Parts for your 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer-Struts

Understanding the Struts on the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer

The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer is a popular compact sedan known for its balance of performance, comfort and reliability. When it comes to the suspension setup on this vehicle, struts are very much a relevant and integral part of the front suspension system. Unlike some cars which use separate shocks and springs, the Lancer employs a MacPherson strut design up front, meaning the struts play a dual role in both absorbing road impacts and supporting the vehicle's weight.

Struts might not be the first thing that jumps to mind when thinking about your car's parts, but they are essential to keeping the Lancer stable and comfortable on the road. On the 2016 Lancer, these components work hard to maintain ride quality and handling characteristics, making driving smoother and safer with every kilometre.

A strut assembly incorporates a coil spring combined with a shock absorber into one unit. This compact design saves space while providing both damping and structural support. When your Lancer moves over bumps or uneven surfaces, the strut compresses and extends to absorb shocks, preventing those jolts from shaking the cabin. At the same time, the coil spring around the strut helps bear the weight of the vehicle and maintain ride height. This combination also plays a vital role in managing the wheel alignment and steering response.

Because the strut is such a crucial link between the wheel and the chassis, it experiences a lot of stress. Over time, the internal shock absorber parts can wear out or the springs can sag, resulting in a bouncy or unstable ride. If the struts are worn, the car may nosedive unnecessarily during braking, sway excessively through corners, or bottom out on rough surfaces. All these symptoms not only affect comfort but also compromise control and safety.

When it comes to servicing your 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, checking the condition of the struts is an important aspect, especially once the vehicle ages or hits higher kilometre marks. While there isn't a set 'replace-after-X-kilometres' rule because usage and road conditions vary, a good rule of thumb is to have them inspected every 80,000 to 100,000 kilometres or if you notice any handling quirks.

A qualified mechanic will typically look for signs like leaking hydraulic fluid on the strut body, visible damage to the coil springs, excessive bounce when pushing down on the car, or uneven tyre wear which often indicates suspension problems. If any of these are present, replacing the strut assemblies is recommended. Generally, it's best to replace struts in pairs (both front or both rear) to ensure balanced ride and handling. Mixing new struts with old ones can cause uneven suspension dynamics, leading to unpredictable performance.

Installation involves removing the old struts and compressing the springs safely before fitting the new assemblies. It can be a bit tricky and requires specialist tools, so it's wise to entrust this job to professionals. After replacement, a wheel alignment is crucial to reset the suspension geometry and maintain tyre life and vehicle stability.

For day-to-day care, keeping an eye on the Lancer's ride quality is helpful. If the suspension starts to feel harsh or unusually soft, or if the car drifts during turns, don't ignore these signs. Early maintenance can save money in the long run and prevent more extensive damage.

In addition to comfort and performance, the strut system also contributes to safety. Because it affects how well the tyres maintain contact with the road, solid struts improve braking and handling in emergency maneuvers. In wet or slippery conditions common in many parts of Australia, having a properly functioning suspension can make a tangible difference in vehicle control.

All up, the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer definitely uses struts as part of its suspension framework, and looking after them is a smart move for anyone wanting to keep their car driving well for years. Whether it's a routine inspection or a full replacement, paying some attention to the struts will help maintain that smooth ride and precise handling the Lancer is known for.