Worn engine mounts cause recognisable problems on the Volvo S60, such as extra vibrations, resonance and thudding gear changes. The issue often starts subtly with a slight vibration when idling, but can quickly become annoying and even put additional strain on other components in the drivetrain. What are the warning signs and when should you step in?
What does an engine mount actually do?
Engine mounts constantly absorb vibrations and shocks from the engine. They are heavily loaded on every drive, so wear is inevitable. The Volvo S60 is no exception. Worn mounts regularly cause extra engine noise, vibration and resonance inside the cabin. The mounts are designed to keep the engine stable while also providing comfortable damping. Rubber and plastic components degrade over time due to constant stress.
With the Volvo S60, the upper engine mount is often the first suspect. This component carries a lot of weight and absorbs most of the movement. But the other mounts in the engine–transmission cluster can also gradually wear out.
Recognisable signs of worn engine mounts
The symptoms of a failed engine mount are often clearly noticeable. You can also hear them. You usually notice them first when idling or during load changes, such as accelerating and lifting off. Worn mounts cause the following symptoms:
- Extra engine noise or resonance that carries through into the interior
- Vibrations that are already noticeable when the engine is idling
- A thudding or jerky feeling when changing gear or pulling away
- Noticeable resonance in the steering wheel, seat or floor while driving
- A dull bang or knock during load changes when you accelerate or lift off
- A drivetrain that feels less tight, as if the car briefly shoots forwards
These signs are regularly reported by Volvo S60 owners, particularly with diesel versions. Engine mount problems are more common with diesel engines. Ride comfort deteriorates quickly and the car feels harsher and less controlled.
How do you test engine mounts on the Volvo S60?
You can carry out an initial visual inspection yourself. Park the car in a safe place and open the bonnet. Look at the visible engine mounts and check for cracks, sagging or rubber that is coming loose. Engine mounts constantly absorb shocks. They wear gradually. They often show clear cracks in the rubber section.
Another method is a movement test. Have someone carefully shift the car into drive and reverse. The engine is idling and you are standing at the bonnet. Watch the engine movement: a healthy mount limits movement, whereas a worn mount will show clearly excessive play or deflection. Be extremely careful when doing this.
A third test is done while driving. Pay particular attention to vibrations when idling and during gearchanges. The engine moves excessively or thuds. This strongly points to a mounting problem. These issues are often confused with wheel imbalance or ignition problems, but vibrations when stationary and during load changes usually indicate engine mounts.
Can you replace an engine mount on the Volvo S60 yourself?
Replacing an engine mount on the Volvo S60 is doable for experienced DIYers. You do, however, need specific tools. You must temporarily support the engine. You do this with an engine jack or a wooden support beam that supports the engine from underneath while you remove the old mount.
The main steps are:
- Park the car in a safe place and make sure it is properly supported
- Support the engine with a jack or support beam before you undo the mount
- Undo the mounting bolts of the old engine mount
- Replace the mount with a new one and install it according to the specifications
- After installation, check that all fasteners are securely tightened and that the engine sits stable
Bear in mind that on some Volvo S60 variants you have to remove several components first before you can access the engine mount. The upper mount is usually the easiest to reach. The lower mounts can be more difficult to access. If you are unsure about your technical skills or tools, leave this job to a garage.
‘ Wear is indeed a logical consequence of use and age. ’
Common models with engine mount problems
Engine mount problems occur across several generations of the Volvo S60. They are most frequently reported on models that are a bit older or that have covered high mileages. The first generation S60 was built between 2000 and 2009. These models regularly show engine mount issues after around 150,000 to 200,000 kilometres. On the second generation, from 2010 to 2018, engine mount problems are also reported. These often occur slightly later in the vehicle’s life.
Diesel versions with five-cylinder engines are mentioned more often on forums and in owner reports. The extra vibrations from these engines put more stress on the mounts. Wear occurs more quickly. On the sportier versions the load can also be higher, as these variants have more powerful engines.
It is not the case that certain model years have structurally weaker engine mounts. Wear is, however, a logical consequence of use and age. Owners who do many short trips or mainly drive in town sometimes notice problems earlier. The engine spends relatively more time idling and experiences more frequent gearchanges.
What are the consequences if you keep driving too long?
