QA

How To Change Strut Mounts

Can I just replace strut mount?

In some cars, a strut bearing comes with a strut mount as one unit; in other cars, it can be replaced separately, although the labor is the same. Strut mounts are also replaced if they show excessive corrosion or if the visible rubber part looks ripped or badly worn.

When should I replace my strut mounts?

When to replace them? A simple rule of thumb is that if the struts or coil springs are being replaced because of age or wear, then also replace the mounts. A worn or damaged mount can cause a variety of symptoms so they should be inspected by a qualified technician.

How do you tell if you have a bad strut mount?

Signs of a Bad Strut Mount Weird Noises. If you hear clunking or squeaking coming from the suspension system while driving, this could mean the mount has worn out. Uneven Tire Wear. Excessive Vibration. Steering Issues. Corrosion. Worn Rubber. Excessive Movement. Worn Struts.

How much does it cost to replace strut mounts?

Replacing a strut mount will cost you somewhere in the range of $120 to $250 total (parts & labor). The strut mount itself will only cost around $40 to $100 in parts.

Can you drive with a broken strut mount?

No. It needs to be repaired as soon as possible. A strut works by absorbing the bounce of your car driving over bumps in the road. Driving with a broken strut will be extremely uncomfortable for you and your passengers, and is unsafe in an emergency.

What does a broken strut mount sound like?

The most common symptoms of a bad strut mount are squeaking noise when turning the steering wheel at low speeds or knocking, banging, clunking, or popping noises when hitting speed bumps or irregularities on the road.

How do I quiet noisy strut mounts?

Rubber Vibration Insulator The clunking noise you hear could be caused by the metal plates separating from the rubber. So the strut sounds like it is ‘bottoming out’ when one part hits the other. One of the best options to fix this problem is to pack Urethane Windshield Adhesive between the rubber and metal plates.

What does a broken strut sound like?

Bad strut sounds are usually described as a hollow clunking or banging type of sound. You’ll typically hear the noise when the vehicle is traveling over irregularities in the road. It’s also possible to get a bad strut mount sound—an audible clunking or creaking when turning the steering wheel.

Can strut mount cause clunking?

There is most likely nothing wrong with the replacement shock or strut, but a metallic clunking noise typically indicates loose or worn mounting hardware. A loose mount can allow movement between the bolt and attaching parts, while a mount that is worn can cause the shock/strut to move up and down.

How long can you drive with bad struts?

That depends. “Driving on rough or unpaved roads, towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads, can shorten their functional life,” says Reina. “With heavy use, you could be looking to replace them at 40,000 or 50,000 miles or sooner. Under normal conditions, 75,000 to 90,000 miles might be reasonable.”.

What happens if a strut mount breaks?

As well as affecting steering response and driver comfort, worn or damaged top strut mounts can have a knock-on effect on other parts of the steering and suspension system such as shock absorbers and tires, accelerating wear and causing unnecessary expense for the vehicle owner.

What happens if you don’t replace struts?

Safety: Worn struts result in longer stopping times and/or distances as the vehicle weight can shift (sometimes unexpectedly) during braking. Wear on other parts: Driving with bad struts accelerates the wear on tires, as well as other components of the suspension system, such as the springs.

How much is it to replace front struts?

To replace a pair of struts, the total cost on average is between $400 and $1000, including wheel alignment. An individual strut assembly costs approximately $150 to $350, while the labor cost is $100 to $300 for a pair.

What are 3 types of suspension?

There are three basic types of suspension components: linkages, springs, and shock absorbers. The linkages are the bars and brackets that support the wheels, springs and shock absorbers.

Can you drive on bad struts?

Is It Dangerous to Drive with Bad Struts? Yes, it’s dangerous to drive with bad shocks or struts. Fortunately, many signs indicate your car’s shocks and struts are malfunctioning, such as: Your car feels unstable, even if you are driving on a flat surface.

Can you spray wd40 on struts?

Petroleum-based lubricants include WD-40, Boeshield and a number of other sprays. Generously spray the lubricant into the bushing. You may have to open the hood and spray the top anchor point of the strut. With luck, the silicon or rubber lube will soak down into the bushing.