How Many Engine Mounts Does an Audi A4 Have?
An Audi A4 typically has three main engine mounts in most common configurations: two primary mounts on either side of the engine and one additional mount (often called a torque mount or pendulum mount) that controls fore‑aft movement, though some variants and generations may use additional auxiliary mounts or vibration dampers.
Contents
- Understanding Engine Mounts in the Audi A4
- Typical Mount Configuration on Modern Audi A4 Models
- Variations Between Generations and Powertrains
- Engine Mount Count vs. Transmission Mounts
- Why Knowing the Number of Mounts Matters
- Model-Year Specific Notes
- Practical Advice for Owners and DIY Enthusiasts
- Summary
Understanding Engine Mounts in the Audi A4
The Audi A4, across its generations, uses a combination of engine and transmission mounts to secure the powertrain while isolating vibration and noise from the cabin. While exact hardware can differ between model years, engines (petrol vs. diesel), and drivetrains (front‑wheel drive vs. quattro all‑wheel drive), the fundamental layout follows the same philosophy: a pair of main side mounts and at least one additional support or torque-controlling mount.
Typical Mount Configuration on Modern Audi A4 Models
Most B7, B8, B9 and early B10 generation Audi A4 models sold in Europe and North America use a broadly similar layout. The basic configuration can be understood by splitting the mounts by their function and location.
Main Engine Mounts
The heart of the system is a pair of primary mounts that carry the engine’s weight and absorb the majority of vibration. These mounts are usually hydraulic (fluid-filled) on modern A4s to improve refinement and reduce harshness, particularly at idle.
The following list outlines the main engine mounts typically found on an Audi A4:
- Left-hand (driver or passenger side) engine mount: Located on one side of the engine bay, attached to the subframe and the engine block. Its primary role is to support vertical load and damp vibration.
- Right-hand engine mount: Mirroring the left mount on the opposite side of the engine. Together with the left mount, it stabilizes the engine laterally and vertically.
In day-to-day driving, these two mounts do most of the work of holding the engine in place and keeping the cabin relatively free from engine vibration and noise, particularly under normal acceleration and cruising conditions.
Torque Mount / Pendulum Support
Beyond the two main mounts, Audi uses an additional mount to control the rotational forces generated when the engine delivers torque to the drivetrain. Without this support, the engine would rock excessively, stressing hoses, wiring, and other components.
The following list highlights the typical torque-control mounting used on many A4s:
- Lower torque mount (pendulum mount or “dogbone” mount): Usually attached between the lower part of the engine or transmission and the subframe. It limits forward and backward movement during acceleration, braking, and gear changes.
This torque mount doesn’t carry as much vertical weight as the primary mounts, but it is critical to drivetrain stability and smoothness, especially under hard acceleration and shifting.
Variations Between Generations and Powertrains
While “three main mounts” is a good rule of thumb, variations exist between different Audi A4 generations and option packages, particularly when switching between four‑cylinder and six‑cylinder engines, or between front‑wheel drive and quattro all‑wheel drive layouts.
Four-Cylinder vs. Six-Cylinder Engines
The Audi A4 has been offered with a wide range of engines, from small turbocharged four-cylinders to V6 units and performance “S” variants. The basic layout of two side mounts plus a torque mount is consistent, but some higher-output or larger engines may use additional bracing or slightly different mount designs.
The list below summarizes how engine choice can change mount complexity:
- Four-cylinder engines (e.g., 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TDI, 2.0 TFSI): Typically use two main hydraulic mounts and one lower torque mount; this is the most common configuration.
- V6 engines (e.g., 3.0 TDI, 3.2 FSI, S4 variants): Also rely on two side mounts plus a torque mount, but the mounts may be stiffer, differently shaped, or electronically controlled for better refinement.
Even when the design of the mounts themselves changes, the principle remains the same: a pair of primary load-bearing mounts and at least one additional mount to manage torque.
Front-Wheel Drive vs. Quattro Models
The Audi A4’s drivetrain layout also influences mount placement and style, especially in models with longitudinal engines and quattro all-wheel drive. The engine and gearbox are mounted in line with the car’s length, which standardizes many mounting points but can subtly alter bracket shapes and the exact position of the torque mount.
The key differences can be summarized as follows:
- Front-wheel drive (FWD) A4: Typically uses the same three-mount pattern, with the torque mount connecting the engine/gearbox unit to the front subframe.
- Quattro (AWD) A4: Similar three-mount concept, but with different subframe and transmission bracket designs to accommodate the center differential and propshaft.
