A Practical Guide to the 2011-2018 Volvo S60 Engine Torque Strut Mount
If your S60 is vibrating at idle or clunking when you shift, your upper engine mount may be the culprit.
- The most common symptoms of failure are heavy vibration at idle and a clunking noise when shifting or accelerating.
- Replacement is a simple DIY job for most owners, taking less than 30 minutes with basic tools.
- For best results and to maintain a smooth ride, premium aftermarket brands like Hutchinson, Corteco, or Febi are recommended over budget options.
- A failed torque strut mount puts extra stress on other engine mounts and can damage nearby hoses and wiring if not replaced.
Is Your S60 Shaking? Signs of a Bad Torque Strut Mount
A failing engine torque strut mount on a 2011-2018 Volvo S60 will produce clear symptoms. Because its job is to absorb vibration and control engine movement, you'll feel and hear the difference when it fails. The rubber bushing in the mount can dry out, crack, or tear from heat and stress, leading to excessive play.
Common symptoms include:
- Excessive Vibration at Idle: This is the most common sign. You may feel a strong vibration through the steering wheel, seats, or floor when the car is stopped in gear, like at a stoplight.
- Clunking or Thumping Noises: A loud clunk or thud when you shift from Park to Drive, accelerate, or brake is a tell-tale sign of a bad mount. This noise is the engine moving too much and hitting other parts.
- Visible Engine Movement: You might see the engine lurch or rock significantly when it's started or stopped. An assistant can help you check this by lightly revving the engine in Park while you watch under the hood. 🎬 Watch: How to identify symptoms of a failed motor mount.
Pro Tip: Check for Oil Leaks
Engine oil leaks can drip onto the rubber portions of the engine mounts, causing the rubber to degrade and fail prematurely. When inspecting your mounts, also look for any signs of oil residue on or around them.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Torque Mount
For a Volvo, the quality of the rubber in a mount is critical for ride comfort. While a Genuine Volvo part is the benchmark, some aftermarket options provide good performance for less money. However, owner experiences show that budget-friendly brands can sometimes cause more problems than they solve.
Brand Quality Tiers:
- Premium Aftermarket (e.g., Hutchinson, Corteco, Febi): Brands like Hutchinson are often the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for Volvo. Choosing an OEM-supplier or a premium brand like Corteco or Febi is the safest bet for a smooth, quiet, and long-lasting repair that mimics factory performance.
- Performance Aftermarket (e.g., iPd): Some companies offer upgraded mounts made from billet aluminum with polyurethane bushings. These are designed for spirited driving and reduce engine movement significantly but may increase cabin vibration slightly. 🎬 See how to install the iPd billet poly torque mount.
- Standard / Budget-Friendly (e.g., Anchor, DEA): Brands like Anchor and DEA offer an affordable solution that will fix a completely failed mount. However, reviews are mixed; some users report they work fine, while others experience increased vibration or premature failure. These may be considered if you are on a tight budget, but for this specific part on a Volvo, a premium brand is often worth the extra cost to avoid a harsh ride.
Cost of Replacing a Volvo S60 Engine Torque Strut Mount
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM Part | $100 - $180 |
| New Aftermarket Part | $64.86 - $87.00 |
| Shop Labor | $50 - $120 |
| Total Estimated Cost (Aftermarket Part + Labor) | $115 - $207 |
Cost estimates are based on industry averages and may vary by location and vehicle specifics.
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
The upper engine mount is a known wear item on these Volvos, often failing around 100,000 miles due to heat and stress. While there are no specific recalls for the 2011-2018 S60 torque strut mount itself, a search of NHTSA records shows an older recall (08V-206000) for incorrect engine mount bracket bolts on some Volvo models, which could cause the bracket to break. No other relevant recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) were found for this specific part and year range.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I replace the engine torque strut mount myself?
Yes, this is a very DIY-friendly job. The torque strut mount is located at the top of the engine and is easily accessible. The replacement typically takes less than 30 minutes and requires only basic hand tools like a socket set. You do not need to support the engine to replace this specific upper mount.
🎬 Watch this quick DIY guide for replacing your engine mounts.How many engine mounts does my S60 have?
Your S60 has a system of four or five mounts to secure the engine and transmission. This includes the upper torque strut, a right-side hydraulic mount, a transmission mount, and lower torque rods. When one mount fails, it puts extra stress on the others, so it's a good idea to inspect all of them.
What happens if I don't replace a bad torque mount?
While the engine is unlikely to fall out, continued driving with a failed mount is not recommended. The excessive engine movement can damage other components like coolant hoses, wiring harnesses, and exhaust pipes, leading to more expensive repairs down the road.
Is this part the same as a motor mount?
Yes and no. It is one of several motor mounts in the engine bay. It's specifically a "torque strut" designed to control the twisting motion of the engine. Other mounts, like the main hydraulic mounts, are designed primarily to support the engine's weight. All work together as a system.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 30680474 31430975 31277469 8641076
The engine torque strut mount for the 2011-2018 Volvo S60 is typically constructed from an aluminum body with a rubber bushing designed to absorb engine torque and vibration. It is located at the top of the engine bay, connecting the engine to the vehicle's strut tower brace.
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.
- Volvo S60: