AZ_ Cadillac said:
Hi,
I drive a 92 STS and I just brought my car in for an oil change today. My mechanic showed me that my engine motor mounts are failing and the engine is popping up quite a bit when I accelerate.
I do not know too much about cars and I've never seen this problem before. So I'd like to know:
1) Is this a serious problem? Should I fix it immediately or can it wait? (My mechanic told me that I should get them fixed ASAP, because it is possible that i may not be able to stop the car if it the engine gets stuck and also because it puts stress on the other mounts) Is that true?
2) How much would it cost? My mechanic told me including labor about $600, which I honestly find hard to believe. Is he ripping me off? Or should I just bring it to a cadillac dealer to take a look at it?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Like stated above, the mount(s) themselves are not too expensive, only about 100 or so. It's the labor which is driving up your mechanics price quote. He will probably start on your car, eat a few sandwiches, wash that down with a pepsi or two, then go back to your car for a while. After that he will take another long, uneeded break, get back to work again, and continue the cycle.
In all honesty, mechanics usually charge "book hours" to do the job. Whether they finish a job which the book calls for six hours, and they can finish it in three, your going to be charged for six hours labor.
If your mechanically enclined, you can do the mounts yourself. I bet I could train a monkey to do the top one. With no skill level, your first time doing it ever, it would probably take you about two hours to hit both of the motor mounts tops.
You don't want weak, or broken motor mounts. It puts unecessary stress on the motor, driveline, and other mounts, due to excess movement. It is definately not something you should ignore for very long.
Spend the money and get it fixed, and get it fixed right, but also seek out a few other estimates on the work.
Good luck.