🔧 Malibu - Engine Mount Replacement

On your Malibu, the engine is held in place by multiple mounts (engine-side and transmission-side, plus torque struts on some setups). Replacing them requires safely supporting the engine/transmission, removing the correct mount(s), and installing the new mount(s) without stressing hoses, wiring, or the exhaust.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-5 hours (depends which mount[s])

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Support the engine before unbolting any mount; an unsupported engine can drop suddenly.
• ⚠️ Never get under the car with only a jack; use jack stands on solid ground.
• ⚠️ Keep hands clear while lifting/lowering the engine; pinch points are common.
• ⚠️ Use a wood block on the jack pad to avoid cracking the oil pan.
• ⚠️ Let the exhaust cool fully before working near it.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is recommended if working near the starter/positive cable area.

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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
• Wood block (2x6 in. minimum)
• Socket set (8mm–21mm)
• Wrench set (8mm–21mm)
• 3/8 in. drive ratchet
• 1/2 in. drive breaker bar
• Torque wrench (10–150 ft-lbs range)
• Extensions (3 in. and 6 in.)
• Swivel socket adapter
• Trim clip tool
• Flathead screwdriver
• Pry bar (12–18 in.)
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Engine support bar (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine mount (position-specific) - Qty: 1 (per mount replaced)
• Transmission mount (position-specific) - Qty: 1 (if replacing)
• Torque strut mount(s) (position-specific) - Qty: 1-2 (if equipped)
• Mount fasteners (if required) - Qty: As needed

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket.
• Plan how you’ll support the powertrain:
  • Use an engine support bar (specialty) from above, or
  • Use a floor jack with a wood block under a safe lifting point.
• Spray visible mount bolts/nuts with penetrating oil and wait 5–10 minutes.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Identify which mount(s) you’re replacing

• On your Malibu, there are multiple mounts, and the steps/torques change by position.
• Please answer these 2 questions so I can give you the exact mount-by-mount procedure and torque specs:
  • Which mount(s): right/passenger-side engine mount, left/driver-side transmission mount, or front/rear torque strut (“dogbone”)?
  • Are you replacing just one mount or all mounts as a set?
• Tip: A photo of the mount area helps.

Step 2: Safely raise and support the car (if needed for access)

• Use a floor jack at the proper front jacking point and lift the front of the car.
• Set the car onto jack stands and lightly shake the car to confirm stability.
• Remove any lower splash shield(s) using a trim clip tool and socket set (8mm–10mm) if equipped.

Step 3: Support the engine before loosening mounts

• Position a floor jack with a wood block to lightly support the engine (do not lift yet).
• Alternative: install an engine support bar (specialty) across the strut towers and tension it to hold the engine.
• Tip: “Light support” means just taking weight off.

Step 4: Stop here until you reply

• I’ll provide the exact removal/installation steps and the correct Torque to XX Nm (YY ft-lbs) values as soon as you tell me which mount(s) you’re doing.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and watch for excessive movement while shifting from Park to Reverse to Drive (foot firmly on brake).
• Listen for clunks on a short test drive over small bumps.
• Recheck mount fasteners after the test drive for any looseness.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$1,200 (parts + labor, varies by number of mounts)

DIY Cost: $90-$400 (parts only, varies by number/brand of mounts)

You Save: $360-$800 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-5 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.