A Guide to the Automatic Transmission Mount for the 1994-2005 Buick Regal
Eliminate drivetrain clunks and vibrations by choosing the right replacement transmission mount for your Regal.
- A clunk when shifting into gear is the most common symptom of a failed transmission mount on your Regal.
- Aftermarket brands like Anchor, Westar, and DEA are affordable options, but inspect them for quality before installation.
- Driving with a bad mount can cause stress and damage to other parts like CV joints and engine mounts.
- Replacing the transmission mount is a feasible DIY job that requires basic tools and safely supporting the transmission.
Is Your Regal's Transmission Mount Failing?
A bad transmission mount on a 1994-2005 Buick Regal will make its presence known. The rubber inside the mount wears out, cracks, or becomes saturated with leaking oil, causing it to collapse. When this happens, the transmission is no longer held securely. You will likely notice one or more of these symptoms:
- Clunking Noises: A distinct "clunk" or "thud" when you shift from Park into Drive or Reverse is the most common sign. You might also hear this noise when accelerating or braking suddenly. This is the sound of the transmission moving and hitting other components.
- Excessive Vibration: You may feel a new, persistent vibration through the floor, seats, or steering wheel, especially when the car is idling in gear at a stoplight. This happens because the failed mount can no longer absorb the normal vibrations from the drivetrain.
- Lurching Sensation: A feeling that the engine and transmission are shifting or lurching in the engine bay during acceleration can point to a bad mount. In some cases, you can physically see the engine move more than usual if an assistant shifts the car from Drive to Reverse with the brakes held firmly.
Don't Ignore a Bad Mount
Continuing to drive with a failed transmission mount can cause other problems. The extra movement puts stress on other engine mounts, CV joints, axles, and even exhaust components, leading to more expensive repairs down the road.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Mount
For a vehicle like the 1994-2005 Buick Regal, you don't necessarily need to buy an expensive OEM part from a dealer. Aftermarket mounts offer a cost-effective solution. However, quality can vary between brands. Based on owner feedback and mechanic consensus, here's a general breakdown of the available brands:
- Standard Quality (Good): Brands like Pioneer are often considered to be close to OEM quality, providing a good fit and durability for daily driving.
- Economy (Acceptable): Anchor and Westar are widely available and very affordable. They are a popular choice for budget repairs. However, some users report inconsistencies in manufacturing, such as thinner metal or harder rubber compared to the original part. For a standard passenger car like the Regal, they are generally considered adequate, but may not last as long as a higher-quality part.
- DEA (Pioneer/Anchor/Westar Tier): DEA is another common aftermarket brand that falls into the same general economy-to-standard category. They are seen as a practical and affordable choice for most repairs.
Pro Tip: When replacing the transmission mount, it's a good idea to inspect your engine mounts (often called "dog bones" on this platform) at the same time. These mounts wear out together, and replacing them all at once can restore a smooth feel and prevent the new mount from failing prematurely.
Cost of Replacing the Transmission Mount
The cost to replace the transmission mount is reasonable, especially if you can do the work yourself. The part itself is inexpensive.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Mount | $20 - $40 |
| Shop Labor | $177 - $259 |
| Total (Professional Repair) | $197 - $299 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I drive my Buick Regal with a bad transmission mount?
Yes, but it is not recommended for long. While the car will still operate, the excessive movement can damage other, more expensive components like axles, other mounts, and exhaust parts. It's best to get it replaced as soon as possible.
Is this a difficult part to replace myself?
For a DIY mechanic with the right tools, this is a manageable job. It involves safely jacking up the car, supporting the transmission with a floor jack and a block of wood, unbolting the old mount, and installing the new one. It typically does not require specialized tools, just a good socket set and wrenches. The difficulty is generally considered low to moderate.
How do I know it's the transmission mount and not an engine mount?
The symptoms are very similar and they often wear out together. The transmission mount is located under the driver's side of the engine bay, connecting the transmission to the subframe. A visual inspection is the best way to tell. Look for collapsed, torn, or oil-soaked rubber on the mount. If one mount is bad, the others are likely not far behind.
Are there any recalls for the transmission mount on my Regal?
A search of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database shows no specific recalls for the automatic transmission mount on the 1994-2005 Buick Regal. There was a recall for some 1997-2003 models related to oil leaks from a valve cover gasket, which could potentially drip onto drivetrain components, but it did not concern the mount itself.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 10271462 10420009 10230877 10419764 22113282
The automatic transmission mount for the 1994-2005 Buick Regal is a non-hydraulic mount consisting of a metal body and bracket joined by a solid block of vulcanized rubber. It bolts to the vehicle's subframe and the transmission housing.
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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