Strut mount

[supton]

I believe there is a bearing at the top of the strut, I think it allows the strut to rotate during turning (never took one apart to see what it looks like). Our new-to-us CRV had a strut replaced by the dealer, but I think the other side has a bad bearing--there is a rattle. Why the dealer only did one is beyond me... after 17 years and 160k IMO it should have been done in pairs (replaced before we got it). I haven't gone looking for other causes but it reminds me of when my Camry had a bad mount, just not as bad, but the same kind of rattle.

Speaking of which, the Camry will make a popping noise on some turns, like a bad bearing in the strut. Being Monroe QS's that are 4 years and 80k old I'm open to the idea.

Anyhow, the question isn't so much diagnosis as it is "what's the impact of ignoring a bad strut mount"? With COVID I'm doing like 10 miles a week on either vehicle. I've never heard of one of these bearings freezing up, just getting real noisy, to the point of driving one nuts. I'm guessing at some point it will impact the alignment?

 

[Astro14]

There is a bearing at the top of every Macpherson strut. There is usually a second part, made of rubber, that is a spring seat and into which the strut shaft is bolted. They can be the same part, depends... anyway that spring seat rotates in the bearing plate.

Usually the rubber spring seat fails, but since they’re together, and you have to compress the spring to get it all apart, you do the bearing, too, if it’s separate.

 

[The Critic]

Mainly noise and binding during steering.

This is an aftermarket strut mount that was under 2 years old. I’m 90% sure it was a KYB, but I don’t remember anymore. The rubber fully separated from the mounting plate. Seems like the adhesive failed. I haven’t had much luck with aftermarket mounts so I usually leave the mounts alone during strut replacement unless there is a problem.

 

[supton]

I don't seem to have any binding. Maybe I can spray something up in there to eek out some more life?

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Strut mounts rust really bad. So if you live where there is rust, you must replace them. Quick struts are awesome. KYB makes quick struts for your CR-V, and there is a $75 rebate on the set of 4.

I found this pic of a rusted strut mount

 

[cb_13]

I see way more failed strut mount bearings than I do struts. That's what I like about installing quick struts, they come with a new mount.

 

[The Critic]

I see way more failed strut mount bearings than I do struts. That's what I like about installing quick struts, they come with a new mount.

I probably see it 20% of the time. Perhaps it is a geographical difference due to rust?

For me, boots get replaced with struts. Mounts and bearings usually get reused.

I think I see more failures from control arm bushings than struts. Many strut replacements are sold when there are other items that can also be responsible for poor ride quality.

 

[willbur]

Mainly noise and binding during steering.

This is an aftermarket strut mount that was under 2 years old. I’m 90% sure it was a KYB, but I don’t remember anymore. The rubber fully separated from the mounting plate. Seems like the adhesive failed. I haven’t had much luck with aftermarket mounts so I usually leave the mounts alone during strut replacement unless there is a problem.

Is your car a Honda? KYB did have a problem with Honda mounts made in their India plant. What their tech ppl told me.

 

[mk378]

If you can get it to make the noise with the car sitting still, have someone turn the wheel while you are outside to listen and locate which part it is.

 

[The Critic]

Is your car a Honda? KYB did have a problem with Honda mounts made in their India plant. What their tech ppl told me.

Nope- Infiniti I30

 

[cb_13]

I probably see it 20% of the time. Perhaps it is a geographical difference due to rust?

For me, boots get replaced with struts. Mounts and bearings usually get reused.

I think I see more failures from control arm bushings than struts. Many strut replacements are sold when there are other items that can also be responsible for poor ride quality.

I would believe rust or just the crappy roads around here in general. I don't see ball joints last long enough for a control arm bushing to fail most of the time.