Continuing to drive with a clearly worn engine mount is not a good idea. The vibrations will get worse. Other components in the drivetrain can be subjected to extra stress, such as the gearbox, driveshafts and even the exhaust. The engine is not supported stably. All these parts can experience more play or movement.
Ride comfort also deteriorates quickly. What starts as a slight vibration can turn within a few weeks or months into an annoying resonance that is constantly noticeable and audible. In severe cases, loose engine mounts can also cause damage to electrical wiring or coolant hoses that run alongside the engine.
So do not ignore the problem. Check the visible engine mount as soon as you notice symptoms and have the other mounts in the engine–transmission cluster inspected as well. Wear can build up. Intervene early. Higher costs will follow later.
Tips for maintenance and prevention
Preventive maintenance on engine mounts is difficult, because they simply wear through use. Be alert to the first signs and act quickly. Regularly check whether the engine vibrates strangely when idling. Also check whether the engine resonates oddly at idle. During the annual service, have the engine mounts visually inspected. Look for cracks. Look for sagging. Also check for the effects of oil.
Oil or other fluids can come into contact with engine mounts, causing them to degrade more quickly. Leaks in the engine or gearbox must be repaired immediately. This prevents damage to the engine mounts. Heavy use can also shorten the lifespan of the mounts. Think of frequent hard acceleration or driving with a trailer.
Are you replacing one engine mount? Then have the other mounts checked as well. They often wear at a similar rate. It is frustrating to be faced with the same problem again just a few months later.
‘ On the Carnews website you will find extensive information about common problems, maintenance tips and practical experiences with various Volvo models. ’
Discover more about the Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 regularly needs maintenance on its engine mounts. On the Carnews website you will find extensive information about common problems, maintenance tips and practical experiences with various Volvo models. Check out the collected problem symptoms and technical solutions for your specific model.
Frequently asked questions
The most common symptoms are extra vibrations and resonance in the interior (especially noticeable in the steering wheel, seat and floor), more vibration when idling and a thudding or jerky feeling when pulling away or changing gear. You can roughly diagnose this yourself by letting the engine idle in P or N and watching for abnormal vibrations, then briefly applying some throttle in D/R with the brake pressed and checking whether the engine moves excessively or the car vibrates strongly. Also listen for dull bangs or knocks when lifting off and applying throttle again (load changes). Visually, with a cold engine, you can inspect the rubber parts of the engine mounts for cracks, sagging or oil damage.
Ignoring worn engine mounts can affect safety because the engine/drivetrain can move more under hard braking, acceleration or sudden swerves, with the risk of unexpected jerks or bangs in the drivetrain. The extra vibrations and movement also cause additional wear on other components such as driveshafts, the exhaust system and gearbox mounts, shortening the car’s lifespan. The handling can also feel more unpredictable and less stable, especially during rapid load changes. Ultimately, delaying replacement can lead to more extensive and expensive repairs.
Replacing engine mounts on a Volvo S60 is possible for an experienced DIYer with good tools and a way to safely support the engine, but for most owners it is wiser to have a professional do the job because of the required disassembly and safety risks. Average costs at a garage are roughly between €300 and €700, depending on the number of mounts to be replaced, the engine type and the hourly rate. Individual engine mounts as parts usually cost somewhere between about €70 and €200 each, with genuine Volvo parts often more expensive than aftermarket options. Doing it yourself saves considerably on labour costs, but incorrect supporting or fitting can cause further (and more expensive) damage.
For the Volvo S60 there are broadly three types of engine mounts: traditional rubber mounts, (often vacuum- or hydraulically-filled) comfort mounts, and stiffer “performance” or polyurethane mounts for more sporty use. For an enthusiast who mainly wants comfort and long life, OEM-quality mounts or premium brands such as Lemförder and Corteco are generally the best choice. Those who want a sportier response and accept some extra vibration will tend to opt for reinforced or polyurethane mounts from specialist tuners. When choosing, always pay attention to engine type, year of manufacture and mounting points so that the mount matches your S60 variant exactly.
Yes, performance or “reinforced” engine mounts are available for the Volvo S60, often in polyurethane or with stiffer rubbers. Thanks to their higher stiffness they limit engine movement during acceleration and gear changes, so the car responds more crisply and the handling becomes more precise and predictable. The downside is that more vibrations and engine noise are transmitted into the cabin, especially at idle and low revs. They are therefore mainly of interest for sporty driving or tuning, and less suitable if you want maximum comfort.