Parts for your 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer-Struts

1997 Mitsubishi Lancer Struts — What They Do and How to Keep Them Sweet

Struts are absolutely relevant on the 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer. The CE/CK chassis runs MacPherson struts at the front, with conventional shock absorbers at the rear. This layout is documented in the Mitsubishi Lancer Workshop Manual (CK/CE, Group 33A – Front Suspension: MacPherson Strut), the Haynes Mitsubishi Mirage & Lancer 1997–2002 Repair Manual (Suspension chapter), and parts catalogues from KYB and Monroe that list front struts and rear shocks for 1997 Lancer models sold in Australia and New Zealand.

On this Lancer, the front struts do double-duty: they support the vehicle’s weight and control the damping that keeps tyres planted. That’s why fresh, healthy struts make such a difference to steering feel, braking stability, and tyre wear. When they’re tired, the car can start to float, tramline, or clunk over bumps, and braking distances can creep up.

Replacement timing depends on kilometres, road conditions, and age, but many owners see the best results replacing front struts somewhere between 80,000 and 150,000 km, or when symptoms pop up. Always replace struts in pairs (both fronts) to keep handling balanced. It’s smart to renew the strut mounts, bearings, boots and bump stops at the same time — they’re cheap insurance against noise and premature wear. After any strut work, a proper four-wheel alignment is a must to keep the Lancer tracking straight and to protect its tyres.

DIY-savvy owners can tackle the job with a quality spring compressor and torque wrench, but if there’s any doubt, handing it to a professional is the safer path. Fitting should be done with the suspension at ride height for final torque on key fasteners to avoid bush preload. If the rear end feels loose, remember the 1997 Lancer uses rear shock absorbers, not rear struts in most AU/NZ trims — the service is related but separate.

• Tell-tale signs the front struts are due:
  • Excessive bounce, nose-dive, or body roll
  • Clunks or creaks over bumps, especially turning
  • Uneven or feathered tyre wear
  • Oil misting on the strut body
• Service tips:
  • Use quality OE-equivalent struts and new hardware
  • Pair the job with a wheel alignment
  • Inspect control arm bushes, sway bar links, and tyres at the same time

Technical references: Mitsubishi Lancer Workshop Manual (CK/CE, Group 33A – MacPherson Strut), Haynes Mitsubishi Mirage & Lancer 1997–2002 Repair Manual, KYB and Monroe AU/NZ catalogues confirming front strut and rear shock listings for 1997 models.

Popular questions about 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer struts

How long do front struts last on a 1997 Lancer?
Service life varies with driving and road conditions, but many see 80,000–150,000 km before performance noticeably tails off. Age matters too — original units that are decades old usually feel tired even at lower kilometres.

Watch for bounce, nose-dive, knocking, and uneven tyre wear. If one fails, replace both fronts together to keep the handling even.

Do the rear shocks need changing when the front struts are replaced?
Rear dampers don’t have to be done at the same time, but it’s wise to assess them. If the rears are old or leaking, fresh shocks will restore balance front-to-rear and sharpen the Lancer’s stability.

Remember, the 1997 Lancer typically uses rear shock absorbers (not rear struts) in AU/NZ trims, so parts differ front to back.

Is an alignment required after fitting front struts?
Yes. Any time the struts are removed or replaced, a wheel alignment is recommended. Camber and toe can shift during the job, and a quick align keeps tyres wearing evenly and the steering centred.