The Ultimate Guide to Engine Mounts: A Unique Perspective from Us

What are engine mounts?

Engine mounts, also known as motor mounts, are crucial parts that secure the engine mount to the vehicle’s chassis or frame. They are designed to absorb engine vibrations, reduce unwanted engine movements, and enhance comfort by ensuring a smooth and quite ride.

How do you know if an engine mount is bad?

The simplest way to identify a failing engine mount is visual inspection. If the rubber in an engine mount is cracked, it's a sign that the mount is deteriorating and may soon fail (see image 1 for reference). In the case of hydraulic engine mounts, we can see fluid leakage from the mount itself.

Image 1: cracked rubber on an engine mount 

However, not all the engine mounts are visually accessible, many of them are hidden underneath or behind the engine. Here are the most common symptoms of failing engine mounts:

• Excessive engine vibration

• Unusual noises when starting the engine, shifting gears or accelarting. 

• Visible excessive engine movement

Engine mount replacement cost

In Australia, the labour cost to replacement a broken engine typically ranges from $150 to $400, depending on the job complexity. Some engine mounts can be easily accessible and be replaced by loosening just two or three bolts, DIY with proper tools and a bit of mechanical knowledge is possible (see video 1 for reference).

Video 1:  DIY procedures for Toyota Camry right engine mount replacement

Part cost for engine mount varies depending on the brand, quality, type etc. Genuine OEM engine mount is usually expensive but of high quality. For example, a genuine Mazda right-hand mount for Mazda 3 BK 2003-2010 model is about $300. Aftermarket engine mount can be a more cost-effective choice. On eBay market, we can see many budget options priced at $20-$30, which is only 1/10 of genuine part price (see image 2 for reference). 

Image 2: Budget Mazda 3 engine mount options on eBay

An engine typically has multiple engine mounts to support its stability. Due to differences in load, heat exposure, and vibration, each mount may experience wear and tear at a different rate. For example, it is more common to only replace the top right engine mount for a Toyota Camry 2010 model, as the front and left engine mounts typically last much longer.

In some vehicles (e.g. Mazda 3 BK/BL, Mazda 6 GG/GH, Honda CRV RD etc), all engine mounts may begin to fail at a similar rate. In such cases, we recommend replacing all the engine mounts at once to save on labour costs.

Genuine engine mount vs aftermarket engine mount 

Genuine engine mount:

Genuine OEM manufactures undoubtedly offer top-quality, long-lasting engine mount products. In many cases, they can last for at least 5-10 years or 80,000km to 100,000km.

However, as we have mentioned above, genuine part is not always an affordable option. Meanwhile, some genuine engine mount, due to initial design problem, may require frequent replacement once every a few years. Furthermore, if the genuine engine mount is out of stock in Australia, authorised dealers may need to order the OEM part from overseas, which can take up to 6 to 8 weeks for delivery.

Aftermarket engine mount:

The aftermarket engine mount offers comparable quality and performance to the genuine part, but at a lower price. We always remind our customers that, when it comes to vehicle parts, you often get what you pay for.

On eBay market, there are hundred to thousands of engine mount budget options available at ridiculously low prices, especially from overseas sellers. In our experiences, many of these cheap engine mounts are manufactured with poor quality rubber, sometimes even with recycled tyres. As a result, the engine mount rubber can crack within as little as a few months after installation (see image 3 for reference).

Image 3: High quality rubber vs poor quality rubber 

In contrast, quality aftermarket engine mount manufacturers usually have strict production criteria and quality controls, so to ensure the products can meet OEM standards and performance. Major automative spare stores in Australia, such as Repco, Supercheap Auto, Burson etc, supply high quality engine mount products. However, sometimes they may need to special order the parts, which take about a few days to a week.

Our engine mount products are sourced from suppliers that manufacture engine mount with fresh Malaysian natural rubber in their manufacturing process. Malaysian natural rubber offers exceptional elasticity, durability and wear resistance, it is highly regarded in automotive and industrial applications. All our engine mount products are stocked locally in Melbourne, Victoria, and are ready to be dispatched via Australia Post Express for fast delivery.

Final thoughts

Engine mount plays an essential role in your driving experience, safety, and vehicle longevity. Regular inspection by professional mechanic is highly recommended. Whether you choose genuine OEM engine mount or aftermarket engine mount, having good quality product can ensure you won’t be repeating engine mount replacement unnecessarily. Addressing a failing engine mount promptly is crucial for protecting your safety, and your peace of mind on the road.