How to Replace a Ford Focus Engine Mount: A Simple Guide
Is your Ford Focus rattling, vibrating excessively, or feeling unstable? These could be signs of worn-out engine mounts. Engine mounts, also known as motor mounts, are crucial components that secure your engine to the vehicle’s frame, absorbing vibrations and preventing excessive movement. Over time, these mounts can deteriorate, leading to various performance and comfort issues. Fortunately, replacing them is a manageable DIY project for many Ford Focus owners. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, helping you successfully replace your Ford Focus engine mount and restore a smoother ride.
Understanding the Importance of Engine Mounts
Before diving into the replacement process, let’s understand why engine mounts are so important:
- Vibration Dampening: Engine mounts are designed to absorb the vibrations produced by your engine, preventing them from transferring to the vehicle’s chassis and cabin.
- Engine Stability: They securely hold the engine in place, preventing it from shifting or moving excessively, especially during acceleration, braking, and cornering.
- Component Protection: By minimizing engine movement, mounts help protect other engine components, such as hoses, wires, and belts, from premature wear and tear.
- Ride Comfort: Worn engine mounts can lead to a rougher, noisier ride, making your driving experience less enjoyable.
Diagnosing a Faulty Engine Mount in Your Ford Focus
Before you start replacing anything, confirm that the engine mount is indeed the problem. Here are some common symptoms of a failing engine mount:
- Excessive Vibration: Feeling more vibration than usual, especially at idle or during acceleration.
- Clunking or Thumping Sounds: Hearing clunking or thumping noises, particularly when starting, stopping, or shifting gears.
- Engine Movement: Observing visible engine movement, especially when revving the engine while parked. (Use caution!)
- Misalignment of Components: Noticing misalignment of belts or other engine components.
- Difficulty Shifting Gears: Difficulty shifting gears, potentially due to excessive engine movement.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s highly likely your engine mount needs replacing.
Gathering Your Tools and Materials
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials:
- New Engine Mount(s): Identify the specific engine mount(s) you need based on your Ford Focus model year, engine type, and location (front, rear, or side).
- Socket Set and Wrenches: A comprehensive socket set (metric), including extensions, and a set of wrenches (metric).
- Torque Wrench: Essential for tightening bolts to the correct specifications.
- Jack and Jack Stands: For safely lifting and supporting the vehicle.
- Wheel Chocks: For added safety.
- Gloves and Safety Glasses: Protect yourself!
- Penetrating Oil (Optional): Can help loosen stubborn bolts.
- Breaker Bar (Optional): For extra leverage on tight bolts.
- Shop Rags: For cleaning up spills.
- Drain Pan (If Necessary): For catching any fluids that may leak.
- Vehicle Service Manual (Highly Recommended): Provides torque specifications and detailed instructions specific to your Ford Focus model.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing a Ford Focus Engine Mount
This guide provides general instructions. Always consult your vehicle’s service manual for specific instructions and torque specifications.
Step 1: Safety First and Preparation
- Park on a Level Surface: Ensure your vehicle is parked on a stable, level surface.
- Engage the Parking Brake: Fully engage the parking brake.
- Chock the Rear Wheels: Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels for added safety.
- Locate the Engine Mount: Identify the engine mount(s) you are replacing. Consult your service manual if needed.
- Disconnect the Battery (Optional but Recommended): Disconnecting the negative battery terminal can help prevent accidental shorts.
Step 2: Lifting and Securing the Vehicle
- Position the Jack: Place the jack under the designated jacking points of your Ford Focus. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct location.
- Raise the Vehicle: Slowly raise the vehicle until you have enough clearance to work comfortably.
- Secure with Jack Stands: Place jack stands under the frame of the vehicle, ensuring they are securely positioned.
- Lower the Vehicle Onto the Jack Stands: Carefully lower the vehicle onto the jack stands, ensuring it’s stable.
Step 3: Loosening and Removing the Engine Mount
- Spray with Penetrating Oil (Optional): If bolts appear rusty or corroded, apply penetrating oil and let it sit for a while.
- Loosen the Bolts: Use the appropriate sockets or wrenches to loosen the bolts securing the engine mount to the engine and the frame.
- Support the Engine (Crucial): Before removing the engine mount completely, use a jack and a piece of wood (to protect the oil pan) to support the engine. Raise the jack slightly to take the weight off the mount.
- Remove the Bolts Completely: Once the bolts are loose, remove them completely.
- Remove the Old Engine Mount: Carefully remove the old engine mount. You may need to maneuver it to clear surrounding components.
Step 4: Installing the New Engine Mount
- Position the New Mount: Place the new engine mount into the correct position.
- Install the Bolts: Install the bolts that secure the engine mount.
- Hand-Tighten the Bolts: Tighten the bolts by hand.
- Lower the Engine (If Applicable): If you raised the engine with the jack, slowly lower it until the new mount is aligned.
- Torque to Specification: Using a torque wrench, tighten the bolts to the torque specifications provided in your vehicle’s service manual. This is crucial for proper function and safety.
Step 5: Final Steps and Testing
- Remove the Jack: Remove the jack supporting the engine.
- Lower the Vehicle: Slowly lower the vehicle to the ground.
- Remove the Jack Stands: Remove the jack stands.
- Tighten Any Remaining Bolts: Double-check and tighten any remaining bolts to the specified torque.
- Reconnect the Battery (If Disconnected): Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Start the Engine: Start the engine and let it idle. Check for any unusual noises or vibrations.
- Test Drive: Take the Ford Focus for a test drive to ensure the engine mount has been successfully replaced and the vibrations are reduced.
Conclusion: Enjoy a Smoother Ride!
Replacing a Ford Focus engine mount is a rewarding DIY project that can significantly improve your driving experience. By following these steps and consulting your vehicle’s service manual, you can confidently tackle this task and restore the smooth performance and comfort of your Ford Focus. Remember to prioritize safety, use the correct tools, and torque bolts to the specified values. With a little patience and effort, you’ll be back on the road enjoying a quieter, more stable ride.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How long does it take to replace an engine mount on a Ford Focus?
A1: The time required can vary depending on your experience and the specific model. Generally, replacing a single engine mount can take 1-3 hours. More complex replacements or those involving multiple mounts may take longer.
Q2: What is the cost of replacing an engine mount?
A2: The cost depends on whether you do it yourself or take it to a mechanic. The engine mount itself typically costs between $30 and $150 per mount, depending on the quality and brand. If you have a mechanic do the work, you’ll also pay for labor, which can range from $100 to $300 or more, depending on the shop’s hourly rate.
Q3: Can I replace the engine mount myself if I’m not mechanically inclined?
A3: While it’s possible, it’s recommended to have some basic mechanical knowledge and experience. The process involves lifting the vehicle, working with tools, and potentially dealing with tight spaces. If you’re not comfortable with these tasks, it’s best to seek professional help. However, with careful research, following instructions, and taking your time, many DIYers successfully complete this project.
Q4: How often should I replace my Ford Focus engine mounts?
A4: There’s no set mileage for engine mount replacement. Their lifespan depends on driving conditions, driving style, and the quality of the mounts. However, engine mounts typically last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. Regular inspections and paying attention to the symptoms of a failing mount are crucial.
Q5: Do I need to replace all engine mounts at once?
A5: It’s not always necessary to replace all engine mounts simultaneously. However, if one mount has failed, others may be nearing the end of their lifespan. It’s often a good idea to inspect the remaining mounts and replace them if they show signs of wear. Replacing all mounts at once can save you future labor costs and ensure optimal engine stability and vibration dampening.
