Suspension Strut Mount Repair Costs
Front Strut Mount Replacement (Single Side)
Labor Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Labor Cost: $187.50 - $250.00
Parts Cost: $45 - $120
Total Estimated Cost: $232.50 - $370.00
Front Strut Mount Replacement (Both Sides)
Labor Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Labor Cost: $312.50 - $375.00
Parts Cost: $90 - $240
Total Estimated Cost: $402.50 - $615.00
Rear Strut Mount Replacement (Single Side)
Labor Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Labor Cost: $125 - $187.50
Parts Cost: $35 - $95
Total Estimated Cost: $160 - $282.50
Rear Strut Mount Replacement (Both Sides)
Labor Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Labor Cost: $250 - $312.50
Parts Cost: $70 - $190
Total Estimated Cost: $320 - $502.50
Note: These are estimated costs and may vary depending on your vehicle's make, model, and year. Luxury and high-performance vehicles typically fall on the higher end of the price range. Additional costs may apply if related components need replacement.
What's Included:
- Professional diagnosis
- Removal of old strut mount
- Installation of new strut mount
- Alignment check
- Road test to ensure proper installation
Suspension Strut Mount Replacement Procedure
Here's a step-by-step guide to replacing suspension strut mounts:
Preparation
1. Safety First:Park the vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and use wheel chocks.
2. Lift Vehicle:Raise the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
3. Remove Wheel:Remove the wheel on the side where you're replacing the strut mount.
Removal Process
4. Support the Strut Assembly:Use a floor jack or strut spring compressor to support the weight of the suspension.
5. Disconnect Components:
- Disconnect brake line brackets (if present)
- Remove ABS sensor wiring (if applicable)
- Detach sway bar links
6. Remove Upper Mount Bolts:Access through the engine bay/trunk and remove the upper strut mount nuts.
7. Compress the Spring:Using a proper spring compressor, carefully compress the coil spring to relieve tension.
8. Separate Components:Remove the center nut and separate the strut mount from the assembly.
Installation
9. Install New Mount:
- Place the new strut mount in position
- Ensure correct orientation
- Install new bearing if included
10. Reassembly:
- Reassemble the strut assembly with the new mount
- Torque the center nut to manufacturer specifications
- Carefully release the spring compressor
11. Reinstallation:
- Reposition the strut assembly into the vehicle
- Install upper mounting nuts
- Reconnect all previously removed components
Final Steps
12. Complete Installation:
- Reinstall the wheel
- Lower vehicle from jack stands
- Torque wheel nuts to specification
13. Testing:Test drive the vehicle to ensure proper installation and no unusual noises.
Important Notes:
- Always refer to vehicle-specific service manual
- Use proper spring compression tools
- Replace both sides if recommended by manufacturer
- Alignment is typically required after replacement
Note: This procedure may vary depending on vehicle make and model. Professional installation is recommended for safety and proper functionality.
Understanding Suspension Strut Mounts
ASuspension Strut Mount, also known as a strut bearing or strut top mount, is a crucial component that connects your vehicle's strut assembly to the chassis. It serves as a pivot point that allows your steering system to turn the wheels while maintaining suspension support.
What Does a Suspension Strut Mount Do
The strut mount performs several essential functions:
- Provides Smooth Steering:It allows the strut to rotate smoothly when you turn the steering wheel, ensuring fluid steering movement.
- Absorbs Vibrations:Contains rubber bushings that help dampen road vibrations and noise from reaching the vehicle cabin.
- Supports Weight:Bears the vehicle's weight while allowing necessary suspension movement.
- Maintains Alignment:Helps maintain proper wheel alignment and suspension geometry.
A properly functioning strut mount is essential for:
- Comfortable ride quality
- Precise steering control
- Reduced noise and vibration
- Extended life of other suspension components
Warning Signs of Failing Strut Mounts:
- Clunking or knocking noises when turning or driving over bumps
- Steering wheel vibration
- Irregular tire wear
- Poor steering return after turns
Regular inspection and timely replacement of worn strut mounts can prevent more expensive repairs and ensure optimal vehicle performance and safety.
Common Failure Symptoms of Suspension Strut Mounts: Warning Signs to Watch For
Signs of Suspension Strut Mount Failure & Maintenance Guide
Common Signs of Strut Mount Failure:
Knocking or Clunking Noises
If you hear knocking sounds when driving over bumps or during steering, this could indicate worn strut mounts. The noise is particularly noticeable when turning at low speeds or driving over speed bumps.
Steering Wheel Vibration
Excessive vibration in the steering wheel, especially during turns, often indicates deteriorating strut mounts. This can also cause steering wheel shimmy at higher speeds.
Irregular Tire Wear
Failed strut mounts can cause misalignment, leading to uneven tire wear patterns. Regular tire inspections can help catch this early.
Poor Handling
If your vehicle feels loose during cornering or seems to wander on straight roads, worn strut mounts might be the culprit.
Maintenance Schedule:
Inspection Intervals
• Visual inspection every 50,000 miles
• Physical inspection during alignment service
• Check whenever suspension work is performed
Replacement Guidelines
• Typically needed between 50,000-100,000 miles
• Should be replaced in pairs for even performance
• Always replace when installing new struts
Preventive Maintenance
Regular inspection of rubber components for cracking, deterioration, or separation from metal parts can help prevent complete failure and more expensive repairs.
Important Note: Driving with failed strut mounts can lead to unsafe conditions and additional damage to other suspension components. If you notice any of these symptoms, we recommend having your vehicle inspected by a qualified technician.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
