3 Common Transmission Mount Failures: Signs And Symptoms!
All vehicles have one or more transmission mounts that are responsible for supporting the weight of the transmission. Although mounts are designed to last the life of the vehicle, they can wear out over time, leading to several common transmission mount failures .
Transmission mounts can wear out from prolonged exposure to the elements or regular use over time. Also, premature failure can occur due to liquid seeping into the supports.
What is a transmission mount?
Your car uses a transmission mount (or multiple transmission mounts) in order to support the weight of the transmission. The mount also isolates the transmission from the chassis to minimize vibration.
A typical transmission mount consists of an outer metal frame, which bolts to the transmission and chassis, as well as an inner rubber part that absorbs vibrations . In some cases, the rubber part is filled with liquid.
A worn transmission mount should be replaced immediately to prevent further damage to other parts of the vehicle.
The common signs and failures of a damaged transmission mount
Do you think your car may have a bad transmission mount? If you notice one or more of the following symptoms, you could be experiencing some of the following common transmission mount failures.
1- Abnormal noises
The most common sign of a worn transmission mount is a clanking noise . The sound is generally most noticeable during hard acceleration, hard braking, or when engaging the transmission.
2- Vibrations
The rubber portion of the transmission mount helps absorb vibrations from the transmission and engine. Therefore, if the transmission mount fails, vibrations can travel through the chassis and into the cab of the vehicle.
3- Excessive movement of the transmission
This is one of the most common transmission mount failures. Worn transmission mounts can allow the transmission to move more than it should . You are unlikely to notice this movement during normal driving. But there’s a good chance you (or your mechanic) will see the movement if a power braking test is done.
Power braking consists of putting the transmission in gear, keeping one foot on the brake, and slightly revving the engine without moving the car. An assistant must watch the engine compartment during the test.
A worn engine or transmission mount will allow the powertrain to move excessively up and down during power braking.
Can a bad transmission mount cause a slippage?
The answer is almost always, no. A damaged transmission mount will not cause the transmission to slip. But there can be some rare cases where a failed mount causes enough movement to bias the manual shift link or throttle link (on an older vehicle), thus affecting shift quality and shift time.
How much does it cost to change a transmission mount?
If you decide to have your car’s transmission mount replaced by a professional, you can generally expect to pay around $200 to $800 to do the job. Of course, the exact price will depend on a variety of factors, such as the year, make, and model of your vehicle.
You can save money by changing the transmission mount yourself if you have the necessary tools and knowledge.
