount will be visible. Then, use a wrench to remove the four 14mm fixing screws. 5. Finally, install the new engine mount directly.
I've been in the auto repair industry for twenty years and frequently encounter engine mount issues. Engine mounts are part of the engine support system, primarily cushioning vibrations to prevent excessive body shaking. There's no strict replacement schedule for these, but if your car has been driven extensively or surpassed around 100,000 kilometers, it's time to pay attention. Frequent off-road driving or aggressive acceleration can accelerate wear, leading to noticeable vibrations when idling or strange noises during acceleration. Delaying replacement may damage suspension components and increase repair costs. My advice is to have a mechanic inspect the engine mounts during your biennial maintenance. If there are signs of cracks or deformation, consider replacing them—this can prevent major issues and save you money and hassle.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I've replaced my engine mounts twice without strictly following a fixed schedule. The first time was when sudden increased vibration during highway driving affected vehicle control. The second replacement was accelerated by my habit of frequently carrying heavy loads. While the typical lifespan is around eight years, it heavily depends on driving style. If you notice excessive steering wheel vibration or even body shaking during acceleration or braking, don't ignore these warning signs. During routine maintenance, have them inspected - spending a few thousand to replace worn mounts is worthwhile since safety always comes first.
Engine mount replacement depends on vehicle condition rather than a fixed schedule. With normal use, they may last around ten years, but aggressive driving or poor road conditions can shorten their lifespan. Symptoms like increased vibration at idle or unusual noises during acceleration indicate it's time for inspection. A replacement typically costs between a few hundred to a few thousand yuan and takes about half an hour at a repair shop—don't delay. For prevention, having a mechanic briefly check the engine mounts during each maintenance visit is simple and effective.
