What do strut mounts do?
In a vehicle, a strut is a shock absorber that contains both a coil spring and a top mount, known as the strut mount. The strut mount is the component that connects the strut to the 
vehicle’s body. A lot of the time, you can find the front top strut mounts under the bonnet.
Strut mounts have a few roles:
- They have to keep the struts from moving around and absorb some of the shocks from the bumps on the road.
- Some front strut mounts are designed to rotate along with the wheels turning left or right, using strut mount bearings.
- It has to be able to insulate the noise and vibrations coming from the road, or else they will be felt through the body of the vehicle.
Learn more about when shock absorbers here
When should strut mounts be replaced?
Strut mounts should be replaced when they show signs of wear, damage, or if they are causing issues with the vehicle’s suspension system. Here are some common indicators that it may be time to replace strut mounts:
- Excessive Noise: If you hear clunking, knocking, or rattling noises coming from the front suspension area, it could be a sign of worn or damaged strut mounts. The mounts may have deteriorated or developed play, causing the noise when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces.
- Suspension Performance Issues: Worn or faulty strut mounts can affect the overall performance of the suspension system. You may notice increased body roll, a bouncy or harsh ride, or instability during turns. If you experience a decline in ride comfort or handling, it could indicate worn strut mounts.
- Suspension Component Replacement: If other suspension components, such as struts or coil springs, are being replaced due to wear or failure, it is advisable to also replace the strut mounts. This helps ensure proper compatibility and optimal performance of the entire suspension system.
- Visible Damage or Wear: Inspect the strut mounts for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, tears, or deformities. Also, check for signs of excessive wear, including worn rubber or loose components. If any significant damage or wear is present, replacement is recommended.
- Mileage and Age: Consider the mileage and age of the vehicle when evaluating the condition of the strut mounts. Over time, the rubber components in the mounts can deteriorate, leading to reduced performance and potential failure. If the vehicle has reached high mileage or the strut mounts are approaching their expected lifespan, replacement may be necessary.
- Wheel Alignment Issues: Misaligned wheels or uneven tire wear can sometimes be attributed to worn or damaged strut mounts. If you notice irregular tire wear patterns or have difficulty maintaining proper wheel alignment, it’s worth inspecting the strut mounts as a potential contributing factor.
- Failed WOF: If you fail a Warrant of Fitness due to strut mounts, they may need replacement.
Due to the fact that the top strut mounts endure roughly the same conditions, it’s likely that if one is damaged or worn, then the other will be too. Therefore it is advised to replace the top strut mounts on both sides of the vehicle. This will make sure that their performance is even across the axle, which will allow the ride height to be balanced and the steering and handling to be equally responsive. An imbalance could cause an impact on the vehicle’s handling.
Learn more about struts and their design here
Why should they be replaced?
Leaving the damaged or worn strut mounts alone will mean that the material that insulates the vibrations and noise will be less dense. This means the vibrations and noise will seep through into the vehicle. They could also cause other parts of the steering and suspensions systems, such as tyres and shock absorbers, to wear faster than normal, causing more repairs to be necessary quicker.
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Strut mount replacement in Hamilton
Are you able to hear strange noises coming from your vehicle, especially over bumps or when steering? If so, we can help!
At Grimmer Motors, our team of skilled mechanics can tell you if the strut mounts need to be replaced, and if they do, we can do it for you.
For strut mount replacements in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!