I have a 98 honda accord lx 4 cyl a/t trans. 4 door

I recently change the front motor mount with the oem part.

When i start the car and i apply the brakes, then if i put my car on drive or reverse, i feel like a jerk or bump.

I purchased this car about 1 year ago on craiglist and i don't have any maintenance papers so I am not sure if the trans fluid has ever been change.

I check the fluid after the car has been warm up, the level is fine but the color is not red. Is more on the dark side.

The dealer will charge me $89 dollars for a trans. fluid change but I am scare of doing it since there are so many mixed reviews. Some people say don't it cause you might make it worst and cause it to start having problems and some say is ok to change it.

I know there is a saying: "if ain't broken, don't touch it"

I'm not sure if that applies to this situation.

Anyways, I check the side motor mount and the rear, i do see a little bit of movement on both of the side motor mount and more on the rear one but I am not sure if that is normal play or if it is bad.

I am thinking about buying the anchor one from advance auto parts for $40 dollars because I can't not afford the oem, is like $175 dollars from majectic honda online and if i go to the dealer is $278 That is just crazy!

So what can be cause the car to jerk when i put it drive or reverse.
Now that I replace the front motor mount when i put it on reverse i still feel that bump but less, but when i put it on drive i feel it alot, it feels like something is going to brake

Any advice would be greatly appreciate.

Thanks guys!

 

The front 'mount' is called a 'stopper' by Honda, it's more for limiting excessive movement. If the front mount was torn or broken the rear mount is most likely in need of replacement.
If the drivetrain thumps or jerks when switching gears, and is even more dramatic when going from R to D or D to R the rear mount is most likely worn out.

Trans fluid is not hard. However if the fluid is burgundy or brown in color, and does not smell burnt, it would be best to leave it be. Brown color is from the friction material being suspended in the fluid. If this is removed the transmission may begin to slip. Only change this if you are able to have the transmission rebuilt in the near future.
If the fluid is red or dark red, it should be fine to change.
And no matter what the color is, if it smells burnt, change it.