Mitsubishi Outlander Motor Mount Guide: 2008-2016
Stop excessive vibrations and clunking noises by understanding when to replace your Outlander's motor mounts.
- The most common symptom of a bad motor mount is a strong vibration at idle when in 'Drive' that goes away in 'Park' or 'Neutral'.
- The passenger-side hydraulic mount and the front lower 'dog bone' mount are the most frequent failure points on this Outlander generation.
- While you can drive with a bad mount, it's not recommended as it can cause damage to other parts like hoses and axles.
- Check for the critical front crossmember corrosion recall (SR-20-003), as the mounts attach to this part.
Is Your Outlander Shaking at Stoplights? It Could Be a Bad Motor Mount
If you feel a strong vibration through your steering wheel and seats when your Outlander is idling in Drive, but it smooths out in Park or Neutral, you likely have a failing motor mount. This is the most common sign of failure for the 2008-2016 generation. Over time, the rubber in the mounts cracks and hardens, or the fluid inside hydraulic mounts can leak out, making them unable to absorb engine vibrations.
Symptoms of a Failing Motor Mount
- Excessive Vibration: A strong shaking felt in the cabin, especially when idling in gear.
- Clunking or Thumping Noises: A distinct 'clunk' from the engine bay when you accelerate, decelerate, or shift between Drive and Reverse.
- Visible Engine Movement: If you have a helper, you can perform a 'brake-torque test.' With the brake held firmly, shifting into Drive and lightly pressing the gas may cause the engine to lurch or rock more than an inch, indicating a broken mount. 🎬 Watch: A visual guide to identifying failed motor mount symptoms.
- Visual Damage: You might see cracks in the rubber or dark, oily residue on or below the passenger-side mount, which is a sign of a fluid leak.
Important Related Issue: Crossmember Corrosion
While there are no direct recalls for motor mounts, a critical safety recall (SR-20-003) was issued for potential front crossmember corrosion on some Outlanders. The engine mounts attach to this subframe. It is vital to check if your vehicle is affected, as severe corrosion can be dangerous. Additionally, Technical Service Bulletin TSB-17-32-001 was released for 2014-2016 models to correct torque specifications for the power plant mount system.
Choosing a New Aftermarket Motor Mount
When replacing a motor mount, you have the choice between an original equipment (OEM) part from Mitsubishi and an aftermarket part. OEM parts are identical to what your vehicle was built with but come at a premium price. A quality aftermarket mount, like the Replacement brand, is designed to meet or exceed original specifications and offers a cost-effective solution without sacrificing performance. These parts are engineered to provide the necessary support and vibration damping to restore your vehicle's smooth operation.
Should I Replace All Mounts at Once?
Your Outlander has multiple motor and transmission mounts. When one fails, the others have been subjected to the same age and stress, and they have had to work harder to compensate for the broken one. While not strictly required, it is often a good idea to replace the mounts as a set to ensure balanced support and avoid another replacement job in the near future. The passenger-side hydraulic mount and the front lower 'roll stopper' mount are the most common failure points.
Replacement Cost
The cost to replace a motor mount depends on the part price and labor rates in your area. The front lower mount is relatively easy to access, while the passenger-side mount is more complex and requires supporting the engine.
🎬 See this step-by-step guide for replacing your Mitsubishi motor mounts.| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Mount | $91.99 |
| New OEM Mount | $300 - $400+ |
| Shop Labor | $100 - $250 |
| Total Professional Replacement (Aftermarket) | $191.99 - $341.99 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which motor mount fails most often on the 2008-2016 Outlander?
The passenger-side hydraulic mount and the front lower roll stopper (often called a 'dog bone' mount) are the two most common mounts to fail. The passenger-side mount supports much of the engine's weight and is fluid-filled, while the roll stopper handles the engine's torque during acceleration and deceleration.
Can I drive with a bad motor mount?
You can, but it is not recommended for long. The excessive engine movement can put stress on and damage other components like CV axles, exhaust pipes, radiator hoses, and wiring. It's best to get it replaced soon.
Is replacing a motor mount a DIY job?
For a home mechanic with the right tools, yes. The front mount is fairly simple. The side mounts are more involved because you must safely support the engine with a jack and a block of wood before unbolting the old mount. If you are not comfortable with this, it's best to leave it to a professional.
🎬 Vea este video detallado sobre cómo reemplazar los soportes del motor.Will an aftermarket mount feel different than an OEM one?
A quality aftermarket mount is designed to replicate the feel and function of the original. While some lower-end aftermarket parts may not dampen vibrations as effectively as OEM, a reputable brand will restore the smooth ride you expect. Any new, functioning mount will be a significant improvement over a completely failed one.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: MN184355 MN101441 MN101572
Vehicle typically uses a set of four mounts, including a front mount, a rear mount, a passenger-side (right) hydraulic mount, and a transmission mount.
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.
- Mitsubishi Outlander:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- Is Your Outlander Shaking at Stoplights? It Could Be a Bad Motor Mount
- Symptoms of a Failing Motor Mount
- Important Related Issue: Crossmember Corrosion
- Choosing a New Aftermarket Motor Mount
- Should I Replace All Mounts at Once?
- Replacement Cost
- Frequently Asked Questions
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