Parts for your 2002 Ford Falcon-Strut mounts

2002 Ford Falcon strut-mounts: are they actually used?

Short answer: no. Based on the Ford AU/BA Falcon Workshop Manuals, Gregory’s Ford Falcon AU Series 1998–2002 Service & Repair Manual, and Ford’s BA Falcon Technical Training material, the 2002 Falcon (AU II/III early in the year and BA from late 2002) uses a double‑wishbone “Short Long Arm” front suspension, not a MacPherson strut. With this layout, the steering pivot runs through upper and lower ball joints, and the shock and spring don’t rotate for steering. That means the classic rotating strut-mounts with an integrated bearing—used on MacPherson struts—aren’t part of the 2002 Falcon’s front end.

Here’s where the confusion creeps in: parts catalogues sometimes label the front shock top hardware on these Falcons as “strut mounts”. On the 2002 Falcon, what you’ve actually got is a shock absorber upper mount/insulator (a rubber-bushed top hat and spring seat), not a true strut-top bearing. So if someone’s chasing 2002 Ford Falcon strut-mounts, they’re usually after the front shock upper mount, spring insulator, dust boot, or bump stop.

What should owners look after instead? The rubber at the top of the front shock can harden, crack, or collapse with age, causing clunks over bumps, vague steering feel, or a thud on take-off and braking. If those symptoms show up, consider replacing the upper shock mount/insulator, spring seats, dust boots, and bump stops. It’s smart to do shocks and top mounts as a set, and always replace in pairs left and right.

Workshop tips apply here, too. Support the lower arm properly, use a quality spring compressor, and follow factory torque specs during refit. Once it’s back together, a wheel alignment is recommended—any front-end work can nudge camber or caster slightly on these double‑wishbone setups. Given the age of a 2002 Falcon, it also pays to inspect control arm bushes and ball joints while you’re in there.

Bottom line from the technical references: a 2002 Falcon doesn’t use MacPherson strut-mounts. If you’re servicing the front end, think “shock top mount and bushes” rather than a rotating strut top bearing.

• Common signs to check: front-end clunks, rubber perishing at the upper mount, uneven tyre wear, or a “pogo” ride after bumps.
• Recommended practice: replace upper mounts with the shocks, renew isolators/boots, and book an alignment afterwards.

Popular questions about 2002 Ford Falcon strut-mounts

Does a 2002 Ford Falcon actually have strut mounts?
Not in the MacPherson sense. The AU II/III and BA (late 2002) Falcons run a double‑wishbone front end, so there’s no rotating strut top bearing. The “mount” up top is a shock absorber upper insulator/bush and spring seat, which some catalogues loosely call a strut mount.

What should I replace instead of a strut mount on my 2002 Falcon?
Target the front shock upper mount/insulator, spring isolators, dust boots, and bump stops. If you’re chasing knocks or vague steering, also inspect control arm bushes and ball joints. Doing shocks and top mounts together, in pairs, typically restores ride and reduces noise.

Do I need a wheel alignment after front shock or top mount work?
Yes. Any disturbance to the front suspension on a double‑wishbone Falcon can shift alignment slightly. A post‑repair alignment helps protect tyre life and ensures the car tracks straight.