engine
Engine Mount - Front
for 2021 Toyota RAV4 2.5L I4 · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.6 h
Tools
15
Steps
13
This procedure covers removal and replacement of the front engine mount on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 gasoline engine, including supporting the engine and transferring mount hardware.
Warnings
⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
⚠️Ensure engine is properly supported before removing mount bolts. Engine can shift suddenly causing crush injuries or component damage.
⚠Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work. Hot components can cause severe burns.
⚠Inspect all mount brackets and frame attachment points for damage or cracking before installing new mount.
Tools required
Floor jackEssential
Jack standsEssential
Engine support fixture or adjustable jack standEssential
Wood block (for engine support)Essential
Torque wrench (10-100 Nm range)Essential
10mm socket
12mm socketEssential
14mm socketEssential
17mm socketEssential
19mm socketEssential
Socket extension setEssential
RatchetEssential
Breaker bar
Pry bar
Wire brush
Parts
- Front engine mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
- Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
- Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds for airbag system to discharge
- Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
- Remove engine splash shield/under cover if equipped (typically 10mm bolts and plastic clips)
- Visually inspect front engine mount for damage, oil contamination, or separation
Procedure
- 1Position engine supportPlace a floor jack with a wood block under the engine oil pan, positioned slightly forward of center. Raise jack until it just makes contact but does not lift the engine. The goal is to support engine weight without placing stress on components.
- 2Remove engine mount through-boltLocate the large through-bolt that passes horizontally through the mount assembly connecting the engine bracket to the mount. Use a 19mm socket and wrench to remove this bolt. Support the bolt as you remove it as the engine may shift slightly.Torque specThrough-Bolt85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
- 3Remove mount-to-frame boltsIdentify the bolts securing the lower portion of the mount to the front subframe or crossmember. These are typically two or three 17mm bolts accessed from below. Remove these bolts completely and retain for inspection.Torque specEngine Mount-to-Frame Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
- 4Support engine and adjust positionSlowly raise the floor jack to lift the engine slightly (approximately 10-15mm). This relieves tension on the upper mount bracket. Monitor all hoses, wiring, and components to ensure nothing is being strained. Adjust jack position if needed.
- 5Remove mount-to-block boltsLocate the bolts securing the upper engine mount bracket to the engine block. These are typically three 14mm bolts accessed from above or through the wheel well. Remove these bolts while supporting the mount bracket.Torque specEngine Mount-to-Block Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
- 6Remove front engine mount assemblyWith all mounting bolts removed, carefully maneuver the mount assembly out of the engine bay. It may require slight rotation or tilting to clear surrounding components. Note the orientation and any shims or spacers for reinstallation.
- 7Inspect mounting surfaces and bracketsClean all mounting surfaces on the engine block and frame with a wire brush. Inspect engine bracket and frame mounting points for cracks, elongated bolt holes, or damage. Check that all threaded holes are clean and threads are not damaged. Replace any damaged components before proceeding.
- 8Position new engine mountPosition the new front engine mount assembly in the mounting location, ensuring correct orientation. If original mount had alignment marks or dowel pins, ensure these are properly aligned. Have the mount supported while preparing to install fasteners.
- 9Install mount-to-block boltsInstall the upper engine mount bracket bolts to the engine block. Start all bolts by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten bolts in a cross pattern to the specified torque of 65 Nm (48 lb-ft).Torque specEngine Mount-to-Block Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
- 10Lower engine onto mountCarefully lower the floor jack to allow the engine to settle onto the new mount. Lower slowly and ensure the mount compresses evenly. Align the through-bolt holes between the engine bracket and mount body.
- 11Install mount-to-frame boltsInstall the lower mount-to-frame bolts through the mount into the subframe or crossmember. Start all bolts by hand, then tighten to the specified torque of 61 Nm (45 lb-ft) using a torque wrench.Torque specEngine Mount-to-Frame Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
- 12Install through-boltInsert the through-bolt through the engine bracket and mount assembly. Install the nut and tighten to the specified torque of 85 Nm (63 lb-ft). Ensure the bolt is fully seated and the mount is not twisted or misaligned.Torque specThrough-Bolt85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
- 13Remove engine support and reinstall coversCarefully lower and remove the floor jack from under the engine. Reinstall the engine splash shield or under cover, tightening fasteners securely. Lower vehicle from jack stands.
Reassembly
- Reconnect negative battery terminal and tighten securely
- Verify all tools and parts have been removed from engine bay
- Check that no wiring harnesses or hoses were disturbed during mount replacement
Verification
- Start engine and allow to idle while observing the new mount for proper compression and alignment
- With engine running, check for excessive vibration in cabin or steering wheel that might indicate improper installation
- Apply brake and shift through all transmission ranges (P-R-N-D) to verify mount handles engine torque properly without excessive movement
- Turn engine off and visually inspect all mount bolts are tight with no gaps between components
- Test drive vehicle at various speeds and during acceleration to confirm smooth operation with no abnormal vibrations or noises