All,

Hope I am posting in the right place.

I have a question on the maintenance of engine mounts.

I have a 2005 RL (not the 3.5 the newer body style). I have been servicing at my local dealer. It has 87,000 miles on it and has been well maintained.

On a recent visit they told me that the engine mounts needed to be replaced. They told me the engine was moving too much due to this issue and, at my request, took me in the bay and showed me, by revving the engine with brake on & in drive, the engine rising about 1/1/2 - 2 inches as the power was applied. Told me it should be moving less.

I have owned many cars but never, ever, had to replace an engine mount.

QUES: Is this really a 'standard' maintenance event for an RL? Anyone ever have this issue?

Any feedback is appreciated. The cost of the job was quoted at round $850 and has me wondering if I need to pursue or find another ride....with that and the Timing belt event in another 12K

Thanks,
Rodney

 

Honda engine mounts are notorious for going bad. The RL is no exception and I think almost ever person here has had to replace them. Unless you are under warranty go find a good independent shop to go to.

Ther quote is way over priced. I had my timing belt, tensioner, water pump, and rear engine mount replaced for 1k parts and labor.

 

Matt is correct. Honda mounts suck, engine and tranny included. The RL is not exempt, but it should not sway you from your faith in the car.

Here are some threads on the topic:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=810868&page=2
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2005-2012-76/check-your-motor-mounts-863157/
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2005-2012-76/aftermarket-motor-mounts-861090/

 

You dont have another 12k miles for your timing bet, it's 7 years or 105k miles, sorry, but you are overdue.

 

If u don't mind SLIGHT vibration at idle get the XLR8 poly mounts replace the front and rear and your good. Side mount takes cutting and welding to make it fit properly since mounts are for a 3rd gen TL

 

Yeah, most if not all hondas are known for weak mounts. But thats why we also get the smoothness. Had mine replace at around 80k under warranty. They were shot and I didnt even know.

 

trade it in

 

extended warranty just replaced mine

 

how can u tell if your mounts are bad besides looking at them. is there anyway to tell?

 

I think a sign is if you shifting between gears your car jerks is one symptom?

 

All,
Thanks for the feedback.

Rodney

 

yes this is a symptom.

 

The OP explained how some mechanics will check. Put the car in drive, apply the brakes, and lightly rev the engine. Obviously, you will need someone else to watch or do the revving, but the engine should only move a little. Too much movement or any clunking sounds can indicate broken mounts.

 

reading = fundamental.

 

I bought an 05 RL that clunked really hard over minor bumps that I did not notice in the test drive. 103k and along with the timing belt service I had all motor mounts and front struts replaced which fixed the issue, drives well now and North Dallas Imports agrees with everyone here, the Honda mounts go out quick.

 

I had the XLR8 mounts on my old TL and it was more than a slight vibration. It would ruin the RL in my opinion.

 

If you're due for a timing belt replacment, the Dealer will normally replace the side mount with no additional labor (the part is still around $200).

I was quoted $450 for the front mount, parts and labor. Found it online for $150 and did it myself (wasn't easy, but was worth the $300 savings). I still haven't tackled the rear mount, looks like quite the job.

I've got about 97,000mi on my 2005 and the front mount was definitely cooked! I noticed a distinct "clunk" when shifting into D after backing out of the driveway (still barely rolling backwards - put into drive and "clunk").

 

I'm 67 years old and have driven everything - I have never been a go fast driver - and have never heard of engine mounts going bad - do most of you race these RLs around the streets?

 

have you ever owned anything with vacuum controlled mounts?

Its not really anything to cause concern, they dry out and crack.

 

It is not an everything statement. It is a Honda statement, and you could very well have busted mounts and not know it. The only way I ever knew I had mount issues on Legend #1 was because my D3 blinked and my speedometer went crazy. That lead to a speed sensor investigation which uncovered broken tranny mounts likely causing the sensor to break.

Had the sensor never failed, I may have never known. Can you say with absolute certainty that nothing you have ever driven has had a broken mount? I believe there were something like 6 on the 2G Legend tranny alone.

 

Must have had stiffer mounts. i have the 65 or 60a durometer mounts and i only notice it at idle with the AC on the most. besides that i really do not notice it.

 

Aahh... the one of few benefits of a lease. Let the next dude worry about the mounts, timing belt, etc.

 

yup, then we get stuck with it as CPO.

 

I've got 130,000 miles on a 2004 TL. Do I really need the timing belt service done? Looking to sell the car shortly.

 

Welcome, you are in the wrong forum, this is where the TL's play. https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/

As for the service, I guess that depends on how frequent you are driving it and if you think someone will buy it for the price you are asking knowing an expensive service is due.

 

To answer your question JACK, no I don't race mine around. I wish I saved a picture of the old front mount. They seem to be oiled filled and have a vacuum hose attached. I would venture to say, these aren't your "standard" motor mounts.

 

here is a video i did of my front mount when i changed it