Car strut mount rear and front

Strut bearing connects the damper strut to the car body. In case of the direct connection with the car body damper strut would not be able to rotate and change the angle, but it is possible due to the bearing. As a rule, strut bearings are installed only on the front axle. For the rear axle thrust bearings are enough. Depending on the design some vehicles are equipped with an additional vibration absorption system. Commonly used materials are metal and rubber.

If the strut bearing is worn, it must be replaced. It also can fail as a result of an accident. Squeak when turning the steering wheel indicates about faulty bearing. Since the strut bearing provides comfort and safety, do not delay its repair. Repair should be done in the auto repair shop. First, remove the wheels. Then unscrew the damper strut, as the bearing is on top. It is not difficult to do, but requires experience and special tools.

In older cars strut bearings can fail because of wear, but more often it happens because of mechanical shock. Many drivers are scared with the strange noise that occurs when turning the steering wheel. As a rule, they speed way to a service centre. Only in exceptional cases faulty bearing as a threat for safety. In our Internet store you can order damper struts, wheel bearing, window lifters, rear view mirrors, brake disks, camshaft, and many others. You should definitely have a look at our wide assortment.

How to identify a faulty shock absorber strut mount

You can perform primary diagnostics of the shock absorber strut mount yourself. To do this, try to rock the vehicle by leaning on the hood. If the component is faulty, free play will be detected. In addition, you will have to inspect the mount. When doing this, pay attention to the condition of the rubber part of the component. If it is shifted or damaged, the mount requires replacement.

You may notice that the shock absorber strut mount requires diagnostics by the following symptoms:

• knocking or rattling sound is heard when driving (although this may indicate, for example, wear of the shock absorber bush);
• deteriorated vehicle steerability;
• vibration is felt while driving;
• squeaks are heard when turning the steering wheel;
• loosened connection between the shock absorber and the chassis.

If you find any of these symptoms, seek help of specialists at a service station for more accurate diagnostics of the entire running gear on a test bench. The fact is that similar manifestations can accompany malfunctions of other components, e.g., bushes of the shock absorbers. Routine examination should be performed once in 1.5–2 years.

The reasons of shock absorber strut mount malfunctions

Premature strut mount failure may be the result of its fouling, corrosion, or poor quality. The service life of the component is also reduced due to the use of the vehicle on poor quality roads, temperature changes, frequent driving at high speed. These factors affect the condition of both the rubber part of the strut mount, and the strut mount bearing and fasteners.

Replacing the shock absorber strut mount

If a faulty strut mount is detected, it should be promptly replaced. Otherwise, it will result in the shock absorber failure, which will require costly repairs.

The component will require replacement if the rubber elements are worn or the roller bearing is faulty.

Often shock struts are replaced with the use of a repair kit. It may include:

• the rubber part of the mount;
• the bearing;
• the dust boot;
• the oil seal;
• bolts;
• nuts;
• the shock absorber bush.

Replacement of the component typically includes the following steps:

1. Unscrew the top rod of the shock absorber.
2. Loosen the wheel bolts.
3. Lift the vehicle with a jack and secure it with additional wheel chocks.
4. Remove the wheel.
5. Dismantle the shock strut.
6. Compress the strut spring with a special spring compressor.
7. Remove the faulty mount.
8. Clean dirt from the component seat, remove corrosion if necessary.
9. Install a new component.
10. Without removing the spring compressor, assemble the strut and install it in place.
11.  Install the rod into the hole in the strut mount.
12.  Tighten the fastening nuts with a torque wrench.
13.  Remove the strut spring compressor.
14.  Lower the vehicle.

Keep in mind that unassisted replacement of the shock absorber strut mount is only possible if you have experience in performing such work. Please take into account that the procedure may vary depending on whether it is the front or the rear suspension where the component is to be replaced, and on the vehicle model. Therefore, before starting the work, read the documentation of your vehicle.