Parts for your 1987 Suzuki Swift-Strut mounts

1987 Suzuki Swift strut-mounts

Strut-mounts are absolutely relevant to the 1987 Suzuki Swift. Technical sources confirm the front suspension is a MacPherson strut design that uses an upper support/insulator and thrust bearing (commonly called a strut mount). That means the part is fitted on the front of the vehicle and does real work every drive.

Technical sources confirming fitment include:

• Suzuki SA310/SA413 (Swift/Cultus) Factory Service Manual – Front Suspension: MacPherson strut with upper support and bearing.
• Chilton/Haynes manuals covering Chevrolet Sprint/Geo Metro/Suzuki Swift (mid-80s to early-90s) – specifies front strut mount/insulator and bearing.
• Monroe and KYB Australasia catalogues – list front strut mount kits for 1986–1988 Swift/Cultus models.

On this Swift, the strut mount sits at the top of each front strut, bolting through the strut tower under the bonnet. It secures the strut to the body, houses a bearing so the strut can swivel with the steering, and isolates road harshness and vibration. When the rubber insulator perishes or the bearing gets notchy, the car can develop clunks over bumps, groans when turning, vague steering, or uneven tyre wear.

As part of servicing, it’s smart to have the strut mounts inspected whenever the front end is checked – say every 20,000–30,000 kilometres, or if there are noises over speed humps. Look for cracked rubber, rust around the tower, and any play when turning the steering at a standstill. If replacing front struts, doing the mounts and bearings at the same time saves labour and keeps the steering silky.

Replacement tips: always do them in pairs, use quality mounts with new bearings and hardware, and torque everything to the factory spec. A wheel alignment is recommended after any strut or strut-mount work, as even small shifts can tweak camber and toe. Because spring compressors are involved, many owners leave this job to a workshop for safety. While in there, check the upper spring seats, dust boots, and bump stops – they’re inexpensive and keep the new mounts happy.

Done right, fresh strut mounts will tighten up steering feel, cut down on rattles, and make the little Swift ride like it should.

Popular questions about 1987 Suzuki Swift strut-mounts

Do 1987 Suzuki Swifts have rear strut-mounts?

No. The front uses MacPherson struts with strut-mounts. The rear is a separate shock and spring setup on most 1987 Swift models, so it uses shock absorber bushes rather than strut-mounts.

How often should strut-mounts be replaced on a 1987 Swift?

There’s no strict interval. Many owners replace them when doing front struts, or when symptoms appear (clunks, creaks, steering notchiness). In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, it’s common to see wear by 100,000–150,000 km, sooner if roads are rough.

Do strut-mounts affect wheel alignment?

Yes. Any time the strut assembly is removed, the alignment can shift. After strut or strut-mount work, organising a proper wheel alignment helps protect tyres and keeps the Swift tracking straight.