Parts for your 2000 Nissan Bluebird-Strut mounts

2000 Nissan Bluebird strut mounts — what they do and when to replace them

Strut mounts are fitted to the 2000 Nissan Bluebird. Technical sources that document this include the Nissan Bluebird U14 (1996–2001) workshop manual, which specifies a front MacPherson strut suspension with an upper insulator/mount and integrated bearing, and the Nissan FAST parts catalogue listing front strut insulators and bearings for U14 Bluebird variants. Major aftermarket application catalogues (e.g., KYB and Monroe) also list front top mounts/strut mounts for the 1996–2001 Bluebird. The rear of most U14 Bluebird models uses a multi-link beam with separate shock and spring, so the “strut mount” term applies primarily to the front.

On the 2000 Nissan Bluebird, the front strut mounts sit at the top of the MacPherson struts, under the bonnet. They isolate road noise and vibration, support the vehicle’s weight at the strut tower, and house a bearing that lets the strut rotate smoothly as the steering turns. When they’re healthy, steering feels light and precise, and the cabin stays quieter over bumps.

Over time, the rubber insulator compresses or cracks, and the bearing can dry out or pit. That’s when the Bluebird might start to clunk over speed humps, creak while turning, or wander and tramline on coarse chip roads. If ignored, worn mounts can accelerate tyre wear and stress the strut itself.

Good servicing practice is to inspect the front strut mounts whenever the front struts, springs, or top bearings are being touched, and at major suspension checks (often around 80,000–120,000 km, or sooner if the car sees rough roads). Many owners replace mounts and bearings at the same time as new struts, because labour overlaps and fresh mounts protect the new dampers.

• Common signs they’re due: knocking or thuds over bumps, a notchy or self-steering feel, visible cracking in the top rubber, uneven tyre wear, or a crooked ride height at one corner.
• Best practice: replace in pairs left/right, fit new mount bearings with the mounts, torque all fasteners to the factory spec, and get a wheel alignment afterwards.
• Front vs rear: the Bluebird’s rear typically uses shocks with separate upper bushes, not strut mounts—so the “strut mount” replacement is a front-end job.

A quality set of front strut mounts will tidy up steering feel, cut cabin harshness, and help the Bluebird track straight on long Kiwi and Aussie highways.

Popular questions about 2000 Nissan Bluebird strut mounts

Do the rear suspension units have strut mounts on a 2000 Bluebird?
The rear is generally a multi-link beam with separate shocks and springs, so it doesn’t use a traditional strut mount like the front. Rear shock upper mounts are rubber bushes rather than a bearing-type top mount.

What are the tell-tale signs my Bluebird’s front strut mounts are worn?
Look for clunks over bumps, creaks while turning the wheel, notchy steering, and uneven tyre wear. Under the bonnet, perished or cracked rubber around the top hat is another giveaway. Any of these is a nudge to book an inspection.

Should I replace the mounts when fitting new front struts?
Yes, it’s smart. The mount and bearing age at a similar rate to the strut, and labour overlaps. Replacing together restores steering smoothness, avoids repeat labour, and protects the new dampers.