The suspension system in a vehicle consists of parts that make the ride pleasant and comfortable. If the ride isn’t comfortable, it’s likely that you have a faulty part of the system. Knowing the symptoms of a bad strut mount is useful for this reason.
In this guide, we will describe symptoms you may notice with a bad strut mount, its function and location, how to check for it, and the average cost of replacing a bad strut mount. Lastly, we aim to answer some frequently asked questions about strut mounts.
Symptoms Of A Bad Strut Mount
Bad strut mounts typically squeak when turning, but also can exhibit the following: odd noises, bad tire wear, vibrating, hard steering, and bad handling.
Here are some insights:
#1. Noise When Turning (Front Strut Mounts).
While turning, you may notice some funny sounding noises coming from the front strut mounts. It may sound like a squeak when you turn to the right or to the left. Typically, it’s worst when you are going slower.
Squeaking while turning is not solely indicative of a bad strut mount or cushion. Other failures of suspension parts can also cause this issue. That’s you should conduct the inspection below in our article.
#2. Other Noises.
Noises can also be produced without any steering. If you hear squeaking or clunking noises while driving over a bump, you may have a bad mount.
This noise can occur when the metal components are hitting one another minimally because they have little insulation, however other failing suspension parts can also produce noises.
#3. Uneven Tire Wear.
Problems with the suspension will create uneven tire tread wear. The same problems may be occurring if you have a strut mount in need of replacement.
When a damaged strut mount starts to move and wobble, it cannot keep the wheels aligned. As the wheels drag along the pavement in an unusual way, you’ll notice strange patterns in the tread.
If you don’t have this problem fixed, get a wheel alignment, and rotate tires, you could very well need new tires sooner than expected.
The great thing about tire wear is that it often tells a story. For instance, excessive inner or outer tread wear and cupping can all indicate a bad suspension. If you are inspecting the tires regularly, you will catch the problem early in the process, and before it wears more than it probably should.
#4. Vibration.
Strut mounts help insulate the suspension. They connect the strut to the chassis however they are not intended to rub against each other. When the insulation wears down, the parts will rub together, and you will feel some vibrations as a result.
You may confuse this vibration with what you feel with the alignment of the wheels. That’s why your initial inspection must be thorough.
#5. Steering Trouble.
The front strut mounts affect the steering system. The bearing of the upper strut mount works as a pivot to steer as well.
When it fails, there won’t be smooth steering performance, and a delayed response time may be noticed from the malfunctioning components. You rely on your ability to steer, so potential danger increases without being able to steer how you want.
#6. Poor Handling.
The strut mount may be bad, which can lead to poor wheel alignment with both caster measurement and camber suffering. This change comes from the geometry changes in the bad mount.
You may notice more bounce over a bump, or it may also be hard to control, especially when you combine poor alignment with poor steering. At the same time, may symptoms are also symptoms of bad suspension parts, so you will need to check the entire suspension system.
What’s The Function Of A Strut Mount?
Strut mounts are how the upper part of the strut attaches to the vehicle’s chassis. There are no lower strut mounts as the bottom of the strut attaches directly to the knuckle.
The purpose of the upper strut is to separate the vibrations from the suspension. It also helps dampen road noise, and a functioning strut mount will provide the driver with increased comfort and less abruptness over bumps and uneven roads.
Most front strut mounts are equipped with bearings, which are needed for pivoting when steering.
Where Are The Strut Mounts Located?
The strut mount connects the strut to the vehicle’s chassis. It is located at the top of the strut, the front struts connect to the steering knuckle while the rear connects to the wheel hub.
Some front strut mounts contain a bearing or bearing plate to help the steering pivot, making it a strut mount and steering component.
There is some rubber inside the strut mount to act as insulator. The rubber is important to reduce vibration and road noise.
How Do You Inspect A Strut Mount?
Even if you don’t have much experience, checking a strut mount is simple. Just remember to check all of the suspension at the same service for the best comfort while you’re driving.
Here are a couple of basic principles we use in the shop as technicians.
- Take the vehicle for a test drive. Pay attention to the noises made when you turn the steering wheel, the binding of the steering wheel, and what sounds it makes when you go over bumps.
- Visually check the strut mounts for any cracks. If there are cracks or defects, the mount needs to be serviced.
- Check that the strut mounting nut is tight. If the nut is loose, you will want to tighten it.
- Lift the vehicle off the ground. We do not want any weight on the vehicle. Secure the car on jack stands.
- Have a person listen to the struts while you turn the steering wheel side to side.
- Grab the springs near the top and shake the strut. If there is movement, you may have a bad strut mount.
If you’re unsure what you’re looking for, or how to evaluate the strut mounts, you need to schedule an appointment at a local shop. You can ask family or friends for recommendations, or read a few trusted reviews of local shops online.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Bad Strut Mount?
Parts can run anywhere from $10 to $400 per strut mount, depending on the vehicle, whether you want aftermarket or OEM parts.
If you replace the bad strut mount yourself, then it’s just the cost of parts. If not, you will have to pay for labor, which varies by region.
Most professionals agree it’s better to replace strut mounts in pairs, considering they both have the same number of miles on them, it is likely similar in condition.
If the matching pair has not failed already, it probably will soon. Replacing both mounts will ensure that suspension on the axle is equal, ultimately keeping the ride height stable and improving handling.
Additionally, once you have had your strut mounts replaced, and you should schedule a wheel alignment, for $50 to $150, as well as rotate tires if your tires are worn. You are looking at another $50 or so.
The worst case is that you may need some tires replaced if they are already worn out. In that case, you could be looking at a larger repair cost.
Can you drive with a bad strut mount?
You can drive with a bad strut mount, but you shouldn’t. Not only can the handling be faulty and harder to control, but you’re also adding to the wear of the suspension and tires. If you neglect the bad mounts, you could be facing higher repair bills.
Do bad strut mounts make noise?
Yes. Bad strut mounts can squeak or clunk. You may hear these noises when you go over bumps. Bad strut mounts can also emanate noises when turning — especially the front mounts, because they can be a pivot point for the steering. These noises can be heard mostly at lower speeds.
What causes strut mounts to fail?
Strut mounts are supposed to last a while but can go bad when they get old. Strut mounts take a lot of stress and that’s why they just go bad from wear. If the vehicle has been in an accident or hit a bump at a higher speed, there may be some damage from the impact.
What does a bad strut mount sound like?
Bad strut mounts can create clunking or squeaking noises usually when you’re going over a bump or pothole or uneven road.
If the front strut mounts are bad, you will hear noise while turning, as well, if those mounts serve as pivot points for the steering. Most noise from the front suspension mounts is heard at lower speeds.
How many miles should strut mounts last?
Strut mounts should last the life of the vehicle. If they fail, it shouldn’t be for at least ten years unless there is some type of contamination that would cause the strut mounts to rust away.
Strut mounts can be visually inspected during a standard suspension inspection to ensure that they are not failing prematurely.
Strut mounts are not the most glamorous part of the suspension system, but they are required. Without strut mounts, there would be metal on metal, which would be an undesirable ride.
For these reasons, it is important to check that the strut mounts are in good shape. Letting the strut mounts wear down will hinder the ride and can cause uneven tire tread wear.
Our suggestion is to always check the strut mounts with regular suspension inspections. Catching issues before they cause a breakdown can save you lots of pain and money. Just mark your calendars to check your strut mounts as regularly as the manufacturer recommends.