Volkswagen Golf Mk2 Engine Mount Guide (1985-1994)
Solve the clunks, shakes, and vibrations in your Mk2 Golf by choosing the right engine mounts.
- Symptoms of failure include clunks, excessive vibration at idle, and visible engine rocking.
- The front engine mount is a common weak point on the Mk2 Golf.
- For best results, replace all three mounts as a set to prevent future failures.
- Febi and CRP are higher-quality aftermarket brands; Anchor, DEA, and Westar are budget options with potentially shorter lifespans.
Is Your Mk2 Golf Shaking or Clunking?
If you're feeling a lot of vibration in the steering wheel at idle, or hearing a loud 'clunk' when you accelerate, your engine mounts are the likely culprit. These parts are made of rubber and metal and wear out over time from heat and stress. On the Mk2 Golf, the front engine mount is often the first one to fail, leading to excessive engine movement.
Common Failure Symptoms
- Excessive Vibration: A strong vibration felt in the cabin, steering wheel, or pedals, especially when the car is idling or just starting to move.
- Clunking or Thudding Noises: Loud clunks, bangs, or thuds when you accelerate, decelerate, or shift gears. This is the sound of the engine moving and hitting its limits.
- Visible Engine Movement: With the hood open and the car in gear with the brake applied, have a friend watch the engine as you briefly apply throttle. If the engine rocks back and forth more than an inch or two, the mounts are bad. 🎬 Watch: See side-by-side footage of bad vs. good engine mounts.
- Jerky Ride: A bucking or jerky feeling when you get on or off the throttle can be caused by worn mounts allowing too much slack in the drivetrain.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Engine Mount
For a vehicle like the Mk2 Golf, you have several aftermarket options. Original VW (OEM) parts can be expensive and hard to find. Aftermarket parts offer a good balance of price and quality, but not all brands are created equal.
Tier 1: OEM-Quality Brands
These brands are known for making parts that meet or exceed original factory specifications. They are a reliable choice for a daily driver and offer good longevity.
- Febi: Often cited as a high-quality German aftermarket brand, Febi (Febi Bilstein) is a trusted name in the VW community for providing durable parts that fit correctly.
- CRP (Rein): CRP Automotive, which often sells under the Rein brand, is another supplier known for OEM-quality components for European cars.
Tier 2: Economy Brands
These brands provide a low-cost alternative. While they will solve the immediate problem, forum discussions and user reviews suggest they may not last as long as higher-quality options. An economy mount might be a temporary fix, but expect to replace it again sooner.
- Anchor: A widely available budget-friendly brand. Some users have reported these mounts failing in a short amount of time.
- DEA: Another common economy brand offering a wide range of mounts at a low price point.
- Westar: Similar to Anchor and DEA, Westar is a budget-focused manufacturer.
Pro Tip: Replace Mounts as a Set
When one engine mount fails, it puts extra stress on the others, causing them to wear out faster. It's best practice to replace all three main mounts (front, rear, and transmission) at the same time. Also, many Mk2 owners prefer to replace the later-style hydraulic front mount with the more durable solid rubber version found on earlier models, as the hydraulic ones are known to fail.
🎬 See this walkthrough for installing the ultimate front engine mount.Replacement Cost
The cost to replace your engine mounts will depend on the parts you choose and whether you do the work yourself. The job is possible for a DIY mechanic with the right tools, primarily a jack and a block of wood to safely support the engine.
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Mounts | $31.94 - $73.13 (per mount) |
| New OEM Mount | $100 - $250+ (per mount, if available) |
| Shop Labor | $200 - $400 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many engine mounts does a 1985-1994 Golf have?
The Mk2 Golf typically uses three main mounts to secure the engine and transmission: a front mount, a rear mount, and a transmission-side mount.
Is it hard to replace the engine mounts myself?
For an experienced DIYer, it's a manageable job that takes a few hours. You must safely support the engine from below using a jack with a piece of wood on the oil pan or with an engine support bar from above. Access to some bolts can be tight, but no highly specialized tools are required.
🎬 Watch: A step-by-step guide to removing and replacing your mounts.Should I use solid rubber or hydraulic mounts?
Many enthusiasts recommend using solid rubber mounts for the Mk2 Golf, especially for the front position. The later hydraulic mounts (often called 'flying saucer' mounts) are known to leak and fail. Solid rubber mounts are more durable, though they may transmit slightly more vibration into the cabin than a new hydraulic mount.
What happens if I don't replace a bad engine mount?
Continuing to drive with a failed mount will cause excessive vibration and stress on other components. It can lead to damage to your exhaust system, coolant hoses, CV joints, and shift linkage. The ride will be uncomfortable and noisy.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 357199279B 535199262
System typically consists of three mounts: front, rear (driver side), and transmission (passenger side). Mounts are generally made of a rubber/metal construction. Some models used hydraulic front mounts, which can be replaced with more durable solid rubber versions.
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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.
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