A Guide to Engine Mounts for the 2009-2014 Subaru Forester
Feeling a shake or hearing a clunk? Your Forester's engine mounts might be the cause.
- Your Forester uses two main mounts and a top 'pitch stop' mount; the pitch stop is a common failure point and is the easiest to inspect and replace.
- Symptoms include cabin vibration at idle, clunking noises on acceleration, and a jerky feeling when shifting.
- Choose your brand based on need: budget brands for affordability, OEM-equivalents for comfort, and performance brands for response at the cost of increased vibration.
- Replacing the main mounts is an advanced DIY job requiring you to safely support the engine.
Is Your Forester Shaking? Signs of a Bad Engine Mount
When engine mounts wear out, they can no longer do their job of holding the engine steady and absorbing vibrations. The signs are usually easy to notice from the driver's seat. A worn-out mount can cause damage to other parts if ignored.
Common symptoms include:
- Excessive Vibration: You might feel a strong vibration through the steering wheel, floor, or seats, especially when the car is idling or when the air conditioning is on.
- Clunking or Thumping Noises: Loud clunks or thuds from the engine bay are common, especially when you accelerate, brake, or shift gears from drive to reverse. This is the sound of the engine moving too much and hitting other parts.
- Jerky Performance: The car might feel jerky or lurch when you accelerate or shift gears. This is a classic sign of a failed pitch stop mount on top of the engine.
- Visible Engine Movement: If you open the hood, you might see the engine physically rock or lurch significantly when a helper shifts the car between drive and reverse with the brakes applied. 🎬 Watch: How to diagnose a bad motor or transmission mount
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Engine Mount
When shopping for new aftermarket engine mounts, you'll find different brands that offer a trade-off between price, comfort, and performance. They generally fall into three categories.
Value Replacement (Brands like Anchor, DEA, Westar, MTC, Pioneer)
These brands offer the most affordable way to fix a bad mount. They are designed to work like the original parts and are a good choice for a daily driver, especially if budget is your main concern. While they restore function, some owners find they may not absorb vibrations quite as well or last as long as more expensive options. Fitment can occasionally be an issue, though they are generally made to be a direct replacement.
OEM-Equivalent (Brands like Beck Arnley)
These brands aim to match the quality and performance of the original Subaru parts. Beck Arnley specializes in parts for Japanese vehicles and focuses on matching the factory fit and feel. This is a great middle-ground option if you want a smooth, quiet ride like the car had when it was new, but at a lower price than a genuine OEM part from the dealer.
Performance Upgrade (Brands like Whiteline)
Performance brands like Whiteline use stiff polyurethane bushings instead of soft rubber. This drastically reduces engine movement, which can improve throttle response and make shifts feel more direct. The major downside is a significant increase in Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) inside the cabin. You will feel more of the engine's vibrations at all times. These are best for modified vehicles or owners who prioritize performance over comfort.
How Much Does a Forester Engine Mount Replacement Cost?
The total cost depends on which mounts you replace and whether you do the job yourself. The top pitch stop mount is very cheap and easy to replace, while the main left and right mounts cost more and require much more labor.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Mounts | $30 - $168 (for individual mounts or kits) |
| New OEM Mounts | $80 - $250 (per mount) |
| Shop Labor (Main Mounts) | $250 - $600 |
| Total Professional Job (Aftermarket Parts) | $350 - $800+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many engine mounts does my 2009-2014 Forester have?
Your Forester has three primary mounts: a left main mount, a right main mount, and a top pitch stop mount. There is also a transmission mount that supports the back of the transmission, which is sometimes replaced at the same time.
Should I replace all the mounts at once?
It's a good idea. The mounts work together as a system. When one fails, it puts extra stress on the others, which can cause them to fail sooner. If you are paying for labor to replace one of the main mounts, it is often cost-effective to replace both, plus the pitch stop, at the same time.
What is a pitch stop mount and why is it important for a Subaru?
The pitch stop mount is a link on top of the engine that connects to the car's firewall. Because Subaru's boxer engine naturally wants to rock forward and backward, this mount is critical for controlling that motion. A worn pitch stop is often the cause of a clunk or jerk when you get on or off the gas pedal.
Can I replace the engine mounts myself?
The top pitch stop mount is very easy to replace with basic hand tools in under 30 minutes. 🎬 See this walkthrough for installing a new pitch stop mount The main left and right mounts are an advanced DIY job. It requires safely supporting the engine from below with a jack and wood block, working in tight spaces, and potentially removing other parts like the exhaust for access. If you are not comfortable with this, it is best left to a professional mechanic.
🎬 Watch: DIY Subaru engine and transmission mount installation guideHelpful Videos
![How to Install a Pitch Stop Mount [Subaru Impreza WRX STi Legacy Forester 1993-2017]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/tBjDwqS532U/mqdefault.jpg)
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 41022AJ01A 41022AJ00A 41031AG000
System includes two main hydraulic/rubber engine mounts (left and right) and one upper pitch stop mount (dog bone).
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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.
- Subaru Forester:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Forester Shaking? Signs of a Bad Engine Mount
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Engine Mount
- Value Replacement (Brands like Anchor, DEA, Westar, MTC, Pioneer)
- OEM-Equivalent (Brands like Beck Arnley)
- Performance Upgrade (Brands like Whiteline)
- How Much Does a Forester Engine Mount Replacement Cost?
- Frequently Asked Questions
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