What A Suspension Strut Mount Does
A strut mount connects the strut assembly to the vehicle body and helps support the suspension attachment. On many front strut designs, an upper bearing also permits the assembly to rotate as the wheels steer. The bearing and mount may be separate parts or supplied together.
A-Premium offers mounts for selected front and rear positions, including single pieces and pairs. One listed front set specifies both mounts and bearings; check the contents for the application being repaired.
Choosing A Strut Mount Or Mount Kit
Match the vehicle, front or rear position, mounting arrangement and suspension equipment. Some product notes distinguish conventional and air-suspension applications. A part for one configuration should not be selected solely because the upper plate looks similar.
A mount kit is different from a complete strut assembly, which can include a strut, coil spring and upper mount. Identify the worn components and read the selected package to determine whether a bearing, fasteners or other parts are supplied.
Strut Mount Noise And Service
Clunking over bumps or noise while steering can involve the mount, bearing or mounting hardware, but other suspension parts can produce similar sounds. Inspect the attachment and bearing along with the rest of the suspension before selecting parts.
Replacing a mount on a coil-spring strut may require disassembling a spring under substantial load. Use the correct equipment and vehicle-specific service procedure. The repair may also require an alignment check.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does every strut mount include a bearing?
Package contents differ. One listed A-Premium front pair explicitly includes mounts and bearings; other products need their own contents checked. A bearing is relevant on designs where the strut must rotate for steering.
Can a worn strut mount cause noise when turning?
A worn or binding upper bearing can contribute to turning noise on a strut design that uses one. Other steering and suspension components can make similar sounds, so inspect the bearing and the rest of the system before attributing the noise to one part.
Is oil leaking from a strut usually a mount-bearing leak?
The strut damper and the upper mount are different components. Fluid on a strut can be associated with the damper or another source; inspect the leak instead of assuming that a mount bearing is leaking fluid.
Must a strut mount be replaced whenever the strut is replaced?
Inspect the existing mount and bearing when the strut is serviced, and replace worn or damaged parts. A complete preassembled strut may already include a new mount, while a bare strut can require transfer of serviceable components.
Should wheel alignment be checked after a strut mount repair?
Strut removal can affect alignment on some vehicles. Follow the vehicle's service requirements and have alignment checked when the repair procedure calls for it, especially if steering or tire wear was already abnormal.
