If it is running properly, there is no need to worry. But when you feel things moving as you drive, that’s reason to be concerned.
That is precisely what will happen when your transmission mounts become worn. And that can create a whole host of additional issues and can lead to expensive repairs, as well.
In this article, I will break down the five most common signs of a failing transmission mount: Where they are, what they do, and the average cost to replace them. First up—Signs of a failing transmission mount.
The Function of a Transmission Mount
A transmission mount does what you think it does; it mounts the transmission to the vehicle frame.
The frame is the only component on your vehicle strong enough handle all the weight from your engine and transmission, and mount holds it in place so it won’t shift around while you drive.
Sounds simple enough, but if it is not working properly, you will run into a ton of different problems.
Transmission Mount Location
The transmission mount is located between the vehicle frame and the transmission. Depending on whether you have a front, rear, or all-wheel drive vehicle, each of which has their own separate transmissions, your transmission mount location will be slightly different.
Finding your transmission mount is easier than you think. First, locate your transmission and where it meets the frame of your vehicle, that’s where the transmission mount is located.
Typically, the transmission mount will have a bolt that run through your frame and your transmission itself, connecting the frame and transmission utilizing a nut. Your bolt will also run through the bushing itself. The bushing can be inset into your frame.
There will be a transmission mount wherever your transmission connects to your frame. Otherwise, you would just have a metal-on-metal connection which would lead to a ton of premature wear and damage.
Symptoms Of A Bad Transmission Mount
Bad transmission mounts typically show clunking, bashing or banging noises coming from your transmission. You may also experience excessive vibrations coming from your transmission when you drive.
Even though a bad transmission mount can lead to a bigger repair bill if you don’t get it repaired, unless you understand what is going on and look for the signs, you will never know your transmission mounts are the issue.
If a bad transmission mount is present, you need to replace it immediately to avoid damaging anything else aside from the mount itself. The most common damage apart from the mount itself is broken engine mounts. However, it can easily be there are damaged hoses and belts or damage to the vehicle chassis.
What once should have only cost a couple hundred bucks in repairs can easily turn to a thousand-dollar issue if not repaired ASAP.
Here is a more detailed list of signs of a bad or failing transmission mount to be on the lookout for:
#1. Clunking, Bashing, or Banging Sounds.
Your transmission mount secures the transmission in your vehicle, so as it wears out over time, or simply breaks, you can expect to hear these clunking, bashing, or banging sounds as it shifts around.
You will definitely notice these noises while turning, accelerating, braking, and starting and turning off your vehicle. The noise will definitely change as the transmission mount gets worse, and depending on what type of vehicle you drive.
#2. Excessive Vibrations.
With a transmission being about the biggest thing in your vehicle, if it gets bad enough you will feel it shift around. You will be able to feel large shifts as the transmission slams into different parts of your vehicle, but before that happens, you will be able to feel everything as vibrations.
Also, the more worried about noisy transmissions you are, the more worried you will be about the vibrations. Just as the noises get worse under different conditions, the vibrations do too. If the transmission gets bad enough, you might be able to feel the vibrations all the time when the vehicle is running.
#3. Chassis Flex.
If your transmission mount is broken, and you don’t fix it, it will eventually cause issues with your vehicle’s chassis. Each time the transmission shifts, it slams against the frame, transferring that force through to the chassis.
The more it does, the more pressure it puts on the chassis; and, eventually, it will lead to damage. Replacing your vehicle’s chassis is a very expensive repair, and sometimes, the price to repair the damage isn’t worth it altogether.
#4. Drooping or Sagging Engine/Transmission.
Before you go digging into the problem – simply take a look under your vehicle, yourself. If you look underside and notice the engine or transmission is sagging/misaligned, then you need a new engine or transmission mount.
Also be aware when you see your transmission or engine sag like that there could be damage to some of the other components that you might need to address now as well.
#5. Cracked or Worn Bushings.
Just because you look underneath and you don’t see a sagging or drooping transmission or engine doesn’t mean things are completely fine – it just means it hasn’t gotten that bad yet. Check the bushings.
If they are cracked or worn out, then you probably need to replace them. The good news is that you are catching the issue quite early into the problem, so hopefully, you won’t have to do other repairs at this point.
However, that does not mean to wait on replacing these, as these little cracks can quickly turn into bigger problems without replacement.
Transmission Mount Replacement Cost
The cost of replacing a mounting transmission typically ranges from $110 to $500 depending on the make and model of the vehicle and the cost charged by the automobile mechanic. A transmission mount can cost between $10 to $250, while labor will cost between $100 to $250.
The good news is that you’re looking at a fairly inexpensive component in a new transmission mount, generally being between $10 to $100. The bad news is that you’ll probably be taking the vehicle into a shop if you do not have a transmission jack.
Labor typically does not add too much to the overall cost of replacing a transmission mount, usually running between $100 to $150. This all depends on what you are driving and how difficult the access to the transmission is.
Additionally, replacement usually does not require disconnecting the engine from the transmission, therefore making it comparatively easier and less expensive. This not only saves you in labor costs, but it means that the only primary component you will need to replace is, of course, the transmission mount.
If you do have access to a transmission jack and the technical knowledge that comes with it to complete the job safely, you could easily conduct the entire job for under $100.
If you are going to bring the vehicle to a shop to fix the transmission mount it will run somewhere between $105 to $220 depending on what transmission mount is used on the vehicle.
FAQs.
How long do transmission mounts last?
Transmission mounts usually last for the vehicle’s life, but can sometimes get damaged or fail before that. On the majority of car models, expect at least 100,000 miles.
Is it okay to drive with a bad transmission mount?
No, it is not safe to drive with a broken transmission mount. If the mount broken, it can cause the transmission to not be held properly in place, which can damage the drive shafts or cables. If it’s really bad, it can cause your transmission to drop to the ground, depending on vehicle.
Can a bad transmission mount cause shifting problems?
A bad transmission mount can most certainly affect shifting. If the mount is bad and the transmission is not in a fixed position, it can create pull in the shift linkage, driveshaft or wirings, which can cause shifting problems.
Can I replace a transmission mount by myself?
Replacing a transmission mount can be complicated and dangerous unless you have the right knowledge.
To remove a transmission mount you will need a floor jack to jack and hold the transmission in a fixed position while the mount is being replaced. transmission bracket. Otherwise, it may fall down.