🔧 Legacy - Engine Mount Replacement

On your Legacy, the engine is supported by side engine mounts plus a small “pitch stop” (a torque damper) that limits engine rocking. Replacing worn mounts reduces vibration, clunking on shifts, and excessive engine movement.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-6 hours

Assumption: replacing both side engine mounts + pitch stop; torque specs vary by fastener—use Subaru OEM service-manual specs.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Support the engine before unbolting any mount; an unsupported engine can drop and break parts.
• ⚠️ Never get under the car with only a jack—use jack stands on solid points.
• ⚠️ Keep hands clear while raising/lowering the engine; move slowly.
• ⚠️ Work on a cold engine; exhaust and radiator parts burn skin.
• ⚠️ If you loosen the pitch stop, the engine may rock—keep the jack supporting it.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 1/2" drive breaker bar
• Torque wrench (10-150 ft-lbs range)
• Socket set: 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm
• Deep socket set: 14mm, 17mm
• Wrench set: 12mm, 14mm, 17mm
• Extension set: 3", 6", 12"
• Universal swivel adapter
• Trim clip removal tool
• Flathead screwdriver
• Pry bar (small)
• Wood block (2x4, 10-14" long)
• Paint marker
• Work light

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Right engine mount (passenger side) - Qty: 1
• Left engine mount (driver side) - Qty: 1
• Pitch stop mount (torque damper) - Qty: 1
• Engine mount hardware kit - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Open the hood and remove loose items around the engine bay.
• Raise the front of the car with a floor jack and set it securely on jack stands.
• Remove the lower engine under cover using a trim clip removal tool (it pops plastic clips without breaking them) and a 12mm socket.
• Position the floor jack under the engine oil pan with the wood block between the jack and pan to spread the load.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Support the engine

• Place the wood block on the floor jack pad.
• Jack up until the wood just contacts the oil pan and lightly supports the engine (do not lift yet).
• Slow is safe—lift in tiny bumps.

Step 2: Remove the pitch stop (top mount)

• Locate the pitch stop at the top rear of the engine bay (a short link between the engine and firewall area).
• Use a 14mm socket and ratchet to remove the two bolts.
• Remove the pitch stop and set it aside.
• Install the new pitch stop loosely by hand (do not fully tighten yet).
• Torque to Subaru service-manual specification.

Step 3: Create access to the right engine mount (passenger side)

• Remove the air intake snorkel and air cleaner housing as needed using a flathead screwdriver (hose clamps) and 10mm socket (bolts/clips).
• Unclip any wiring retainers that limit movement using a trim clip removal tool.

Step 4: Loosen the right mount-to-engine and mount-to-crossmember fasteners

• From above, use a 14mm or 17mm socket (varies by hardware) with extensions to loosen the mount fasteners.
• From below, use a deep socket and breaker bar to loosen the mount nut(s)/bolt(s) at the front subframe/crossmember.
• Mark the mount’s position with a paint marker to help alignment during install.

Step 5: Slightly lift the engine to unload the mount

• Use the floor jack to lift the engine just enough to take weight off the mount (usually 5-15 mm).
• Watch for stretching hoses, radiator fan clearance, and exhaust flex movement.

Step 6: Remove and replace the right engine mount

• Remove the loosened mount fasteners using the correct socket and ratchet.
• Work the mount out; use a small pry bar gently if it’s stuck.
• Install the new mount in the same orientation and start all fasteners by hand first.
• Lower/raise the engine slightly with the floor jack to line up holes without forcing bolts.
• Torque to Subaru service-manual specification using a torque wrench.

Step 7: Create access to the left engine mount (driver side)

• On the driver side, remove any obstructing ducting/brackets using a 10mm socket and 12mm socket.
• Move wiring clips aside with a trim clip removal tool so nothing gets pulled tight.

Step 8: Remove and replace the left engine mount

• Loosen and remove the mount fasteners from above and below using extensions, a universal swivel adapter, and the correct 14mm/17mm sockets.
• Use the floor jack to slightly adjust engine height so the mount slides out.
• Install the new mount, start all fasteners by hand, then tighten evenly.
• Torque to Subaru service-manual specification using a torque wrench.

Step 9: Final-tighten the pitch stop and reassemble

• With both side mounts secured, re-check the pitch stop alignment and tighten its bolts using a 14mm socket.
• Torque to Subaru service-manual specification.
• Reinstall the air box/intake parts using a 10mm socket and flathead screwdriver.
• Reinstall the lower engine under cover using a 12mm socket and trim clip removal tool.

Step 10: Lower the vehicle

• Remove the floor jack support from under the engine.
• Raise the car slightly with the floor jack, remove jack stands, then lower to the ground.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle; check for unusual vibration and listen for clunks.
• With your foot on the brake, shift through R and D; there should be less engine lurch.
• Test drive gently; re-check for any rattles from the intake or under cover.
• After a short drive, re-check visible fasteners and ensure no hoses/wires are rubbing.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $600-$1,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$450 (parts only)

You Save: $420-$750 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.