QA

How To Replace Strut Bearing

How much is it to replace a strut bearing?

The average cost for strut bearing replacement is between $219 and $267. Labor costs are estimated between $182 and $229 while parts are priced at $38. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

How do I know if my strut bearings are bad?

A loud bang when driving over a pothole or a moderate bang when driving over bumps on the road may indicate a defective strut mount bearing. The steering is heavier, works sometimes even jerky; it has more play than usual or reacts with a delay on steering movements.

How long does it take to replace a strut bearing?

These assemblies allow you to replace both of your front struts yourself in less than two hours. You’ll have to get an alignment done afterward (about $100), but you’ll still save about $300 by doing the job yourself.

Can you lubricate a strut bearing?

yes you can lubricate the strut bearing from the top. you lift the little rubber gasket with a small thin screwdriver and you can fit the straw in there from an aerosol can of lithium grease, do it in three or four different places.

How do you check strut bearings?

Strut mount inspection should start with a road test checking for unusual noise, pulling, or steering binding. With the vehicle in the shop and the weight on the wheels, rotate the steering wheel from stop to stop while listening for noises or binding. Noise or binding could indicate a defective bearing.

Where are strut bearings located?

The suspension strut bearing is usually mounted at the top of the shock absorber, between the shock-absorber spring and the car body. It allows torsional movement of the shock absorber with low friction and has a positive influence on the steering characteristics of the vehicle.

Do strut mounts come with bearings?

Many front strut mounts also contain a bearing which acts as a steering pivot – so as you turn the steering wheel from left to right and vice versa, the strut pivots on the strut mount, controlling the angle and alignment of the wheels.

Do you need an alignment after replacing strut mounts?

Strut suspension usually has the shock absorber and the spring in one unit, with the top of the strut mounted very high in the car body and the bottom of the strut attached to the lower control arm. This lowers the vehicle center of gravity, which is a good thing. Replacing those struts requires no alignment.

Should I replace strut mounts when replacing struts?

It’s not necessary to replace both strut mounts at the same time, but if one is bad, the other one might be worn out too. If struts are replaced for other reasons and strut mounts show some wear or are known to fail in this vehicle, it makes sense to replace them at the same time.

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.

What can loose strut bearings cause?

When they do, they often make knocking or clunking noises over bumps or in turns, or the steering becomes stiff or snaps back toward center when the driver lets go of the steering wheel. Bad strut bearings can also cause alignment issues and uneven tire wear.

What sound does a bad 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. Most front strut assemblies also have a bearing at the top.

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 does a bad strut bearing sound like?

Here are some of the warning signs of bad strut bearings; Knocking, banging, clunking, rattling, squeaking, creaking, or popping noises, during low-speed steering moves or when hitting bumps. Excessive vibration through the suspension or steering. Stiff, heavy, jerky, hard, or binding steering.