shrekfiona

The last time I did an oil change on my 2006 Honda Accord EX V6 MT at the dealer, I was recommended changing the Side Engine Mount (the word used was collapsed). I was told it is normal wear and tear and I could not believe an important part like an engine mount would fail at around 90k. Is that the case? It is a well maintained car driven about 97000 miles and has not been in any collisions so far (touch wood).

To corroborate that this was the case, I tried to physically shake the engine when the car was stationary, I failed to do so. So I tried the reverse and forward test. Now when the car is moved reverse at normal speed, I see the engine moves forward (about 10 degrees and goes back). Nothing happens when the car moves forward. I am a greenhorn and do not know if it is purely due to momentum or the mount is busted. So educated guesses welcome.

Oh the cost quoted to me was about $320 to replace it(Houston TX). Fair or ripoff?

BLKFLSH

There have been many reports of broken mounts, usually more than one, so you are not alone. Are you feeling more vibrations from the engine lately? I've not broken one yet, on my 03, so I can't tell you what it takes to break one. Seems like the engine would be pulling more on the front or rear mounts, so the test would not work as well on the side mount. I doubt you can move the engine much at all by hand, with or without a broken mount. All I can suggest, would be to support the engine with a jack and a peice of wood to protect the pan, and unbolt the mount. Should be easy to tell if the mount is broken then.

shrekfiona

As always thank you for the prompt reponse BLKFLSH.
You suggesting that with a little bit of effort(and perhaps a frend with like minded interest) I should be able to do the engine mount myself right? I will have that in mind.
Visual inspection of the left and right side mounts does not show any damage. It does show signs of usage but I cannot figure out for sure if the mount is busted or not. No vibrations while driving but sometimes when I release the clutch on start, I do feel a little vibrations. My assumption so far is that it is operator error while releasing clutch. I will analyze closer.

0Steve@Spreen

To add to BLKFLSH, the mounts are common to breakage, and one broken mount will lead to stressing the other mounts. Our price here for replacement (SoCal) is $190 (parts and labor), it is a 30 minute job on the lift...maybe 90 minutes on the floor. HTH

shrekfiona

Thanks Steve@Spreen. So they do go through normal wear and tear.
The $320 seemed a little steep for Houston prices. I guess the dealer added his premium special.

dopeyman06

Hello... I don't want to sound like if I'm hijacking this thread to blab about my problems or anything, but I'm sorta in the same situation.............

I have an '03 Accord V6 (AT), and I've noticed some "tapping" noise on the passenger side of engine everytime I hit a small bump or just very minor potholes on the road... It also happens when I turn on the car.. So I'm assuming it's the mount cause it looks a bit worn..

Anyway, my question is, is it hard to replace? Do I need to hold the engine on a jack? Or can I just remove the bolts and swap out?

If I need to create a new thread for this, my apologies...

BLKFLSH

Yes, you need to use a jack, with a piece of wood (2x4 at least) between the oil pan and jack. The engine will be sagging on that side, if the mount is not supporting it. Jack the engine until the bolt holes on the new mount line up with the engine and car frame.

Racer02gtstang

No jacking required on a side mount replacement. It probably has a bad front mount too. To check the mounts start the car and put a foot on the brake and gas and put it in drive and torque the engine over. If you feel a thump or see excessive movement will in drive it will be the front and side. To check the rear mount put it in reverse and do the same

Racer02gtstang

Technically all you need to do the side mount is a 17mm socket 14mm socket extensions and a rachet. You don't have to take the 10mm bolt off the ground wire if you don't want to

dopeyman06

Thank you for the advice.. I'm gonna give it a shot...