How many transmission mounts are there?
There isn’t a universal number; transmission mounts vary by vehicle, but most cars use one to three mounts.
To be precise for a particular car, you must consider the drivetrain layout and design. The transmission is secured to the chassis by mounts that absorb vibration and maintain alignment, and the exact count depends on whether the vehicle uses a transaxle, the presence of a center or tailshaft support, and the overall subframe design. The guide below outlines common configurations and how to identify them.
Common transmission-mount configurations
Here are typical mounting setups you might encounter on modern passenger vehicles.
- Front-engine, front-wheel drive (transaxle): most designs use a single primary transmission mount attached to the subframe, though some configurations include an additional bracket or a secondary rear mount for extra stability.
- Front-engine, rear-wheel drive: typically two mounts—one at the front of the transmission bell housing and one toward the rear—supporting the trans along the chassis.
- Front-engine, all-wheel drive: commonly two or three mounts to support both the transaxle and auxiliary drive components, such as a center crossmember or additional brackets.
- Rear-engine or mid-engine layouts: usually two mounts (front and rear) for the transmission, with variations depending on design and supporting structure.
- Heavy-duty applications (trucks and SUVs): often two or three mounts to handle higher loads, with some designs using four mounts across subframes for added stiffness.
These patterns cover many modern cars, but exact numbers vary by model and generation. For certainty, check the service manual or ask a dealer for model-specific information.
How to verify on your vehicle
To determine the exact number for your car, you can consult the service manual, inspect the underside around the transmission, or contact a dealer or repair shop. The following steps can help guide you.
- Check the service manual or factory diagrams for the transmission section.
- Look under the vehicle and count how many mounts attach directly to the transmission bell housing or tail section.
- Identify whether the mounts attach to the engine block, to a crossmember, or to a subframe.
- Ask a trained technician if you’re unsure.
Understanding the mounting arrangement can help with maintenance, replacement, or diagnostic work related to vibration, misalignment, or leaks.
Summary
Transmission mounts are not standardized; most vehicles use one to three mounts depending on drivetrain layout and design. If you provide your vehicle’s make, model, and year, I can give a model-specific count.
How many mounts does a transmission have?
The transmission mount is one of many drivetrain mounts found on most cars and trucks. Most vehicles have two or three engine mounts and at least one, and sometimes two or more, transmission mounts. Along with bell housing bolts, the transmission mount keeps the transmission safe and secure underneath the hood.
What are the symptoms of a broken transmission mount?
Symptoms of a bad transmission mount include excessive vibrations, loud clunking or banging noises, especially when shifting gears, and rough or hard shifting. You may also notice a visible and excessive movement of the engine or transmission when the car is in gear or under load.
Detailed symptoms
- Excessive vibration: You may feel strong vibrations, especially when the vehicle is idling, accelerating, or under load, as the mount is no longer able to absorb them effectively.
- Clunking or banging noises: A loud thud or clunk can be heard when you shift gears or when the transmission moves abruptly, such as when hitting a bump or accelerating.
- Rough shifting: Difficulty shifting into or out of gears, or a jolt when changing gears, can indicate a bad mount.
- Visible engine/transmission movement: When in gear, the engine may visibly sag or move excessively, especially when you apply pressure to the gas pedal. This can be seen and heard.
- Difficulty cornering: A loose engine can shift during turns, creating an unbalanced load and making it harder to navigate corners smoothly. This may be accompanied by unusual noises.
- Misalignment: Over time, a failing mount can lead to the misalignment of the transmission and other components.
- Damage to other parts: A completely failed mount allows for excessive movement, which can stress and damage other components, such as hoses and lines.
Where are the transmission mounts located?
Transmission mounts are typically located on the underside of the vehicle, between the transmission and the chassis's crossmember. They secure the rear of the transmission to the vehicle's frame to absorb vibrations and keep the drivetrain stable.
This video shows the general location of a transmission mount on a car's undercarriage: 1mChrisFixYouTube · Mar 3, 2014
- General Location: Underneath the vehicle, where the transmission connects to a sturdy bar called a crossmember, which is bolted or welded to the chassis.
- Function: The mount has a rubber or urethane bushing that absorbs engine and transmission vibrations, isolating the chassis from the drivetrain's movement.
- Purpose: It keeps the transmission from shifting during acceleration and braking, preventing excessive noise and vibration inside the cabin.
- Vehicle Differences: While most rear-wheel drive vehicles have one transmission mount, front-wheel drive vehicles often have engine and transaxle mounts that function similarly but may be integrated into a different design.
How much do new transmission mounts cost?
The total cost to replace a transmission mount typically ranges from $200 to $800, though prices can vary based on the car model and location. This estimate includes both parts and labor, with parts costing around $50 to $150 and labor making up the majority of the cost due to the complexity of the job.
This video explains the symptoms of bad transmission mounts and discusses replacement costs: 52sMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Sep 17, 2023
Cost breakdown
- Parts: Expect to pay approximately $50 to $150 for the new transmission mount. The price can be higher for more complex or specialized mounts.
- Labor: Labor is the most significant part of the cost, often ranging from $200 to $450 or more, depending on the mechanic's hourly rate and the time-consuming nature of the work.
- Total: The combined cost of parts and labor generally falls between $200 and $800, but it's best to get a quote from a local mechanic.
Factors that influence cost
- Vehicle make and model: Costs vary depending on the specific car you drive.
- Mount type: Hydraulic or active mounts can be more expensive than simple rubber and steel mounts.
- Labor rates: Shop labor rates differ by location.
- Complexity of the job: Accessing the mount may require removing other parts, which increases the labor time.
- Additional repairs: It's often recommended to replace all mounts (engine and transmission) at the same time, as they tend to wear out together. This will increase the total cost.
