Parts for your 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer-Strut mounts

2013 Mitsubishi Lancer strut mounts — what they do and when to replace them

Yes, strut mounts are absolutely used on the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer. According to Mitsubishi Motors service literature (Front Suspension, Group 33A) and major parts catalogues from suspension manufacturers, the 2013 Lancer (CJ/CF series) runs a MacPherson strut front end that uses an upper strut mount with an integrated bearing. The rear is a multi-link arrangement with separate shock absorbers, so “strut mounts” apply to the front only.

Up front, the strut mount does more than just bolt the strut to the body. It isolates noise and vibration through a rubber insulator, keeps the top of the strut located, and houses a bearing so the strut can pivot smoothly as the steering turns. When that rubber hardens or the bearing wears, the Lancer can feel rough over bumps, get noisy around the towers, or develop heavy or “memory” steering after cornering.

There’s no fixed replacement interval for front strut mounts, but it’s smart to inspect them during regular servicing, especially every 40,000–50,000 km or whenever front tyres or brakes are being done. City potholes, corrugations, and speed humps can age mounts faster, as can big wheels and low-profile tyres.

• Common signs they’re due: clunks or creaks from the top of the strut, a knock when turning at low speed, vague steering or tramlining, uneven front tyre wear, or a rubber mount that looks cracked or perished under the bonnet.
• Best practice on replacement: do both front mounts together, fit new mounting hardware, and book a wheel alignment straight after. If the bearing is separate from the mount on the chosen kit, replace it at the same time.
• Workshop tips: the strut must come out and the spring be safely compressed, correct spring orientation and bearing seating are critical. Tighten fasteners to the specification in the Mitsubishi manual, with final torques set at normal ride height.

While they’re in there, a good tech will check the front struts for leaks, inspect the upper spring seats, boots and bump stops, and note any movement at the top hat. For performance variants or lowered setups, mount selection may differ, so matching parts to the exact trim is important.

Look after the mounts and the Lancer rewards with quieter running, sharper steering feel, and tyres that wear nice and evenly.

Popular questions

Do all 2013 Mitsubishi Lancers have front strut mounts?
Yes, the 2013 Lancer uses MacPherson struts up front, so it has strut mounts and a pivot bearing at the top. The rear uses separate shocks and doesn’t have strut mounts.

How long do Lancer strut mounts usually last?
It varies with roads and driving, but many last 80,000–150,000 km. Frequent potholes, heavier wheels, or spirited driving can shorten that. Inspect them whenever you’re doing tyres, brakes, or front-end work.

Can strut mounts be changed without removing the strut?
No. The strut has to come out and the coil spring needs to be safely compressed. It’s a job for proper tools and know-how, and a wheel alignment should follow.