Types of Nissan Engine Mounts
Front Engine Mounts
Front engine mounts are critical components of your vehicle's suspension system designed to support the engine's weight and absorb vibration. Constructed from high-quality rubber, these mounts:
- Isolate engine vibration from the chassis
- Help maintain proper engine position
- Ensure correct drive belt tension
- Reduce noise transmission to the cabin
Common application: The Nissan Altima motor mount is widely used throughout the Nissan lineup.
Rear Engine Mounts
Located at the back of the engine near the transmission system, rear engine mounts provide crucial support for the posterior section of the engine. These rubber-based mounts:
- Maintain correct engine-transmission alignment
- Control engine movement during acceleration/deceleration
- Minimize vibration transfer to the vehicle's chassis
- Help distribute the engine's weight evenly
Key component: The Nissan Altima engine mount is especially important for this function.
Transmission Mounts
Also known as gearbox mounts, transmission mounts are specifically engineered to support and isolate the transmission system. These specialized mounts:
- Create a secure connection between transmission and chassis
- Maintain proper alignment with drive shafts
- Absorb transmission-generated noise and vibration
- Protect transmission components from damage
Performance benefit: Proper transmission mounting significantly improves passenger comfort and drivetrain longevity.
| Mount Type | Primary Function | Location | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Engine Mount | Support engine weight and absorb vibration | Front of engine block | Vibration isolation, proper engine positioning |
| Rear Engine Mount | Support rear of engine, control movement | Back of engine near transmission | Alignment maintenance, movement control |
| Transmission Mount | Support transmission, reduce vibration | Between transmission and chassis | Drivetrain alignment, vibration dampening |
Expert Tip: When replacing any engine mount, always inspect the remaining mounts for signs of wear. Engine mounts typically deteriorate at similar rates, and replacing all worn mounts simultaneously can prevent uneven stress distribution.
Specifications and Maintenance of Nissan Engine Mounts
| Specification | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Rubber, steel, aluminum, or polyurethane | Determines durability, vibration dampening, and corrosion resistance |
| Load Capacity | Measured in kg/lbs | Must match or exceed engine weight for safety |
| Compatibility | Vehicle-specific design | Critical for proper fitment and performance |
| Vibration Dampening | Specialized design features | Affects cabin comfort and NVH levels |
| Torque Resistance | Ability to withstand engine torque | Prevents excessive engine movement under load |
Material Characteristics
Engine mounts utilize various materials, each offering distinct advantages:
Rubber Mounts
- Excellent vibration absorption
- Good noise reduction properties
- Moderate durability (3-5 years typical)
- Cost-effective solution
- Standard on most Nissan vehicles
Steel Mounts
- Superior strength and durability
- High load-bearing capacity
- Less vibration absorption than rubber
- Ideal for heavy-duty applications
- Often used in commercial Nissan vehicles
Polyurethane Mounts
- Enhanced durability over rubber
- Better resistance to oil and chemicals
- Firmer feel with less flexing
- Popular aftermarket upgrade
- Used in performance applications like 350z motor mounts
Maintenance Requirements
Proper maintenance of Nissan engine mounts ensures optimal performance and longevity:
- Regular Inspection: Check mounts every 30,000 miles or when experiencing unusual vibration
- Visual Examination: Look for cracks, tears, sagging, or fluid leakage
- Physical Test: With engine running, observe for excessive movement
- Preventive Replacement: Consider replacing all mounts at once when one fails
- Use OEM Parts: Always use genuine or high-quality equivalent parts for proper fitment
Warning: Driving with damaged engine mounts can lead to misalignment of drivetrain components, causing accelerated wear on belts, hoses, and even transmission damage in severe cases.
How to Choose Nissan Engine Mounts
Different Nissan models have specific engine mount requirements based on engine size, weight, and performance characteristics:
- Larger vehicles with bigger engines (e.g., Nissan Titan, Armada) require more robust mounts
- Sport models (e.g., 370Z, GT-R) benefit from performance-oriented mounts
- Family sedans (e.g., Altima, Sentra) typically prioritize comfort with softer mounts
- Consider whether the vehicle has aftermarket modifications that might affect engine weight or vibration
The age of your Nissan and how long you plan to keep it should influence your mount selection:
- Newer vehicles benefit from OEM-quality or better replacements for long-term reliability
- Older vehicles (8+ years) might be candidates for upgraded mounts if you plan to keep them
- Vehicles nearing end-of-life might be acceptable with budget-friendly options
- Consider specific model requirements (e.g., 2008 Nissan Altima motor mount specifications)
Your typical driving environment and habits significantly impact mount selection:
| Driving Condition | Recommended Mount Type |
|---|---|
| City driving (frequent stops) | Enhanced vibration dampening rubber mounts |
| Highway cruising | Standard OEM-style mounts |
| Performance driving | Stiffer polyurethane or hybrid mounts |
| Rough terrain/off-road | Heavy-duty reinforced mounts |
Rubber (OEM Style)
Best for: Comfort, vibration absorption, quiet operation
Lifespan: 3-5 years under normal conditions
Cost: Moderate
Polyurethane
Best for: Durability, performance, reduced engine movement
Lifespan: 5-8 years typically
Cost: Higher than rubber
Hybrid (Rubber/Metal)
Best for: Balance of comfort and durability
Lifespan: 4-6 years typically
Cost: Premium
Expert Advice: For most Nissan owners, OEM-style rubber mounts provide the best balance of comfort, performance, and value. However, if you frequently drive in challenging conditions or have modified your vehicle for performance, consider upgrading to polyurethane or hybrid mounts for enhanced durability.
