A Guide to the 2011-2017 Buick Regal Automatic Transmission Mount
Feeling vibrations or hearing clunks when you shift? Your Regal's transmission mount could be worn out.
- A clunking noise when shifting and new vibrations are the most common signs of a bad transmission mount on your Regal.
- For most owners, a standard aftermarket brand like Anchor or Westar offers a good balance of cost and quality for this repair.
- There are no specific recalls or TSBs for transmission mount failure on this vehicle, so it is considered a normal wear-and-tear item.
- While you can drive with a bad mount, it's best to replace it soon to avoid extra stress on other drivetrain parts.
Symptoms of a Failing Transmission Mount
When a transmission mount wears out, the rubber cracks or collapses, and it can no longer do its job effectively. This leads to several noticeable symptoms. If you experience any of these, it's time to inspect your mounts.
🎬 Watch this video to see five common signs of failure.- Excessive Vibrations: This is the most common sign. You might feel a buzzing or shaking in the floor, seats, or steering wheel, especially when accelerating or when the car is stopped in gear.
- Clunking or Banging Noises: A loud "clunk" or "bang" when you shift from Park into Drive or Reverse is a classic symptom. This is the sound of the transmission moving around and hitting other parts because the mount isn't holding it steady.
- Rough Shifting: A worn mount can cause the transmission to sit at the wrong angle. This misalignment can make gear shifts feel harsh or difficult.
- Engine Movement: If you have a helper, you can sometimes see the engine and transmission move excessively when shifting gears or revving the engine. This is a clear sign of a bad mount.
Is it a Mount or the Transmission?
Sometimes, a shudder or vibration can be mistaken for a serious transmission problem when it's actually a failing mount. Some Regal owners have reported transmission shuddering issues that may be related to internal components like the torque converter, but checking the mounts first is a simpler and cheaper diagnostic step. If you notice clunking noises and vibration, inspecting the mounts is a good place to start before assuming a more expensive repair is needed.
🎬 Learn how to diagnose a Buick Regal transmission shudder vs slip.Choosing the Right Aftermarket Mount
For the 2011-2017 Buick Regal, you don't necessarily need to buy an expensive Original Equipment (OE) part from the dealer. Aftermarket mounts are a cost-effective solution and are widely available. However, quality can vary between brands. Based on general mechanic feedback, here's a breakdown of common aftermarket brands.
Brand Quality Tiers
- Standard Aftermarket (Anchor, Westar): These brands are widely available and very affordable. They are considered economy-grade replacements. For a daily driver, they get the job done, but some mechanics report they may not last as long or absorb vibrations quite as well as the original part. Between the two, some users have found Anchor to have slightly better construction than Westar in non-related applications, but experiences vary.
- Economy Aftermarket (DEA): DEA is another budget-friendly option. However, many forum discussions across different vehicle models mention issues with DEA mounts causing more vibration than the worn-out parts they replaced or failing prematurely. It's generally considered a lower-tier option.
- Premium Aftermarket (Pioneer, AC Delco): While Pioneer is listed, specific reviews for the Regal are scarce. Generally, Pioneer is seen as a step up from economy brands. AC Delco is GM's official parts brand, and their parts are considered OE-equivalent in quality and fit.
Pro Tip: Your Buick Regal has multiple engine and transmission mounts that work together. When one fails, it puts extra stress on the others. If you're replacing one, it's a good idea to inspect all of them for signs of wear, cracking, or oil contamination.
Cost of Replacing a Transmission Mount
The cost can vary depending on whether you do the work yourself or take it to a shop. 🎬 See how to identify and fix a bad transmission mount yourself. The parts themselves are not very expensive.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM Mount | $77 - $147 |
| New Aftermarket Mount | $32 - $118 |
| Shop Labor | $177 - $259 |
| Total Professional Replacement | $394 - $476 (with OEM part) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many transmission mounts does my 2011-2017 Buick Regal have?
The 2011-2017 Buick Regal uses a system of multiple mounts to support the engine and transmission. This typically includes a front mount, a rear mount, and a left (transmission) side mount. The exact number and configuration can depend on the specific engine (2.0L Turbo or 2.4L) in your vehicle.
Can I drive with a bad transmission mount?
You can, but it's not recommended for long. Continuing to drive with a broken mount puts a lot of stress on other parts, including your other mounts, CV joints, and exhaust system. The excessive vibration is also unpleasant and could potentially lead to other components failing.
Is an OEM mount better than aftermarket for my Regal?
An OEM or AC Delco mount will be a direct replacement with guaranteed fit and quality. However, for a vehicle of this age, a standard aftermarket brand like Anchor or Westar is a perfectly reasonable and budget-friendly choice for most drivers. Given the low cost of the part, even if an aftermarket mount wears out sooner, it is still an economical repair.
Are there any recalls or TSBs for this part?
My search found no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from GM for failing transmission mounts on the 2011-2017 Buick Regal. There are TSBs related to diagnosing vibrations and addressing "Shift to Park" messages, but none that point to a widespread defect in the mounts themselves.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 22744337 13227715 13227714 13228303 13346302
The 2011-2017 Buick Regal uses several mounts, including front, rear, and side transmission mounts, to secure the powertrain. The exact part needed depends on the engine (2.0L or 2.4L) and specific location. Mounts are typically made of steel and vulcanized rubber to provide support and dampen vibration.
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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.
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