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
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent electrical issues
- Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame contact points
- Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
- Position transmission jack or engine support fixture under transmission oil pan with wood block for protection
Procedure
- 1Support the powertrainCarefully 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.
- 2Access the rear mountLocate 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.
- 3Remove mount through boltRemove 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 specMount Through Bolt101 Nm (75 lb-ft)
- 4Raise powertrain slightlySlowly 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.
- 5Remove mount-to-frame fastenersRemove 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 specMount-to-Frame Bolts70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
- 6Remove mount-to-engine fastenersRemove 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 specMounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
- 7Extract old mountRemove 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.
- 8Clean mounting surfacesUse 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.
- 9Position new mountPosition 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.
- 10Install mount-to-engine fastenersInstall 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 specMounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
- 11Install mount-to-frame fastenersInstall 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 specMount-to-Frame Bolts70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
- 12Lower powertrain onto mountSlowly 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.
- 13Install mount through boltInstall 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 specMount Through Bolt101 Nm (75 lb-ft)
- 14Torque all mount fastenersWith 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 specMounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)Mount-to-Frame Bolts70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
- 15Remove support and lower vehicleCarefully 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
- Reconnect the negative battery cable
- 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