9 Symptoms of a Faulty Strut Mount
A vehicle has a lot of moving parts. While driving, your car is constantly shaking due to shocks from the road surface.
So why don’t we notice every bump and noise? This is because of your suspension. Suspension helps protect you from vibrations and noises, and strut mounts play a big role in this. However, strut bearings don’t typically last forever.
Fortunately, in most cases, a faulty strut bearing is easy to diagnose based on the symptoms. Read on to learn what to look out for and find out the average cost of a replacement if one occurs.
What are strut bearings?
Struts are simple parts that mount your suspension and keep it in place. One end is bolted to the body of the car, and the other end is bolted to the strut assembly. The bracket is a critical part of the suspension system.
The strut mount or strut plate holds the suspension securely in place. Some mounts also have strut bearings or plates that allow the steering to rotate.
9 Most Common Symptoms of Defective Strut Mounts
1) Noisy strut mounts
Are you hearing a rattling sound like metal on metal? This is probably because the rubber in the mount has dissolved and can no longer form a barrier between the mount and the strut mount itself.
2) Vibrations that aren’t as good
If you feel your teeth chattering while driving, your suspension needs repair. First, inspect the strut upper mounts and assess their condition. Generally, the vibrations will be much stronger than usual. 3) Steering problems
Steering problems mean that the steering is too stiff, too loose, or noisy. None of this is healthy.
4) Tire alignment problems
Do you feel like your car is pulling to one side? Take this test to find out. Drive along a long, straight road when there’s not much traffic. Drive as you normally would. Take your hands off the wheel when you enter the straight.
If there’s a problem with the suspension (probably the strut mounts), tires, or brakes, the car might pull to the side that’s functioning properly. Check the strut mount or other components in this corner to confirm the problem.
5) Tire Wear
You should also check the condition of your tires for wear. Are they evenly worn? If not, it may indicate that the corresponding strut mount needs to be replaced. Symptoms 6 through 9 below are visual inspections that should be performed.
6) Excessive Movement
Open the hood and find the bracket. Push the car and see what happens. Does the mount move a lot? It’s normal for her to move a little, but if she moves too much I’m concerned.
7) Component Damage
The bracket holds the strut in place. If the bracket breaks, the strut won’t be held in place – it could hit other parts and break. You’ll also notice that you have to tighten components in your car more often than usual.
8) Rubber in poor condition
Look at the rubber on the inside of the mount. This should be possible without removing the screws. If it is peeling or cracking, it’s time to replace it.
9) Corrosion
Corrosion on these parts means they are beyond their limits. You can hope that everything will be fine and the support will hold, but are you really going to risk the safety of your family?