When your transmission isn’t working, that’s a job for an expert. But sometimes, it makes more sense to open your hood and get your own hands dirty. After all, if you know your way around a car, you’ll save hundreds of dollars by avoiding the auto shop. So, can you replace old motor mounts yourself? Let’s find out.

What Are Motor Mounts?

Motor mounts, also known as engine mounts, stabilize your engine and work to stop the motor’s vibrations from damaging other components in your vehicle. Your engine naturally vibrates incredibly rapidly and, without proper mounting, could seriously damage the essential hardware surrounding it. In addition to stabilization, the motor mounts attach your engine to your car.

When To Replace

The quintessential symptom of failing motor mounts is excess noise. When engine mounts stop functioning properly, you’ll likely hear your engine banging or clanking under your hood. The same is true if you feel excess vibrations while driving— without motor mounts to dull the vibrations, your whole car may shake.

Even without these symptoms, you can spot failing motor mounts before any damage occurs. If you notice your engine is misaligned under your hood, that’s a sign that the engine mounts beneath it aren’t doing their job correctly.

How To Replace

Good news: you don’t have to bring your car into a shop. While motor mount installation will vary by make and model, some general rules apply across the board. First, put on a pair of safety glasses. Then, apply your parking brake and put chocks behind the rear wheels.

Using a jack and jack stand, raise the front of your vehicle. To access the engine mount, remove anything in the way (this may include your fender liner). You’ll need a jack and a wood block to raise your engine—the block will ensure even distribution of pressure on your motor.

Lift up the engine enough to take the weight off your engine mount, then remove any brackets and bolts that attach the mount to your engine. Next, remove the damaged engine mount. Repeat the process in reverse with the new engine mount, and you’re done!

Can you replace old motor mounts yourself? Absolutely, as long as you’ve got the tools. If you hear excess noise or feel vibrations, you may need new Honda Civic engine mounts, and we’ve got you covered.