Parts for your 1997 Ford Falcon-Strut mounts

1997 Ford Falcon strut mounts

Strut mounts are absolutely relevant to a 1997 Ford Falcon. The EL-series Falcon (the 1997 model year) runs a front MacPherson-strut suspension, which uses a rubber-and-bearing upper mount at the strut tower. This is supported by factory service literature for the EL platform and widely available aftermarket parts catalogues listing EL-specific front strut mounts.

On this Falcon, the strut mount does more than just hold the strut in place. It supports vehicle weight, isolates vibration and road noise from the cabin, and, with its integrated bearing, lets the strut smoothly rotate as the wheels steer. When healthy, it keeps steering light and predictable and helps maintain proper alignment so the tyres wear evenly.

Because these mounts cop a lot of vertical load and steering load, they slowly compress and crack with age. Aussie and Kiwi road conditions, loads, and climate can speed that up. Typical clues it’s time to sort them out include:

• Clunks or thuds over bumps, especially from the top of the front struts
• Notchy steering, “memory steer”, or a steering wheel that doesn’t self-centre well
• Uneven or rapid tyre wear and vague tracking on the motorway
• Visible perishing or separation of the rubber at the strut tower

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the mounts every 20,000 km or annually. Look for cracked rubber, torn dust boots, or rusty, loose top nuts. If replacing, do both fronts together to keep steering feel even. Use a quality spring compressor, mark the strut-to-knuckle position, and fit new self-locking hardware where specified. Torque the centre nut and the three tower nuts to spec, then book a wheel alignment—ride height and camber/caster can shift with fresh mounts.

• Replace the upper bearing with the mount, a rough bearing causes heavy, jerky steering
• Check bump stops and dust boots while you’re in there
• Pair new mounts with healthy shocks—worn dampers hammer new mounts

Service life varies, but many EL Falcons see mounts needing attention somewhere after 100,000–200,000 km. If the front end’s noisy or the steering feels off, fresh strut mounts can make the car feel tighter and more confidence-inspiring.

Do 1997 Ford Falcons have strut mounts at the front and rear?

The 1997 EL-series Falcon uses MacPherson struts at the front, so it has front strut mounts. The rear runs separate shocks and coil springs (not a strut), so there are no rear strut mounts—just upper shock rubbers/bushes.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing strut mounts on an EL Falcon?

Yes. Changing the mount height and position can alter camber and caster slightly. A post-job alignment helps protect tyre wear and restores straight-line stability and steering feel.

How long do EL Falcon strut mounts usually last?

It varies with roads and load, but many last 100,000–200,000 km. If there are clunks over bumps, notchy steering, or visible rubber cracking at the towers, it’s time to inspect and replace.