So, today I had my TL through the process of getting the timing belt and all that jazz taken care of, and during the inspection I was informed that I have cracked engine mountings. As a very much non-mechanic, that sounds like a very potentially legitimate problem if left to get worse, obviously depending on the severity. It also looks like this happens like every 100,000 miles or so (I'm at 167k, and yes, it was my first timing belt replacement...), but I was quite unaware of the issue even being a possibility until today. I'm hoping to get a better idea of the severity of it but was hoping to get input on how serious an issue this is in general (also depending on it's severity). As in, do I need to get this dealt with immediately, in the next week, etc. depending on it's current severity? I'm dropping near enough 2k on maintenance and parts replacements this week as it is soooo just wanna know what I'm looking at.

Also I see some outdated posts on cost. What should I take as an acceptable cost to replace both front engine mountings?

Thanks all.

 

As there are many mounts, the cost depends on what is cracked, which mount(s) and/or which bracket(s), and severity of replacement governed by how badly it is cracked, or if completely destroyed allowing the engine/trans to actually move.
While the timing belt job is being done, the engine side mount is removed and replacement would be much easier, less costly if done before the job is completed.

 

If your getting your timing belt service completed, it will be much easier to have any mounts replaced at this time. If you don't do it at the same time as the timing belt service, having it done at a later time will probably cost more as they will have to access the mounts again and that will take time....

 

Sadly I found out about the situation essentially after the repair was done, they left me a voicemail and an emailed PDF but I wasn't in a position to check them until the evening.

 

Do you know if all three mounts are cracked? There are 3 engine mounts in the TL, usually the front and side will go first and are easiest to replace. In my case, all I need to do was to replace front and side. You may want to ask your mechanic or check yourself.

 

I'm not certain, now that I check specifically. The note just says "Replace front engine mount (Found front engine mount cracked and/or broken)." If they just mean one, they still want $500 for it, including while they already had my engine up for the belt replacement, so even with the labor for someone else it would probably be cheaper.

 

500 per engine mount!?, that must be a mistake. Tops its an 1.5hr of labor for a 30 dollar part! God damn stealerships man

 

Yup, screw dealerships. I only went in for the timing belt package because their price was just as competitive as anyone else, better than most, and came with a loaner car which I needed to operate for the day.

I asked about the severity and was told: "Yes, it looks like they are just starting to crack, So there is not excessive play with the engine or anything yet, you'll just want to keep an eye on it during each service, if you start to experience clunking noises or anything from the front end I would recommend having it checked."

 

$30 part? Since when is a front or rear mount $30? Side mount....maybe....but still pretty sure those are close to the $65 range. Last I checked, the front and rear were each in the $150 range for OE parts.

 

My notes from OEM purchases last year: $155 front, $60 side and $97 rear. Installation and parts for the front was quoted at $537 from a Honda dealer which is a little less than Acura. Anyway, I got a friend changed the front and side for me for $120 with me supplying the parts.

So $500 for the front from a dealer is about right.

 

 

Unless the fasteners and brackets are in bad shape, I don't see why you would need them. I would check their conditions before starting. Buy OEM mounts to avoid issues; more expensive but you already saved on labor.