Regardless of whether the car is FWD or quattro, owners and technicians will still usually reference a left mount, right mount, and lower (or rear) torque mount when discussing engine mount replacement.
Engine Mount Count vs. Transmission Mounts
A common point of confusion is the difference between engine mounts and transmission mounts. On the Audi A4, the engine and gearbox form a single powertrain assembly, but they can have separate mounting points.
The following list clarifies the distinction:
- Engine mounts (usually counted as three in typical A4 discussions): Two side mounts and one torque mount primarily considered part of “engine mounting.”
- Transmission or gearbox mounts: On some models, separate mounts or crossmember bushings support the tail of the transmission, especially on manual or longitudinal automatic/dual-clutch gearboxes.
When someone asks “how many engine mounts does an Audi A4 have,” they are usually referring to the engine-side system only, not additional transmission supports or subframe bushes, which can increase the total number of rubber-isolated mounting points in the drivetrain.
Why Knowing the Number of Mounts Matters
Understanding how many mounts are present, and their functions, is important for maintenance planning, troubleshooting, and budgeting for repairs. Engine mounts are wear items; as the rubber or fluid inside degrades, vibrations increase and drivetrain movement becomes more noticeable.
Symptoms of Worn Engine Mounts
Because the A4 uses multiple mounts to control different kinds of movement, failures can present in subtle ways. Diagnosing which mount is at fault often requires both road testing and physical inspection.
Typical signs of mount problems include the following:
- Increased vibration at idle: Often linked to deteriorated hydraulic side mounts that can no longer damp engine oscillations properly.
- Clunks or thumps during acceleration or gear changes: Frequently related to a worn torque/pendulum mount allowing the drivetrain to rock.
- Excessive engine movement when revved in neutral: A technician may observe the engine moving more than expected, indicating one or more failed mounts.
- Visible damage or leaking fluid from mounts: Cracked rubber or leaked hydraulic fluid is a clear sign replacement is needed.
Recognizing the symptoms early can prevent secondary damage to exhaust components, driveshafts, and wiring that may be strained by excessive engine movement.
Model-Year Specific Notes
While the “three mount” rule holds broadly, there are nuances across Audi A4 generations. Exact part numbers and mounting hardware change from B6 to B7, B8, and B9, and some modern versions add electronically controlled mounts, especially on higher-end or performance variants.
Here is a general overview by era:
- B6/B7 (early to late 2000s): Nearly all longitudinal A4s in this period use two hydraulic side mounts plus a lower torque mount, regardless of diesel or petrol, manual or automatic.
- B8 (around 2008–2015): The standard pattern of two main engine mounts and a torque mount continues; mount designs are updated for NVH improvements and packaging.
- B9/B9.5 (around 2016–present): Again, two side mounts and at least one torque/pendulum mount. Some engines incorporate adaptive or electronically switchable mounts to improve refinement under certain load conditions.
Across these generations, workshops and parts catalogs may describe more than three separate “mounting” items when counting transmission supports, subframe bushes, or additional dampers, but the core engine mounting layout remains consistent.
Practical Advice for Owners and DIY Enthusiasts
Whether you are planning maintenance or simply trying to understand a repair quote, having a clear idea of the number and role of engine mounts on an Audi A4 can be helpful. It allows better comparison of parts and labor estimates and makes it easier to discuss issues with a mechanic.
Consider the following practical points:
- Confirm by VIN: For precise parts selection, use the car’s VIN in an official Audi parts catalog or a reputable supplier’s database. This will reflect any engine‑ or trim‑specific differences.
- Replace in pairs when possible: If one primary side mount has clearly failed, the other may be close behind; replacing both can restore balance and reduce future labor costs.
- Check the torque mount at the same time: Because it controls engine rock, a worn torque mount can undermine the benefits of new side mounts.
- Use quality parts: OEM or high-quality aftermarket mounts often provide better longevity and smoother operation than the cheapest alternatives.
By approaching engine mount replacement as a system rather than a single isolated part, owners can maintain the Audi A4’s expected refinement and drivability over the long term.
Summary
An Audi A4 generally uses three primary engine mounts: two main side mounts that carry the engine’s weight and isolate vibration, and one additional torque or pendulum mount that controls fore‑aft movement under load. While the exact design, stiffness, and supporting hardware vary between generations, engines, and drivetrains, this three‑mount layout is typical for most modern A4s. Additional transmission mounts and subframe bushes may be present, but when people refer to “engine mounts” on an Audi A4, they usually mean this core trio that keeps the powertrain secure and the cabin as smooth and quiet as possible.


