In order to safely secure your engine inside its engine compartment, vehicle manufacturers install several engine mounts that connect the engine to the vehicle’s frame or body. These mounts are constructed of metal - usually steel or aluminum - and rubber. In this way, your engine not only holds fast, but the mounts also prevent excessive vibration when the engine is running.
One of these engine mounts is called a torque strut mount, or “torque mount”. Its particular job is to not only hold the engine (and transmission) and to dampen vibrations, but to also mitigate the effects of engine torque on the vehicle body.
When you shift into gear, your engine has a tendency to surge, to rise up in the engine compartment. It wants to rotate or jump. The engine torque strut mount combats this tendency so that the rest of the vehicle does not feel the sensation, and so that the engine does not cause damage from excessive movement.
Engine torque strut mount replacement is usually a simpler repair than that of other engine or transmission mounts. Most of the other mounts are located underneath the engine. This one is placed at or near the top and connects the engine to an upper part of the body structure.
In order to replace the torque strut mount, a technician might need to remove the upper engine cover or other accessories for access. An engine brace or lift might be needed to support the weight of the engine for proper alignment of the new component.
From there, the bolts securing the mount in place are removed, the mount is dislodged, and the new mount is inserted into its place. The bolts are installed and torqued to manufacturer’s specifications. Once the mount is in place, the engine brace or lift is removed and any covers or other components that were removed for access are reinstalled.
