Grease for strut mounts

[inquirer]

Do these strut mounts with this plastic ring (I'm no sure if this ring is even called a bearing) need grease or not? And if yes, where exactly? Only between the plastic ring and the mount or both sides of the plastic ring?

And my last question: Any specific type of grease suggested?

 

[Kira]

I'm not familiar with that particular part but I'd guess some grease was added to the raceway; right onto the ball bearings themselves.
I'm guessing the large washer is just a dirt shield.
I had my old ones in my hand during a strut change and while they rolled smoothly we shot a clear, silicone based grease into the race ways.
I don't think the type of grease matters as the duty of these bearings is slow and easy.

 

[Trav]

The plastic ring is a strut bearing, it needs nothing additional. In fact additional grease in that area could retain grit and cause wear.
Don't open/separate the bearing halves, it uses a seal.

 

[inquirer]

Originally Posted By: Trav
The plastic ring is a strut bearing, it needs nothing additional. In fact additional grease in that area could retain grit and cause wear.
Don't open/separate the bearing halves, it uses a seal.


Don't open what exactly?

The plastic gray ring is a one piece thing. The black metallic part with the bolts looks separable and has rubber inside the two metallic faces. Is that what you call "bearing halves"?

 

[Trav]

I said the plastic part is a bearing. Don't try and open it to add additional grease.

 

[inquirer]

Originally Posted By: Trav
I said the plastic part is a bearing. Don't try and open it to add additional grease.


Then I have to look again, because I had the impression that the plastic part was a one piece thing.

If I get it right and the moving parts are inside the plastic ring, then there is no reason to use grease on the outside faces of it, between the ring and the rubber of the metallic base or on the bottom side of the plastic ring.

 

[inquirer]

@Trav

I just had a look and of course you are 100% right. The plastic ring is a bearing and you can roll the two sides of it.

 

[Trav]

Sounds like your all set to put it together.

 

[The Critic]

The factory-installed Toyota mounts will have a semi-tacky white grease on both external sides of the strut mount bearing. Yes, the external sides. The service manual does not make any recommendation to apply grease. On the ones that I do, I apply 3M Silicone Paste (or similar) to both sides of the bearing before installing it onto the strut mount.

 

[Trav]

Most cars are free from grease anywhere near the outside of the bearing for the reason I posted, it attracts grit. On the other hand a little silicone past may prevent water getting near the actual seal.
Six of one half a dozen of the other I guess, I cant see it making any difference either way.

 

[inquirer]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
The factory-installed Toyota mounts will have a semi-tacky white grease on both external sides of the strut mount bearing. Yes, the external sides. The service manual does not make any recommendation to apply grease. On the ones that I do, I apply 3M Silicone Paste (or similar) to both sides of the bearing before installing it onto the strut mount.


What do you think is the purpose of it? Probably no to reduce friction...
I would get it if they had applied it on the rubber part of the mount for protection reasons.

 

[inquirer]

I changed the mounts at a garage, but I used the old bearings, which had grease by the way. The new bearings were not fitting properly in the mount and there was a little play, so the technician suggested to use the old ones which were still in great shape.

I'm amazed though to see KYB strut mounts have an imperfection.