Clunking sound and jerk when transmission shifts while driving?

Tiny
CFRUSH1
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 218,000 MILES
There is a loud clunk and jerk when transmission shifts.
My mechanic says motor mounts can be a problem with 217,000 miles.
Do you think that may be the problem or something else?
Can I fix this myself?
Thanks,
Charlie
Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 AT 12:34 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 52,273 POSTS
Engine mounts go out on these cars so the fact that it needs new ones is not a surprise. You will need to judge for yourself if you can do the job or not, you will need a floor jack and tool to do the job. Have you done a job like this before?
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Friday, May 16th, 2025 AT 10:19 AM
Tiny
CFRUSH1
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  • 73 POSTS
Hi Ken,
I can jack up the car and put the front on jack stands.
I have the tools.
I recently replaced the intake manifold on my 2003 town car with your advice, and it went well.
I think I can replace the motor mounts if you give me the procedure.
Love DIY
Thanks,
Charlie
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Saturday, May 17th, 2025 AT 9:44 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Np, so there is three engine and transmission mounts with one strut mount, here is a generic guide to help replace the mounts and the location of the mounts so you can tell what you are getting yourself into. You should do the mounts one at a time and use a 2x4 under the jack to help hold whatever engine you are working on. Please use caution when doing this job, the engine and transmission are heavy, and it is no fun when it gets loose. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.
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Sunday, May 18th, 2025 AT 5:48 PM
Tiny
CFRUSH1
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  • 73 POSTS
You say do one at a time so what order is best?
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Sunday, May 18th, 2025 AT 9:04 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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It does not matter about the order; the idea is to keep the engine stable while doing the job. If the engine is held you can do more than one at a time; when you are doing the job, you will see what makes sense.
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Monday, May 19th, 2025 AT 9:35 AM
Tiny
CFRUSH1
  • MEMBER
  • 73 POSTS
Thanks
I'll give it a try.
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Monday, May 19th, 2025 AT 10:24 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 52,273 POSTS
Sounds good happy wrenching!
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Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 AT 8:40 AM

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