Can I drive with bad engine mounts?

You can technically drive with bad engine mounts for a short distance, but it’s unsafe and can cause further damage; arrange a repair as soon as possible.

Engine mounts secure the engine to the vehicle chassis and dampen vibrations. When they fail, the engine can move more than intended, potentially causing contact with other components, louder noises, and increased wear on nearby parts. This article outlines how engine mounts work, common warning signs, what to do if you’re on the road, and what to expect during repairs.

What engine mounts do and why failure matters

Engine mounts are typically rubber or hydraulic supports attached to the engine and the car frame. Their primary job is to keep the engine from shifting under acceleration, braking, and cornering, while also absorbing vibrations that would otherwise travel into the cabin. If a mount is torn, cracked, or separated, the engine can rock or move toward or away from components like hoses, belts, exhaust, or the radiator. Repeated movement can lead to additional damage and safety concerns over time.

Signs that an engine mount may be failing

These indicators can point to worn or broken engine mounts. If you notice one or more of these, have your vehicle inspected promptly.

• Excessive engine movement or rocking when accelerating, braking, or going over bumps.


• Clunking, banging, or thudding noises, especially during shifts or sudden changes in torque.


• Increased engine or cabin vibration, particularly at idle or under load.


• Visible damage to mounts, cracks, or broken mounting studs, or hydraulic mounts leaking fluid.


• Engine or exhaust components rubbing or contacting other parts due to engine shift.


• Misalignment or tension changes in belts and hoses caused by engine movement.

If you notice these symptoms, they signal a higher risk of further damage if you continue to drive without repair. Early inspection can prevent more expensive repairs and reduce safety risks.

Driving safety and what to do now if you suspect bad mounts

When engine mounts are suspected to be failing, take cautious steps to protect yourself and your vehicle. The following guidance helps balance safety with practicality while arranging repairs.

1. Stop driving if you hear loud clunks or observe substantial engine movement. If possible, have the car towed to a repair shop to avoid further damage.


2. If you must drive a short distance, do so slowly and gently. Avoid rough roads, potholes, and hard acceleration or braking that could intensify engine movement.


3. Have a qualified mechanic inspect all engine mounts and related components (engine cradle, transmission mounts, exhaust hangers, and nearby hoses or wiring) to determine which mounts are failing and whether other parts were affected.


4. Limit additional driving until repairs are completed to prevent additional wear or collateral damage.


5. Ask about replacement options and similiar mounts if one is dual or hydraulic, as some vehicles require multiple mounts to be replaced to restore proper alignment and damping.


6. Get a repair plan and a cost estimate. Replacing mounts is usually less expensive when addressed early, but labor costs can vary by vehicle and location.

These steps prioritize safety and aim to minimize downstream damage. If any symptoms worsen or you lose control while driving, seek immediate assistance.

Costs and repair timelines

Repair costs depend on the vehicle, the type and number of mounts needing replacement, and labor rates in your area. Typical ranges (as a rough guide) are:

- Parts: roughly $50–$300 per mount, depending on the make and mount type (rubber, hydraulic, or upgraded performance mounts).

- Labor: approximately $150–$350 per mount, with variations based on accessibility and vehicle design. Total job costs commonly fall in the $300–$1200 range for a full set on many passenger cars.

Repair time often spans 2–6 hours in a shop, depending on the car and whether additional components are affected. For some vehicles, replacing a single mount can be straightforward, while others may require disassembly of nearby subsystems. Always obtain a written estimate and discuss potential additional costs if related parts were damaged.

Summary

Bad engine mounts can allow excessive engine movement, increase cabin vibration, and risk damage to surrounding components. Driving with failing mounts is not recommended, especially for longer trips or on rough roads. If you notice signs of wear or movement, seek a professional inspection promptly. Early diagnosis and replacement typically save money and reduce safety risks, helping restore smooth operation and proper alignment of the engine, transmission, and exhaust system. Plan for repair, and drive only with caution or tow the vehicle if symptoms are severe.

What happens if you don't replace your engine mounts?

If you don't replace motor mounts, you can experience increased vibrations, loud noises, and jerky movements, and it may lead to more severe damage, such as engine or transmission problems, and safety concerns due to the engine's excessive movement. Ignoring bad mounts can cause other components like hoses, wires, and belts to become damaged and lead to more costly repairs down the road. 
Symptoms of bad motor mounts

• Increased vibrations: You may feel more vibration, especially when idling, in drive, or when accelerating. 
• Loud noises: Listen for clunking or thumping sounds, particularly when accelerating or shifting gears. 
• Visible engine movement: The engine may appear to sag, lean, or move excessively when you are accelerating or shifting. 
• Jerking or lurching: The car may lurch when shifting or accelerating. 

Consequences of not replacing motor mounts

• Damage to other components: The excessive movement can cause stress on other parts of the vehicle, such as hoses, wiring, and exhaust systems, leading to premature wear or breakage. 
• Engine or transmission damage: A compromised mount can subject the engine and transmission to excessive stress, potentially causing more significant damage over time. 
• Compromised safety: In extreme cases, excessive engine movement can affect the vehicle's handling and stability, making it less safe to drive, especially during sudden maneuvers. 
• Higher repair costs: The longer you wait to replace bad mounts, the greater the risk of secondary damage, which will likely increase the total repair costs. 

This video shows the symptoms of a bad motor mount: 55sMake It Easy MechanicYouTube · Dec 8, 2023

How much does it cost to replace engine mounts?

Replacing an engine mount typically costs $200 to $600 per mount, with averages around $446 to $498. The final price depends on your vehicle's make and model, the type of mount (simple rubber vs. advanced hydraulic), and the labor needed, which can add $200 to $450 or more depending on mount accessibility. 
Cost breakdown

• Parts: Simple steel or rubber mounts can cost $10-$150, while more complex hydraulic or active mounts can range from $50 to over $600.
• Labor: The cost is highly dependent on how difficult it is to access the mount. A simple job might take 30 minutes, while a more difficult one could take two or more hours, leading to labor costs of $100-$450+. 

Factors that influence cost

• Vehicle type: Luxury or performance vehicles with specialized mounts will be more expensive than economy cars. 
• Mount type: Hydraulic or active mounts are more expensive than standard rubber or steel mounts. 
• Labor rates: The hourly rates of mechanics vary by location. 
• Number of mounts: If multiple mounts are replaced at once, the total cost can increase significantly. 

What you can expect

• Economy cars: Expect to pay around $250-$550. 
• Standard/compact SUVs: Often land in the $300-$800 range. 
• Luxury or performance vehicles: Can cost anywhere from $600 to over $1,500 per mount. 
• Multiple mounts: Replacing all mounts on some modern cars can cost $1,200 to $2,000 or more. 

Why it's important to fix

• Worn mounts can cause excessive noise, vibrations, and clunking sounds. 
• Ignoring the issue can lead to further damage to other components like belts and hoses, increasing future repair costs. 

How urgent are engine mounts?

All engine mounts will wear and fail over time and not replacing engine mountings could lead to the following: Excessive Vibration. Damage or Wear to the engine. Damage or Wear to other components in the engine.

At what mileage do engine mounts go bad?

Factory/OEM spec engine mounts are usually made from rubber and will typically last up to 100,000 miles assuming the vehicle has been reasonably maintained.