Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-01-09 Origin: Site
A smooth, controlled ride depends on a healthy suspension system. While shocks and struts get most of the attention, smaller components like strut mounts play a vital role. These essential parts connect your vehicle's struts to its chassis, absorbing impacts and reducing noise and vibration. When they fail, it can compromise your comfort and safety. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about strut mount replacement, from identifying symptoms to completing the job yourself.
Understanding the function of strut mounts is the first step. Each mount acts as a pivot point for the steering system and contains a strut mount bearing that allows the strut to turn with the wheels. Over time, the rubber components of strut mounts can degrade, and the strut mount bearing can wear out. A complete strut mount replacement is often necessary to restore your vehicle's handling and ride quality. Ignoring a faulty strut mount can lead to more significant suspension damage and alignment issues, making timely replacement crucial.
Recognizing the symptoms of a failing strut mount is key to preventing further damage. Because these components degrade gradually, you might not notice the change immediately. A problematic strut mount bearing or a worn-out mount will eventually make its presence known.
Here are the most common signs that indicate you may need a strut mount replacement: Unusual Noises: A clunking, popping, or creaking sound when you turn the steering wheel or drive over bumps is a classic sign. This noise often comes from a worn strut mount bearing or loose components within the strut mounts themselves.
Excessive Vibration: If you feel increased vibration through the steering wheel or floorboards, especially on rougher roads, the rubber in your strut mounts may have deteriorated. It is no longer effectively dampening the road imperfections.
Steering and Alignment Issues: A bad strut mount can affect your steering response. You might notice the steering feels loose, stiff, or pulls to one side. This is because a worn mount can alter the vehicle's alignment angles, making a strut mount replacement necessary.
Uneven Tire Wear: Misalignment caused by faulty strut mounts can lead to accelerated and uneven tire wear. If you see cupping patterns or wear on the inner or outer edges of your tires, it's time to inspect your suspension, including the strut mounts.
Visible Wear and Tear: A visual inspection can reveal cracks, separation, or corrosion on the strut mounts. Popping the hood and looking at the top of the strut tower may show excessive movement when you push down on the fender.
If you experience any of these symptoms, a thorough inspection of your strut mounts and the associated strut mount bearing is in order. Addressing the issue with a timely strut mount replacement will restore your vehicle's performance and ensure your safety on the road.
Performing a strut mount replacement can be a rewarding DIY project, but it requires the right tools, a bit of patience, and a strong emphasis on safety. This process involves disassembling a key part of your vehicle's suspension. Always use jack stands and follow proper safety procedures. This guide provides a general overview, but you should always consult your vehicle's specific service manual.
Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and parts. This ensures a smoother process and prevents you from getting stuck midway through the job.
Tool/Part Category | Items Needed |
|---|---|
Safety Gear | Safety glasses, gloves, sturdy closed-toe shoes |
Lifting & Support | Floor jack, jack stands (at least two) |
Hand Tools | Socket set, ratchet, torque wrench, breaker bar, combination wrenches |
Specialty Tools | Spring compressor (crucial for safety), strut nut socket (if applicable) |
Replacement Parts | New strut mounts, new strut mount bearing, strut bellows/dust boots (recommended) |
Prepare the Vehicle: Park on a flat, level surface and engage the parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you'll be working on, but don't remove them yet.
Lift and Secure the Vehicle: Use the floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle at the designated jacking point. Place jack stands securely under the frame or subframe to support the vehicle's weight. Never work under a car supported only by a jack. Remove the wheel.
Disconnect Suspension Components: You will need to disconnect the strut from the steering knuckle. This typically involves removing one or two large bolts. You may also need to detach the sway bar link and any brake line or ABS sensor brackets attached to the strut assembly.
Remove the Strut Assembly: Open the hood and locate the nuts on top of the strut tower that secure the strut mounts. There are usually three or four. Use a wrench to remove these nuts, but be prepared to support the strut assembly from below as you remove the last one so it doesn't fall. Carefully lower and remove the entire strut assembly from the vehicle.
Compress the Coil Spring: This is the most dangerous step of the strut mount replacement. The coil spring is under extreme tension. Secure the strut assembly in a vise. Carefully attach the spring compressor to the coil spring according to the tool's instructions. Slowly and evenly tighten the compressor to relieve pressure from the old strut mount.
Remove the Old Strut Mount: With the spring compressed, use a strut nut socket or a combination of wrenches to remove the top nut holding the strut mounts to the strut piston rod. Once the nut is off, you can remove the old strut mount and the old strut mount bearing. This is an excellent time to inspect the strut itself, the bellow (dust boot), and the bump stop for wear or damage.
Install the New Strut Mount: Place the new strut mount bearing and the new strut mounts onto the strut piston rod. Ensure they are oriented correctly according to your vehicle's specifications. Install the new top nut and tighten it to the manufacturer's recommended torque. It's critical to get this right.
Decompress the Spring and Reinstall the Assembly: Slowly and evenly loosen the spring compressor until the spring is fully seated against the new strut mounts and the lower spring perch. Remove the compressor. The complete strut mount replacement for this assembly is now done. Carefully guide the strut assembly back into the wheel well.
Reassemble and Finalize: From inside the engine bay, install the new nuts on the strut tower studs to secure the new strut mounts. Tighten them to the specified torque. Reconnect the strut to the steering knuckle, reattach the sway bar link, and secure any brake or sensor lines. Reinstall the wheel, hand-tightening the lug nuts.
Lower the Vehicle and Torque: Lower the vehicle off the jack stands. With the full weight of the car on the ground, use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specification in a star pattern.
Get a Wheel Alignment: A strut mount replacement will always affect your vehicle's alignment. It is essential to get a professional wheel alignment done immediately after the job to ensure proper handling and prevent premature tire wear.
While you can technically drive with a bad strut mount for a short time, it is not recommended. A failing strut mount compromises your vehicle's handling, braking, and stability. Continuing to drive can lead to accelerated wear on other suspension components, including tires and the strut itself, making the eventual repair more expensive. A worn strut mount bearing can also make steering difficult and unpredictable.
The cost of a strut mount replacement varies depending on the vehicle make and model, labor rates in your area, and whether you do the work yourself. Parts, including new strut mounts and a strut mount bearing, can range from $50 to $200 per side. If you have a professional perform the work, you can expect to pay an additional $200 to $400 in labor per side, plus the cost of a wheel alignment.
Yes, it is highly recommended to replace strut mounts in pairs (both front or both rear). Suspension components wear at a similar rate. If one strut mount has failed, the other is likely not far behind. Replacing both ensures balanced handling and performance across the axle. Performing a dual strut mount replacement saves you from having to do the same job again in the near future.
Absolutely. The strut mount bearing is a critical component that allows the strut to pivot as you steer. Most quality strut mounts come as a kit that includes a new bearing. Even if it is sold separately, replacing the strut mount bearing during a strut mount replacement is essential for restoring smooth steering and preventing premature failure of the new mount.
The reliability of your suspension repair depends heavily on the quality of the parts you use. For a durable and effective strut mount replacement, you need components that meet or exceed OEM specifications. Poorly made strut mounts can fail quickly, forcing you to repeat this labor-intensive job.
When it's time for a strut mount replacement, trust Condragon Parts to deliver the performance and longevity you need. We specialize in high-quality suspension components, including robust strut mounts and reliable strut mount bearing kits designed for a perfect fit and lasting durability. Our commitment to excellence ensures your vehicle will handle like new again.
For inquiries about our superior strut mounts or to place an order, contact our team.
Email: manager@condragonparts.com
Phone: +86 750 2859 838
