Chevrolet Caprice Automatic Transmission Mount Guide: 1987-1991
Eliminate clunks and vibrations by choosing the right transmission mount for your 1987-1991 Caprice.
- Symptoms of a bad mount include clunking noises when shifting, excessive vibration, and visible engine movement.
- Choose a standard rubber mount for ride comfort or a polyurethane mount for durability and performance.
- Aftermarket brands like Pioneer offer a good balance of quality and value for a stock replacement.
- Always inspect the two engine mounts when replacing the transmission mount, as they wear out at a similar rate.
Is Your Caprice's Transmission Mount Failing?
Over decades of use, the original rubber mount on your 1987-1991 Caprice can wear out. The rubber gets brittle, cracks, or becomes soft and saturated from oil leaks. When this happens, it can no longer support the transmission properly or absorb vibrations. The symptoms are often hard to ignore and will worsen over time.
Common Failure Symptoms:
- Clunking or Banging Noises: A loud "clunk" when you shift into Drive or Reverse, or during acceleration, is a classic sign. This is the sound of the transmission moving excessively and hitting the crossmember.
- Excessive Vibrations: You might feel new or increased vibrations through the floor, seat, or steering wheel, especially at idle or during acceleration. This means the mount is no longer absorbing drivetrain vibrations.
- Visible Movement: If you can safely have a helper hold the brakes and shift the car into gear, you might see the entire engine and transmission assembly rock or lift more than it should. This indicates a failed mount.
Don't Ignore a Bad Mount
While you can drive with a failing transmission mount, it's not recommended for long. The excessive movement can put stress on other components like engine mounts, driveshaft U-joints, exhaust pipes, and transmission cooling lines, leading to more expensive repairs down the road.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Mount
Since Original Equipment (OEM) mounts for a vehicle of this age are often discontinued, the aftermarket is your primary source. For the Caprice, you have two main choices: standard rubber or performance polyurethane.
Tier 1: Standard Replacement (Rubber)
These mounts are designed to be direct replacements for the factory part, offering a similar soft rubber compound to absorb vibrations and provide a comfortable ride. They are the most affordable option.
- Brands: Anchor, DEA Strut, Pioneer Cable
- Best For: Daily drivers and owners who want to maintain the original, smooth ride quality.
- Owner Feedback: Forum discussions show mixed reviews for budget brands like Anchor and DEA, with some users reporting premature failure or fitment issues. Pioneer is often regarded as a higher-quality budget option that closely resembles the factory part.
Tier 2: Performance Upgrade (Polyurethane)
Polyurethane is a much harder and more durable material than rubber. These mounts are designed for performance and longevity, as they resist chemicals, oil, and wear much better than rubber.
- Brands: Prothane, Lakewood, Daystar
- Best For: Performance-oriented drivers, heavy-duty use, or owners who want a permanent solution.
- Owner Feedback: Polyurethane mounts, like those from Prothane and Lakewood, are known for their durability and ability to handle high horsepower. The main trade-off is a potential increase in noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) felt in the cabin, as the harder material transmits more drivetrain vibrations.
Pro Tip: Inspect Your Engine Mounts
When replacing the transmission mount, it is the perfect time to inspect your two engine mounts. If the transmission mount has failed due to age, the engine mounts are likely in similar condition. Replacing all three at once will restore your Caprice's smoothness and prevent the new mount from being put under excessive stress.
Cost to Replace a 1987-1991 Caprice Transmission Mount
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Part | $10.99 - $34.29 |
| Shop Labor | $75 - $150 |
| Total Professional Replacement | $86 - $185 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hard to replace the transmission mount on a 1987-1991 Caprice?
No, for a DIY mechanic with basic tools, this is a relatively easy job. The process involves supporting the transmission with a jack, removing a few bolts on the crossmember and the mount itself, and then swapping the part. It can typically be done in under an hour.
Should I choose a rubber or polyurethane mount?
Choose a standard rubber mount (like Pioneer) if you want to keep the car's original smooth and quiet ride. Choose a polyurethane mount (like Prothane or Lakewood) if you prioritize durability and performance and don't mind a potential increase in cabin vibration.
Are there any recalls for the Caprice transmission mount?
No, a search of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database shows no recalls specifically for the transmission mount on the 1987-1991 Chevrolet Caprice. Recalls for later model Caprice police vehicles were related to the shift selector, not the mount itself.
What is the difference between Anchor, DEA, and Pioneer mounts?
All three are budget-friendly rubber replacement brands. Forum discussions suggest that Pioneer is often considered a step up in quality from Anchor and DEA, which some users have had issues with regarding fit and longevity.
Technical Specifications
The 1987-1991 Caprice typically uses a single transmission mount with a two-bolt or three-bolt design that attaches the transmission tailshaft housing to the frame crossmember. Aftermarket options are available in standard rubber or upgraded polyurethane.
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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.
- Chevrolet Caprice:
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Caprice's Transmission Mount Failing?
- Common Failure Symptoms:
- Don't Ignore a Bad Mount
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Mount
- Tier 1: Standard Replacement (Rubber)
- Tier 2: Performance Upgrade (Polyurethane)
- Pro Tip: Inspect Your Engine Mounts
- Cost to Replace a 1987-1991 Caprice Transmission Mount
- Frequently Asked Questions
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