Ford Taurus Automatic Transmission Mount Replacement Guide (1993-2000)
Stop the clunking and shaking in your Taurus with the right replacement transmission mount.
- The most obvious signs of failure are a loud clunk when shifting and heavy vibration when in gear.
- The transmission mount is on the driver's side and its location exposes it to road salt and grime, which can accelerate failure.
- Aftermarket brands like Anchor, DEA, and Westar are affordable but may not last as long as an OEM part; Pioneer is often seen as a higher-quality aftermarket choice.
- For DIY replacement, it is often easier to remove the entire mount assembly as a single unit rather than taking it apart in the car.
Is Your Taurus Transmission Mount Failing?
A bad transmission mount on the 1993-2000 Ford Taurus makes itself known with some hard-to-ignore symptoms. Because the mount is designed to hold the transmission steady, you'll feel and hear the results when it fails. The rubber inside the mount can tear, collapse, or become soaked with oil, rendering it useless.
Key Failure Symptoms:
🎬 Watch: How to identify and test for failed mounts- Clunking or Banging Noises: The most common sign is a loud "clunk" or "bang" when you shift gears, especially from Park into Reverse or Drive. This is the sound of the transmission itself moving excessively and hitting other components.
- Excessive Vibration: You may feel a heavy vibration through the floor, steering wheel, or the whole cabin, particularly when the car is idling in gear. This vibration often gets worse when you accelerate.
- Jerking or Lurching: When the mount is worn, the transmission can rock excessively under load. This can cause a noticeable jerk or lurch when you accelerate from a stop.
Pro Tip: You can visually inspect the mount. The primary transmission mount is located on the driver's side of the engine bay. Have a friend shift the car from Park to Reverse and back (with the brake pedal held down firmly) while you watch the engine. If you see the engine and transmission assembly lurch forward or backward more than an inch or two, the mount is likely bad.
🎬 See a visual guide to the Taurus transmission mountChoosing the Right Aftermarket Mount
For a vehicle of this age, an aftermarket mount is often the most cost-effective choice. While an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part from Ford would be the highest quality, it can be expensive and hard to find. Aftermarket brands provide a practical balance of price and performance.
Aftermarket Brand Tiers for Your Taurus
The available brands generally fall into a standard-grade replacement category. Forum discussions and mechanic experiences show a general consensus on quality.
- Pioneer: Often considered a higher-quality aftermarket option. Some users have noted that Pioneer mounts look and feel very similar to the original factory parts, offering good fit and function without a high price tag.
- Anchor, DEA, Westar: These brands are widely available and very affordable. They are considered economy or standard-grade replacements. While many owners use them without issue, they are sometimes criticized for having a shorter lifespan or less vibration-dampening capability than OEM. For the price, they are a functional replacement to get your Taurus back on the road smoothly.
A Note on Fitment: While rare, some budget aftermarket parts can have slight variations in manufacturing that make installation difficult. This can include misaligned bolt holes or incorrect angles. However, for a common part like a Taurus transmission mount, major fitment issues are not widely reported.
Estimated Replacement Costs
The cost to replace the transmission mount is reasonable, especially if you can do the work yourself. The parts are inexpensive, and the labor is straightforward.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Mount | $27 - $45 |
| Shop Labor | $100 - $225 |
| Total Professional Replacement | $127 - $270 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to drive with a bad transmission mount?
You can drive the vehicle for a short time, but it's not recommended. A completely failed mount puts extra stress on your engine mounts, CV axles, exhaust system, and shifter linkages. The excessive movement can cause these other, more expensive parts to fail, so it's best to get it replaced soon.
How difficult is it to replace the transmission mount myself?
For a DIYer with the right tools, this is a manageable job. It requires safely lifting the vehicle with a jack and jack stands, supporting the transmission with a floor jack and a block of wood, and removing a few bolts. The entire job can typically be done in 1-2 hours. 🎬 Watch this step-by-step walkthrough for replacing your mount One common tip is to unbolt and remove the entire mount assembly as one piece, which can be easier than trying to separate it while it's still in the car.
Are there any recalls for the 1993-2000 Taurus transmission mount?
No. Searches of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database and other sources show no specific recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the automatic transmission mount on the 1993-2000 Ford Taurus.
Will a new mount fix my car's hard shifting?
It might. While a bad mount doesn't cause internal transmission problems, the excessive movement can affect shift linkage alignment and overall feel, making shifts feel harsh or jerky. If your transmission is otherwise healthy, a new mount can restore a much smoother feeling when the gears change.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
The primary automatic transmission mount is located on the driver's side of the vehicle, connecting the transaxle to the subframe. It consists of a metal bracket with a rubber or hydraulic-filled core to dampen vibration.
We Have This Part in Stock
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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