Whether or not you can replace strut mounts without also replacing the struts is a common question for car owners and mechanics. The short answer is yes, it is possible to replace just the strut mounts in many cases. However, there are some important factors to consider before deciding if replacing only the strut mounts is the best option.
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What are strut mounts?
Strut mounts are rubber and metal brackets that connect the top of the strut assembly to the vehicle’s body. They provide a cushion between the strut and the frame of the car. Strut mounts are designed to compress and rebound to absorb vibrations from the road surface as you drive.
Over time, the rubber in strut mounts can crack and deteriorate. This allows more road noise and vibration to transfer through the suspension and steering components. Worn strut mounts can also cause uneven tire wear, reduced steering precision, and compromised handling.
Can strut mounts be replaced without replacing struts?
In many cases, worn out strut mounts can be replaced without also needing to replace the strut itself. Strut mounts are generally less expensive than complete strut assemblies. So it can save money to just replace the mounts if the struts themselves are still in good condition.
There are a few factors that determine if strut mounts alone need replacement:
- Visible cracking or deterioration of the rubber isolator
- The strut rod is loose or has excessive play
- You hear knocking or clunking noises from the front suspension over bumps
- The vehicle wanders, has uneven tire wear, or poor handling
As long as the strut itself is not bent, cracked, or leaking, then the strut mount is likely the problem. Inspecting the struts can help determine if they need replacement as well.
When should struts and mounts both be replaced?
In some situations, the struts may be just as worn out as the mounts and will need to be replaced together. Signs that the struts themselves are bad and require replacement include:
- Oil staining on the strut rod from internal leaks
- Noisy operation over bumps
- The strut rod moves in and out of the mount when rocked by hand
- Bent or damaged strut housings
If the struts are original factory equipment and have over 50,000-75,000 miles, they may be just worn out from use. Ride quality and handling issues even after aligning the vehicle can indicate worn struts.
When damage or wear is found on the struts themselves, it is recommended to replace the strut along with the mount for the best performance. Installing new mounts on worn struts will not improve ride quality for long.
Can strut mounts be replaced without an alignment?
Replacing just the strut mounts does not require a wheel alignment afterwards in most vehicles. This is because the position and length of the steering and suspension components are not changed when only the mount is replaced.
However, an alignment is recommended if you are also replacing the struts themselves. Installing new struts can alter the alignment slightly even if the old control arms and tie rods are reused. Getting an alignment after new struts makes sure the wheels are properly aligned to avoid uneven tire wear.
Difficulty of replacing strut mounts
Replacing strut mounts is relatively straightforward in many vehicles once you have access to the engine bay and wheel well areas. Here are some guidelines on the process:
- Lift the vehicle and remove the wheel
- Remove any components blocking access to the top of the strut
- Support the knuckle/lower control arm to take weight off the strut
- Remove the nut at the top of the strut rod and detach it from the mount
- Remove the mounting bolts and replace the mount
- Reassemble in reverse order
Use a repair manual for the specific vehicle make and model for detailed procedures. Some strut mounts are more difficult to access depending on the vehicle. But in general, it takes 1-3 hours per pair of mounts for someone with automotive repair experience.
| Vehicle Make/Model | Difficulty Level | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | Easy | 1-2 hours |
| Ford F-150 | Medium | 2-3 hours |
| Honda Civic | Hard | 3+ hours |
The difficulty can go up significantly on some imports or vehicles with limited engine bay access. Trying to change mounts without removing the strut assembly can make the job much harder.
Cost to replace strut mounts
Having a repair shop replace strut mounts typically costs $150-300 for a pair if the struts themselves are in good shape. This includes parts and labor.
Strut mount prices range from around $25-70 each for economy to premium brands. So expect $50-140 or so for a full set of mounts. Labor takes 1-3 hours for both sides, with most shops charging $80-150 per hour.
If the struts also need replacement, then expect to pay $350-850 or more for parts and labor. Complete strut assemblies are more expensive than just the mounts. But replacing mounts and struts together prevents having to do the job twice.
When to replace strut mounts
Many manufacturers recommend inspecting strut mounts at 50,000 mile intervals as part of routine suspension inspection. However, the expected lifespan varies greatly depending on driving conditions and maintenance habits.
Signs of wear like cracked rubber, looseness, or clunking noises point to worn mounts that should be replaced. Anytime worn struts are being replaced is also a good opportunity to install new mounts as well.
For preventive maintenance, strut mounts should usually get attention between 50,000-100,000 miles. More frequent replacement may be needed on vehicles driven in harsh conditions or that exhibit signs of premature wear.
Conclusion
While it is possible to replace only strut mounts in many repairs, also evaluate the strut itself before deciding on just replacing mounts. Worn struts will require replacement as well for proper performance and ride quality. Consider replacement difficulty on your particular vehicle as well. Overall, addressing bad mounts and struts promptly helps restore suspension and steering function.