FORD Explorer Engine mount replacement

Engine, Fuel & Emissions system·2003–2005 · FORD repair guide

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Engine mount replacement

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AftermarketUS$347US$990
OEM partsUS$451US$1,436
Labour14 hrs

FORD Explorer — What to know

The Explorer is Ford's mid-size SUV with a broad service network. The 3.5 EcoBoost V6 (2011–2019) is the most popular engine and is generally reliable. Known issues include cabin exhaust fume intrusion on 2011–2017 models and carbon buildup on EcoBoost direct injection engines.

What is this repair?

Plain-English overview

Engine and transmission mounts absorb vibration and hold the drivetrain securely in the bay; worn mounts cause excessive vibration into the cabin, clunking during gear changes and in severe cases allow components to shift and contact each other.

Warning signs

How to tell your FORD Explorer needs this repair

  • Pronounced vibration felt through the cabin, steering wheel or gear lever
  • Clunking or thudding noise when selecting Drive or Reverse
  • Engine visibly rocking when revved in neutral (worn mount obvious)
  • Vibration worst at idle and improving at higher engine speeds
  • Clunking noise when going over bumps or accelerating hard

Common causes

Why FORD Explorer vehicles need this repair

  • 1.Normal component wear over high mileage
  • 2.Oil maintenance quality and adherence to change intervals
  • 3.Operating temperature and thermal cycling over time
  • 4.Age degrading seals, gaskets and rubber components

What affects the price

Why your quote may differ

  • Which mount has failed (front, rear or torque strut)
  • Solid rubber vs hydraulic mount (hydraulic mounts are more expensive)
  • Whether multiple mounts are replaced together (often cost-effective)

At a glance

Key facts about this repair

Labour time

1–4 hours

at a typical garage

DIY difficulty

Moderate

Typical parts included

What gets replaced

Engine mount

Risks of ignoring this

What happens if you delay

  • A minor issue becoming a significantly more expensive repair if ignored
  • Secondary damage spreading to related components
  • Possible roadside breakdown or sudden failure
  • Failed roadworthiness inspection or MOT

Full repair guide

Everything you'd want to ask a trusted mechanic

Click any question below to expand.

The cost varies by year, engine size, and your location. Use the estimator above for an accurate breakdown of parts and labour specific to your FORD Explorer.

Common parts for this repair include: Engine mount.

Engine mount replacement on a FORD Explorer typically takes 1–4 hours of labour at a garage.

For a FORD Explorer, engine mount replacement is typically needed engine mounts are replaced on failure; typical lifespan is 80,000–100,000 miles.

Engine mounts are not expensive in parts — a standard rubber mount for most FORD models costs $30–$100; hydraulic mounts (fluid-filled, used on comfort-oriented vehicles) cost $80–$200. Labour is 1–2 hours per mount. Be cautious if all mounts are recommended simultaneously without clear evidence of failure — worn mounts are usually visible (cracked or collapsed rubber, oil leaking from a hydraulic mount). Ask to see the failed mount before agreeing to replacement. Transmission mounts fail independently and at different rates from engine mounts.

An independent is the right choice for engine mount replacement on most FORD models. The job requires an engine support bar (to support the engine while the mount is removed) — confirm the independent has this tool. No FORD-specific software is required. Hydraulic mount replacement on some higher-end FORD models with complex engine bay layouts takes longer; an independent familiar with your specific model will have a realistic labour estimate. Dealer pricing for engine mounts is significantly higher for the same outcome.

Quality aftermarket mounts from Febi Bilstein, Meyle, Corteco, Hutchinson and SKF are appropriate for most FORD models and are widely used by independent garages. These brands manufacture mounts to OEM hardness and compliance specifications. For performance or turbocharged FORD variants, uprated polyurethane mounts are available that reduce engine movement more than OEM rubber — they transmit more vibration into the cabin but are preferred by drivers who want sharper throttle response. For a standard road-use FORD, OEM-equivalent rubber mounts are the correct choice.

Engine mounts prevent the engine from moving excessively and vibrating into the chassis — a failed mount causes vibration through the steering wheel and gear lever, a thud when selecting Drive or Reverse, and visible engine rock when revved in neutral. Transmission mounts perform the same function for the gearbox. They wear at different rates and are not always replaced together. A proper diagnosis involves rocking the engine by hand with the vehicle on a lift to confirm which mount has lost its rubber compliance — this takes only a few minutes and should precede any replacement recommendation.

Engine mount replacement requires specialist tools, precise torque settings and — for timing work — the risk of catastrophic engine damage if done incorrectly. This is not a job for a home mechanic. Use a qualified garage and ask them to show the old parts.

Similar vehicles

Engine mount replacement cost on similar cars

Get the exact price for your FORD Explorer

Pick your year and engine below. Instant estimate, no account needed.

Estimates in seconds · Always confirm with a qualified mechanic

Example estimate

Engine mount replacement

Select your vehicle above to get your personalised estimate

AftermarketUS$347US$990
OEM partsUS$451US$1,436
Labour14 hrs