Parts for your 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Strut mounts

Everything You Need to Know About Strut Mounts on the 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a popular compact SUV that balances style, performance, and practicality. When it comes to its suspension setup, the Eclipse Cross is fitted with a MacPherson strut arrangement at the front, which means strut mounts play an essential role in the vehicle's ride and handling. If you're curious about what strut mounts do, why they are important, and how to keep them in tip-top shape, here's a straightforward guide that breaks it all down.

Firstly, it's important to confirm that the 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross does indeed use strut mounts. This is because the front suspension uses MacPherson struts, which combine the shock absorber and coil spring into a single unit connected to the vehicle's chassis with a strut mount at the top. The strut mount essentially acts as the interface point between the strut and the body of the car. If the vehicle had a different suspension design such as a double wishbone, strut mounts might not be used, but because the Eclipse Cross uses MacPherson struts, it definitely has strut mounts fitted.

So why exactly are strut mounts important on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross? For starters, they serve several critical functions. The primary purpose is to secure the top of the strut assembly to the car's body, helping keep the front suspension assembled and aligned properly. More than just a simple bracket, strut mounts isolate vibrations and road noise from the cabin using a layer of rubber or a composite material. This contributes directly to the smooth and quiet ride passengers enjoy.

Another neat feature many strut mounts include is a built-in bearing. This bearing allows the strut to rotate when you turn the steering wheel, which is vital for a car's front-wheel steering to work correctly. Without a properly functioning strut mount, you might hear clunks or feel rough steering inputs as the suspension struggles to move smoothly.

Given their critical roles, keeping strut mounts in good condition on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross should be a key part of regular vehicle maintenance. Over time, the rubber components of the mount can wear out, become brittle, or crack due to heat, road debris, and general wear and tear. When this happens, the vibration isolation properties go out the window, meaning you might feel more noise and harshness inside the vehicle. It can also lead to a less stable ride and even affect steering precision.

So, how can owners of a 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross tell if their strut mounts need some love? Some of the common symptoms include:

• Excessive noise from the front suspension area, especially when going over bumps or rough roads.
• Strange clunking or knocking sounds during steering or while driving.
• More vibration or harshness felt through the steering wheel or dashboard.
• Uneven tyre wear that could be linked back to suspension issues.

If these signs show up, it's wise to have the strut mounts inspected alongside the struts and springs. Often, when worn or damaged strut mounts are found, mechanics will recommend replacing them at the same time as the struts. This is because the labour to access the mounts is significant, and refreshing all the related suspension components at once can save money and time in the long run.

The replacement process itself needs some specialist tools and knowledge, particularly because the strut assembly is under spring tension and requires careful handling. DIY work is not usually recommended unless you have experience with suspension work and the correct tools for compressing the springs safely.

From a maintenance point of view, keeping an eye on your strut mounts during routine servicing can help spot problems early. Sometimes an experienced technician can detect issues just by listening to the car or by a visual inspection during a wheel alignment service or suspension check. Regular wheel alignments and ensuring tyres are in good condition can also indirectly help extend the life of strut mounts and other suspension parts.

In short, strut mounts play a silent but crucial role in the comfort, safety, and handling of the 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. They connect and cushion the suspension system while enabling smooth steering movements. Ignoring worn strut mounts can lead to increased cabin noise, poorer ride quality, and potential handling problems, so they are definitely worth paying attention to as part of ongoing vehicle care.

For owners prioritising a smooth drive and confident handling, having strut mounts checked when servicing the suspension is a smart move. Whether you rely on a trusted local mechanic or a Mitsubishi dealership, making sure the strut mounts are in good shape will keep your Eclipse Cross riding comfortably and safely coast to coast.