Parts for your 2015 Ford Everest-Strut mounts

Maintaining and Replacing Strut Mounts on Your 2015 Ford Everest

For those who drive a 2015 Ford Everest, understanding the role and maintenance of strut mounts is quite essential. Strut mounts may not always come to the forefront of typical vehicle maintenance conversations, but they play a critical role in the structure and ride quality of your vehicle. These mounts are indeed part of the Everest's suspension system, so let's delve into what you need to know about maintaining and replacing them.

Strut mounts serve as a connection point between the vehicle's struts and the chassis. They cushion and isolate vibrations from the road, contributing significantly to a smoother ride. They also contribute to the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics of the vehicle. A typical strut mount comprises a piece of rubber or similar material that dampens noise and vibrations, along with a bearing or plate that supports the strut and enables it to rotate for steering.

Over time, strut mounts can wear out or become damaged due to constant exposure to varying road conditions, weather, and the natural ageing process. Signs of wear could manifest as increased road noise, vibrations, or even steering issues. Regular checks on these components can help avoid more significant issues down the line.

When thinking about maintenance or replacement of your strut mounts, consider the following factors:

1. If you're experiencing unusual noise or vibrations while driving, it might be time to inspect the strut mounts. Listen for clunking sounds, especially when driving over bumps or turning the wheel.
2. Regularly scheduled maintenance is the best time to check the condition of your strut mounts. Have them inspected during routine services such as oil changes or tyre rotations. If signs of wear are present, it's better to replace them sooner rather than later.
3. Consider the mileage. Typically, strut mounts should be checked or replaced every 50,000 to 100,000 kilometres, depending on driving conditions and vehicle use. If you frequently traverse rough roads, your strut mounts may wear out faster.
4. If you do need to replace them, it's wise to do so in pairs - both front or both rear - to maintain balanced handling and performance.

Replacing strut mounts isn't a task to be taken lightly, and getting professional help is advised unless you're confident in your mechanical ability. Here's a basic rundown of what the process involves:

• Begin by lifting the vehicle and removing the corresponding wheels. This provides access to the strut assemblies.
• The strut assembly needs to be taken out, which involves removing bolts and nuts connecting it to the vehicle. Take care to mark positions or take pictures if necessary for proper reinstallation.
• Once the assembly is out, you'll need to compress the coil spring using a spring compressor tool, which is necessary for safety to avoid the spring violently uncoiling.
• Remove the old strut mount and replace it with a new one. Be sure to check the bearing if the mount incorporates one.
• Reinstall the strut assembly into the vehicle, ensuring that all connections are secure and that the wheels are aligned correctly for optimal handling.

After replacing or inspecting the strut mounts, a wheel alignment is typically recommended. This ensures that the vehicle handles properly, which is essential for both performance and safety.

Investing time into the maintenance of your Ford Everest's strut mounts not only enhances the longevity of the suspension system but also improves your driving comfort and safety. When maintaining or replacing these critical components, ensuring that both front and rear setups are in harmony is crucial. Regular inspection and prompt attention to any signs of wear can go a long way in maintaining a smooth, safe ride. So next time you hit the road, you can be confident that your 2015 Ford Everest is providing optimal performance.