DIY Nissan Engine Mount Replacement Guide
Safety Notice: Engine mount replacement involves supporting a heavy engine and working with critical components. If you're not confident in your mechanical abilities, consult a professional mechanic.
Required Tools and Materials
Essential Tools
- Jack and jack stands
- Wheel chocks
- Socket and wrench sets
- Torque wrench
- Engine support bar or second jack
- Penetrating oil
Materials
- New engine mounts (make/model specific)
- Shop rags
- Wood block (for jack)
- Thread locker (medium strength)
- Service manual or repair guide
Step-by-Step Replacement Process
- Park on level ground and engage parking brake
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal
- Refer to your service manual for specific mount locations
- Position a jack under the engine oil pan with a wood block to distribute pressure
- Raise the jack until it just contacts the oil pan (don't lift the engine yet)
- Alternatively, use an engine support bar across the engine bay
Tip: Raise the jack only enough to take weight off the mount you're replacing, not to lift the entire engine.
- Locate the engine mount you're replacing
- Remove any brackets, shields, or components blocking access
- Slightly raise the engine to relieve pressure on the mount
- Remove the bolts connecting the mount to the engine and frame
- Extract the old mount and inspect the mounting surfaces
- Compare the new mount to the old one to ensure correct replacement
- Position the new mount in the same orientation as the original
- Install mounting bolts hand-tight initially
- Lower the engine carefully to align with the mount
- Tighten all bolts to manufacturer's torque specifications
Important: Always follow the correct torque specifications for your specific Nissan model to prevent damage to the mounts or engine.
- Remove the engine support (jack or bar)
- Reinstall any components that were removed for access
- Reconnect the battery's negative terminal
- Start the engine and check for unusual vibrations
- Test drive the vehicle at various speeds to ensure proper operation
Professional Insight: For vehicles like the Nissan Altima, replacing the front and rear mounts as a set often provides the best results. When one mount fails, others are likely under additional stress and may be nearing the end of their service life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nissan engine mounts generally last 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles under normal driving conditions. However, several factors can affect longevity:
- Driving Habits: Aggressive driving puts more stress on mounts
- Road Conditions: Rough roads and potholes accelerate wear
- Climate: Extreme heat or cold can degrade rubber components faster
- Engine Size: Larger, more powerful engines create more vibration
- Vehicle Use: Towing or hauling heavy loads increases mount stress
| Symptom | Description | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Excessive Vibration | Noticeable increase in engine vibration, especially at idle | Moderate |
| Clunking Sounds | Knocking or banging noises when shifting gears or accelerating | Significant |
| Engine Movement | Visible excessive engine rocking or shifting when accelerating | Severe |
| Misaligned Components | Hood or fender panel misalignment due to engine position shifts | Significant |
| Impact Noises | Thudding sounds when driving over bumps or during starts/stops | Moderate |
Engine mount replacement is a moderately difficult DIY task that requires:
- Basic mechanical knowledge and experience
- Proper tools including jacks, stands, and wrenches
- Access to repair manuals or guides specific to your Nissan model
- Ability to safely support the engine during the replacement process
Consider professional installation if:
- You lack experience working on vehicles
- The mount is difficult to access (some require removing other components)
- You don't have proper tools or a safe workspace
- Your vehicle has modifications that complicate the procedure
Yes, aftermarket engine mounts can be used in Nissan vehicles, but consider these factors:
OEM Mounts
Pros: Perfect fitment, designed specifically for your model, consistent quality
Cons: Higher cost, same durability as original (not improved)
Aftermarket Mounts
Pros: Often less expensive, available performance upgrades, potentially better materials
Cons: Variable quality between brands, may alter NVH characteristics
For best results with aftermarket mounts, choose reputable brands known for Nissan compatibility.
Most Nissan vehicles have 3-4 engine mounts, though the exact configuration varies by model:
- Compact Models (Versa, Sentra): Typically 3 mounts (2 engine, 1 transmission)
- Mid-size Models (Altima, Maxima): Usually 4 mounts (3 engine, 1 transmission)
- SUVs and Trucks (Rogue, Pathfinder, Titan): 4-5 mounts depending on drivetrain
- Performance Models (370Z, GT-R): Often have specialized mount configurations
The exact mounting system depends on engine size, layout (transverse or longitudinal), and drivetrain configuration (FWD, RWD, or AWD).