A Practical Guide to the 2017-2025 Chevrolet Malibu Automatic Transmission Mount
If your Malibu is vibrating, shaking, or making clunking noises, your transmission mount may be the reason.
- Vibrations and clunking noises are the primary signs of a failing transmission mount in a Malibu.
- Always buy the correct mount for your Malibu's specific engine (1.5L, 1.8L, or 2.0L).
- Aftermarket brands like Anchor, DEA, and Westar are cheaper but may increase cabin vibration compared to OEM ACDelco parts.
- Driving with a bad mount is not advised as it can cause damage to other drivetrain components.
Is Your Malibu's Transmission Mount Failing?
A failing transmission mount makes its presence known through physical signs and sounds. Because the part is designed to absorb vibration, its failure results in symptoms you can often feel and hear inside the car.
🎬 Watch: See and hear these 7 common signs of failure.Key Symptoms:
- Excessive Vibration: This is the most common sign. You might feel a new or stronger vibration through the floor, seats, or steering wheel, especially when the car is in gear and stopped, or during acceleration.
- Clunking or Banging Noises: Loud clunks or bangs when you shift from Park to Drive or Reverse are a tell-tale sign. You may also hear knocking sounds during hard acceleration or braking as the loose transmission shifts and hits the frame.
- Engine Movement: A severely worn mount can allow the entire engine and transmission assembly to move excessively. A mechanic can often spot this by watching the engine while a helper briefly puts the car in gear with the brakes held firmly.
Important Note for 2018 Malibu Owners
There was a recall (NHTSA ID: N202313440) for some 2018 Chevrolet Malibu models concerning missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator, which could cause a transmission fluid leak and loss of power. While this is not a transmission mount issue, it is a critical safety recall for the transmission system. Check if your vehicle is affected.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Mount
When replacing the transmission mount on your 2017-2025 Malibu, you have a choice between original equipment (OEM) and aftermarket parts. For this specific part, the difference often comes down to comfort and price.
OEM (ACDelco): Generally considered the best option for a smooth, quiet ride. The rubber compound is specifically designed for the Malibu to absorb the maximum amount of vibration. The fit is guaranteed. The downside is a higher cost.
Aftermarket Brands (Anchor, DEA, Westar): These brands offer a significant cost saving. They are functional replacements that will secure your transmission properly. However, the general consensus among mechanics is that the rubber used in these parts can be harder or of a different composition than OEM. This can lead to a noticeable increase in cabin vibration. While many drivers are fine with them, others who are sensitive to noise and vibration may prefer to spend more for the OEM part. These brands are generally considered comparable, economy-tier options.
Match the Part to Your Engine!
The 2017-2025 Malibu was offered with different engines (e.g., 1.5L Turbo, 2.0L Turbo, 1.8L Hybrid). Each may use a different transmission mount. Always verify the part fits your specific year and engine before ordering.
Cost of Replacing a Malibu Transmission Mount
The total cost depends on whether you do the work yourself or use a repair shop. The part itself is affordable, but labor adds to the final price.
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM Part (ACDelco) | $120 - $281 |
| New Aftermarket Part (Anchor, DEA, Westar) | $90 - $153 |
| Shop Labor | $170 - $250 |
| Total Professional Replacement (Aftermarket) | $260 - $403 |
| Total Professional Replacement (OEM) | $290 - $531 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a bad transmission mount?
You can for a short time, but it's not recommended. Continuing to drive allows for excessive movement that puts stress on other parts like axles, driveshafts, and exhaust components, potentially leading to more expensive repairs. It should be fixed as soon as possible.
How many transmission mounts does my Malibu have?
Modern front-wheel-drive cars like the Malibu typically use a system of 3 to 4 mounts to hold the engine and transmission together as a single unit. This includes engine mounts and at least one dedicated transmission mount. 🎬 See this video to locate the mounts on your Malibu. They all work together to control drivetrain movement.
Will an aftermarket mount feel different than the original?
Possibly. While a new aftermarket mount will be a huge improvement over a completely failed one, it may transmit more vibration into the cabin compared to a new OEM part. This is due to differences in the rubber hardness and design. If your priority is restoring the original factory-smooth feel, OEM is the safer choice.
Is this a difficult DIY job?
For an experienced DIY mechanic, it's manageable. It requires safely supporting the transmission with a floor jack and a block of wood, then unbolting the mount from the frame and the transmission. Access can be tight. If you are not comfortable working under your vehicle and supporting heavy components, this job is best left to a professional.
🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to replacing the lower mount yourself.Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 84062224 22937331 84289514
Construction consists of a steel or aluminum frame bonded to a solid or liquid-filled rubber block. Part number and design vary by engine type (1.5L, 1.8L, 2.0L) and position (upper, lower, left).
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.
- Chevrolet Malibu: