Back to 2012 Jeep Wrangler

2012 JEEP WRANGLER

3.6L V64WDAUTOMATICgas
10 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs183Labor595Torque3531Fluid9DTC905Battery0Maintenance0Recalls10
engine

Engine Mount - Front

for 2012 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6 · 4WD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.5 h
Tools
8
Steps
12

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the front engine mount on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler with the 3.6L V6 engine, requiring support of the engine while the mount is removed.

Warnings

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
⚠️The engine must be properly supported before removing mount bolts. Failure to support the engine can result in serious injury or damage to components.
Ensure engine is cool before beginning work to avoid burn injuries.
Do not over-jack the engine as this can damage oil pan, transmission components, or wiring harnesses.

Tools required

Floor jack with wooden blockEssential
Jack standsEssential
Torque wrench (10-120 Nm range)Essential
Socket set (metric)Essential
Ratchet and extensionsEssential
Pry bar
Wire brush
Penetrating oil

Parts

  • Front engine mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Allow engine to cool completely
  3. Disconnect negative battery cable
  4. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at frame contact points
  5. Remove front skid plate if equipped to access engine mount area

Procedure

  1. 1
    Inspect and access front engine mount
    Locate the front engine mount positioned between the engine block and the front crossmember. Inspect for damage, oil contamination, or separation. Spray mount bolts with penetrating oil if corrosion is present and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes.
  2. 2
    Position floor jack under engine
    Place a wooden block on the floor jack saddle to protect the oil pan. Position the jack under the engine oil pan slightly forward of center. Raise jack until it just makes contact with the oil pan but does not lift the engine. The jack should be ready to support the engine weight but not yet bearing load.
  3. 3
    Remove mount through bolt
    Locate the horizontal through bolt that passes through the engine mount bracket and mount assembly. Remove the nut from the through bolt and drive the bolt out using a punch or long extension if necessary. The bolt may be tight due to weight compression.
  4. 4
    Support engine weight
    Slowly raise the floor jack to lift the engine approximately 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch. This relieves tension on the mount and allows access to mounting bolts. Monitor engine position and ensure no strain on hoses, wiring, or other components. Do not lift more than necessary.
  5. 5
    Remove mount-to-frame bolts
    Remove the bolts securing the mount bracket to the front crossmember or frame rail. Typically there are 2-3 bolts depending on mount design. Support the mount assembly as you remove the last bolt to prevent it from falling.
    Torque spec
    Engine Mount-to-Frame Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
  6. 6
    Remove mount-to-engine bolts
    Remove the bolts securing the upper mount bracket to the engine block. These mounting bolts attach the bracket portion that connects to the engine. Remove the entire mount assembly from the vehicle.
  7. 7
    Clean mounting surfaces
    Use a wire brush to clean all mounting surfaces on the engine block and frame rail. Remove rust, dirt, and old thread locker compound. Inspect mounting bolt holes for damage or stripped threads. Ensure mating surfaces are clean and flat for proper mount seating.
  8. 8
    Install new mount to engine
    Position the new front engine mount assembly with the upper bracket aligned to the engine block mounting holes. Install mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment, then torque to specification in a cross-pattern if multiple bolts are present.
  9. 9
    Install mount to frame
    Align the lower portion of the mount assembly with the frame rail or crossmember mounting holes. Install mount-to-frame bolts finger-tight. Verify proper alignment before torquing to specification.
    Torque spec
    Engine Mount-to-Frame Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Lower engine onto mount
    Slowly lower the floor jack to settle the engine weight onto the new mount. Monitor alignment of the through bolt holes. The engine bracket hole and mount bracket hole must align properly. Use a pry bar to make minor alignment adjustments if needed.
  11. 11
    Install and torque through bolt
    Insert the mount through bolt from the appropriate side (typically driver side) and install the nut on the opposite end. Torque the through bolt nut to specification. This is a critical fastener that carries the primary engine load.
  12. 12
    Remove jack and verify installation
    Carefully lower and remove the floor jack from under the engine. Visually inspect all mount bolts to ensure they are tight and properly seated. Check that the mount rubber is not twisted or binding and sits naturally without pre-load.

Reassembly

  1. Reinstall front skid plate if equipped and torque to specification
  2. Reconnect negative battery cable
  3. Lower vehicle from jack stands

Verification

  • Start engine and verify no unusual vibration or movement
  • With engine running, have an assistant shift transmission through all gear positions while observing mount for excessive movement or separation
  • Perform a test drive and monitor for vibration at idle, during acceleration, and when coming to a stop
  • Re-inspect all mount bolts for tightness after initial test drive

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