The need to replace engine mounts on a car is rare, as they are designed to last indefinitely. You do need to replace any engine mounts that become cracked or deteriorated to avoid putting a dangerous strain on the engine. The Volkswagen Jetta traditionally has one front engine mount near the radiator and two rear engine mounts near the firewall. It is important to make sure the engine and transmission have proper support while you work on the mounts.
Raise the Jetta's front end and and support it on jack stands. Place a block of wood on the floor jack and position the jack under the transmission. Raise the jack to support the transmission.
Connect the chain of an engine hoist to the engine. Loop the chain through all of the motor's hook-like engine eyes (the number and position can vary with engine type) and hook the chain back on itself.
Raise the engine with the hoist until the pressure is off the mounts.
Remove the bolts for the engine mounts using a wrench and remove the mounts. Unbolt and remove the engine mount bracket as needed.
Install the replacement mount bracket if needed, tightening new mount bracket bolts to 18 ft.-lbs. with a torque wrench.
Install the new engine mounts on the Jetta using new bolts. Tighten the bolts for the engine/transmission to 44 ft.-lbs. and the frame bolts to 30 ft.-lbs., then tighten each bolt another 90 degrees.
Lower the engine off the hoist and remove the hoist chain from the engine.
Lower the transmission off the floor jack and the car off the jack stands.
