Replacing the Automatic Transmission Mount on Your 1985-1989 Dodge Charger
If you're feeling excessive vibrations or hearing clunking noises, your transmission mount may be the cause.
- To find the correct part, search for an automatic transmission mount for a 1985-1989 Dodge Omni.
- New aftermarket brands like Anchor, Westar, and DEA are the most practical and affordable options.
- No recalls or TSBs have been issued for this part; failure is due to age and wear.
- Consider replacing all engine and transmission mounts at the same time for a complete repair.
Symptoms of a Failing Transmission Mount
A worn-out transmission mount on your Charger will make its presence known through several distinct signs. Because the mount is designed to absorb vibration, its failure results in symptoms you can often feel and hear.
- Excessive Vibrations: This is the most common symptom. You'll feel vibrations through the floor, steering wheel, or seats, especially when the car is idling in gear or during acceleration.
- Clunking or Banging Noises: Loud clunks or bangs when you shift into gear (from Park to Drive or Reverse), accelerate hard, or brake suddenly are a clear sign of a bad mount. This noise is the transmission itself moving and hitting against the frame.
- Engine Movement: If you have a helper, you can sometimes see the engine and transmission assembly rock back and forth excessively when shifting between Drive and Reverse with the brakes applied.
A Common Parts-Sourcing Mistake for L-Body Chargers
The 1985-1989 Dodge Charger is a front-wheel-drive car based on Chrysler's "L-body" platform. It is essentially a coupe version of the Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon. Many online parts catalogs have poor listings for this specific model, showing parts for the modern RWD Charger instead. If you search for a transmission mount for your '85-'89 Charger, you will likely find incorrect parts or no results at all.
Pro Tip: To find the correct new aftermarket mount, search for a part listed for the 1985-1989 Dodge Omni with an automatic transmission. The mounts are typically interchangeable between these models.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Mount
For a vehicle of this age, finding a new original equipment (OEM) part from Mopar is nearly impossible unless you find New Old Stock (NOS) at a significant premium. Aftermarket parts are the most practical and affordable solution.
- Standard Replacement Brands: Brands like Anchor, DEA, and Westar produce direct-fit replacement mounts. These are widely available for the Dodge Omni and offer quality comparable to the original rubber mounts for daily driving.
- Polyurethane Options: While performance brands like Energy Suspension offer polyurethane mounts for many classic Mopars, specific kits for the FWD L-body are not common. A polyurethane mount would offer less flex but transmit significantly more noise and vibration into the car, which most daily drivers would find uncomfortable.
Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
There are no known recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Dodge or the NHTSA related to the automatic transmission mount for the 1985-1989 Dodge Charger. Any failure is typically due to the age and wear of the rubber component.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM (NOS) | $100+ (If found) |
| New Aftermarket (listed for Dodge Omni) | $15 - $40 |
| Used OEM | $20 - $50 |
| Shop Labor for Installation | $75 - $150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I find a transmission mount listed for my 1987 Charger?
This is a common issue due to how parts catalogs are organized. The '85-'89 Charger is a lower-production coupe variant of the Dodge Omni. You must search for a mount for a Dodge Omni from the same year to find the correct, readily available aftermarket part.
Is it difficult to replace the transmission mount myself?
For a DIY mechanic with basic tools, this is a relatively straightforward job. It involves supporting the transmission with a floor jack and a block of wood, unbolting the old mount from the frame and transmission, and installing the new one. It typically does not require specialized tools.
Should I replace my engine mounts at the same time?
It is highly recommended. The engine and transmission mounts work together to support the drivetrain. If the transmission mount has failed due to age, the engine mounts are likely in similar condition. Replacing them all at once ensures the entire system is secure and prevents a new mount from failing prematurely due to stress from other worn mounts.
Is an OEM Mopar part better than aftermarket for this?
For a 35+ year old part, the rubber in a New Old Stock (NOS) Mopar mount could be brittle from age, even if unused. A new aftermarket mount from a reputable brand is made with fresh materials and is a reliable and cost-effective choice for this repair.
Technical Specifications
The 1985-1989 Dodge Charger is part of the Chrysler L-Body platform. The automatic transmission mount is interchangeable with the mount from the Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon of the same years.
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Dodge Charger: