How Do I Change And Install Upper Strut Mounts?

Strut mounts are a critical part of a vehicle’s suspension system, ensuring smooth driving, handling, and overall comfort. Keeping up with the latest automotive trends, understanding how to maintain, replace, and install strut mounts is essential for car owners and enthusiasts alike. This article will address the questions: What is a strut mount? How to change a strut mount? How to install strut mounts? In doing so, we will cover key terms like "upper strut mount" and secondary terms such as "struts and mounts" and "strut mounts." Let's dive into these details.

What Is a Strut Mount?

A strut mount is a crucial component that connects the vehicle’s suspension system (specifically the struts) to the vehicle body. It absorbs road impacts, reduces vibrations, and helps in maintaining proper alignment, contributing to the overall smoothness of the ride. There are two types of strut mounts: upper strut mount and lower strut mount, with the upper one being more commonly referred to since it connects the top of the strut to the car's chassis.

Functions of a Strut Mount

Absorbs Road Impact: The rubber element of the mount absorbs shock from road irregularities, protecting the suspension system from excessive wear.

Noise Reduction: Strut mounts dampen vibrations and noise, providing a quieter cabin experience.

Support for Steering: In vehicles with a MacPherson strut suspension system, the upper strut mount assists with steering by supporting the weight and movement of the strut as it pivots.

Over time, the rubber and other materials in the strut mounts degrade, leading to issues such as vibrations, clunking noises, and reduced handling performance. When these symptoms appear, it's time to consider changing the strut mounts.

How to Change Strut Mounts

Changing a strut mount can be a DIY job for those familiar with automotive repair, but it requires specific tools and caution, especially when dealing with the high tension of the strut spring.

Tools and Materials Needed

Jack and jack stands

Socket set and wrenches

Strut spring compressor

Torque wrench

New strut mounts

Penetrating oil (optional)

Step-by-Step Process for Changing a Strut Mount

Safety First: Park your vehicle on a flat surface, apply the parking brake, and block the wheels. Wear protective gear such as gloves and safety goggles.

Lift the Vehicle: Using a jack, lift the side of the vehicle where you’ll be working. Secure it with jack stands for added safety.

Remove the Wheel: Take off the wheel to access the suspension system. This will reveal the strut assembly.

Disconnect the Strut from the Steering Knuckle: The strut is typically attached to the steering knuckle with bolts. Remove these bolts using a socket set.

Remove the Strut Assembly: After unbolting the lower end of the strut, you’ll need to access the upper strut mount, usually located under the hood. Remove the bolts securing the upper strut mount to the vehicle frame.

Compress the Strut Spring: Once the strut is out, use a strut spring compressor to compress the coil spring. This is a critical step since the spring holds significant tension and could cause injury if mishandled.

Replace the Strut Mount: With the spring compressed, remove the upper strut mount and replace it with the new one. Ensure that the mount is positioned correctly to match the orientation of the old mount.

Reassemble the Strut: Carefully reassemble the strut by decompressing the spring. Make sure everything is secure.

Reinstall the Strut: Bolt the strut assembly back to the steering knuckle and reattach the upper strut mount under the hood. Tighten all bolts to the recommended torque settings provided by the manufacturer.

Reinstall the Wheel: Once the strut assembly is back in place, reinstall the wheel and lower the vehicle.

Test Drive: After installation, take your vehicle for a test drive to ensure the new strut mounts are functioning correctly. Pay attention to any unusual noises or handling issues.

How to Install Strut Mounts

The installation process for strut mounts follows the same steps as replacing them. Here’s a more detailed guide on ensuring the proper installation of new strut mounts:

Choose Quality Parts: Always opt for high-quality strut mounts that match the specifications of your vehicle. Poor-quality parts can lead to premature wear and reduced suspension performance.

Inspect the Strut and Spring: When installing new strut mounts, it’s a good idea to check the strut assembly, including the spring, for any signs of wear. If the strut itself is worn out, replacing the mount without addressing the underlying issue may not resolve performance problems.

Align the Mount Properly: Proper alignment is crucial for ensuring that the strut mount fits securely and performs as expected. Make sure all bolts are torqued to the manufacturer’s recommended settings to avoid loose connections that could lead to further issues down the line.

Professional Alignment: After installing new strut mounts, it’s advisable to get a professional wheel alignment. Strut mount replacement can affect the vehicle’s alignment, and ensuring it is corrected will improve handling and tire wear.

Conclusion

Strut mounts, particularly the upper strut mount, are essential for maintaining your vehicle’s suspension, comfort, and handling. Knowing how to change and install strut mounts can save you time and money while extending the life of your vehicle’s suspension system. For high-quality struts and mounts, consider contacting Condragon Parts for reliable automotive solutions.

For inquiries, reach out to Condragon Parts:

Email: manager@condragonparts.com
Phone: +86 750 2859 838

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