Back to 2012 Jeep Wrangler

2012 JEEP WRANGLER

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

Engine Mount - Rear

for 2012 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6 · 4WD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.5 h
Tools
10
Steps
15

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear engine mount on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler with the 3.6L V6 engine.

Warnings

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
Ensure the engine is cold before beginning work to avoid burns from hot components.
The engine and transmission assembly is heavy. Improper support can cause severe injury or damage to components.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential
Jack standsEssential
Transmission jack or engine support fixtureEssential
Torque wrench (20-150 Nm range)Essential
Socket set (metric)Essential
Ratchet and extension barsEssential
Breaker bar
Wood block (for jack protection)Essential
Pry bar
Wire brush

Parts

  • Rear engine mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
  2. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent electrical issues
  3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame contact points
  4. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
  5. Position transmission jack or engine support fixture under transmission oil pan with wood block for protection

Procedure

  1. 1
    Support the powertrain
    Carefully raise the transmission jack or engine support fixture until it just contacts the transmission oil pan through the wood block. Apply minimal upward pressure to stabilize the powertrain but do not lift it yet. Ensure the support is centered and stable.
  2. 2
    Access the rear mount
    Locate the rear engine mount at the rear of the engine block where it connects to the transmission crossmember. The mount is positioned between the engine/transmission assembly and the frame crossmember. Inspect for access clearance and identify all fasteners.
  3. 3
    Remove mount through bolt
    Remove the large vertical through bolt that passes through the center of the rear mount assembly. This bolt connects the upper mount bracket to the lower mount bracket. You may need a breaker bar as this fastener is torqued to 101 Nm. Support the bolt as it comes free.
    Torque spec
    Mount Through Bolt101 Nm (75 lb-ft)
  4. 4
    Raise powertrain slightly
    Slowly and carefully raise the transmission jack to lift the engine/transmission assembly approximately 1-2 inches. This unloads the rear mount and creates clearance for removal. Monitor all surrounding components to ensure nothing binds or contacts inappropriately. Do not raise excessively as this may stress other mounts or components.
  5. 5
    Remove mount-to-frame fasteners
    Remove the bolts securing the lower mount bracket to the transmission crossmember or frame. These are typically 2-3 bolts depending on mount design. Keep track of any washers or spacers.
    Torque spec
    Mount-to-Frame Bolts70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
  6. 6
    Remove mount-to-engine fasteners
    Remove the bolts securing the upper mount bracket to the engine block or transmission housing. Support the mount assembly as you remove the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
  7. 7
    Extract old mount
    Remove the rear engine mount assembly from the vehicle. It may require gentle maneuvering or use of a pry bar to separate it from the mounting surfaces. Inspect the removed mount for cracks, separation of rubber, or oil contamination to confirm replacement was necessary.
  8. 8
    Clean mounting surfaces
    Use a wire brush to clean all mounting surfaces on the engine block, transmission housing, and frame crossmember. Remove any rust, corrosion, or old thread locker. Inspect mounting bolt holes for damage or stripped threads.
  9. 9
    Position new mount
    Position the new rear engine mount assembly in place. Align the upper bracket with the engine/transmission mounting points and the lower bracket with the frame crossmember. The mount orientation is critical - ensure the mount isolator rubber is properly positioned to dampen vibration.
  10. 10
    Install mount-to-engine fasteners
    Install and hand-thread the bolts securing the upper mount bracket to the engine block or transmission housing. Do not fully tighten yet. Ensure all fasteners are properly started to avoid cross-threading.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Install mount-to-frame fasteners
    Install and hand-thread the bolts securing the lower mount bracket to the transmission crossmember or frame. Include any washers or spacers removed earlier. Do not fully tighten yet.
    Torque spec
    Mount-to-Frame Bolts70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
  12. 12
    Lower powertrain onto mount
    Slowly and carefully lower the transmission jack to settle the engine/transmission assembly onto the new rear mount. Lower until the mount is fully compressed to its normal operating position. Ensure the mount through bolt hole is properly aligned between upper and lower brackets.
  13. 13
    Install mount through bolt
    Install the mount through bolt through the center of the mount assembly. Hand-thread the nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench set to 101 Nm (75 lb-ft). This is a critical fastener for mount integrity.
    Torque spec
    Mount Through Bolt101 Nm (75 lb-ft)
  14. 14
    Torque all mount fasteners
    With the powertrain weight now on the mount, torque all mounting fasteners in sequence. First torque the mount-to-engine bolts to 54 Nm (40 lb-ft), then torque the mount-to-frame bolts to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft). Torquing under load ensures proper alignment and prevents premature mount failure.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
    Mount-to-Frame Bolts70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
  15. 15
    Remove support and lower vehicle
    Carefully lower and remove the transmission jack or engine support fixture. Verify the mount is supporting the powertrain correctly with no binding or unusual positioning. Lower the vehicle from jack stands and remove all support equipment.

Reassembly

  1. Reconnect the negative battery cable
  2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification and no tools or parts are left in the engine bay

Verification

  • Start the engine and observe the rear mount area for excessive movement or vibration
  • With engine running, shift through all transmission gears (in park with brake applied for automatic) and verify no unusual clunking from the rear mount area
  • Test drive the vehicle and listen for abnormal engine movement during acceleration and deceleration
  • After test drive, re-inspect all mount fasteners for proper torque and no loosening

More procedures for this vehicle

Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included.
Try ShopBase →