Parts for your 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Strut mounts

2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross strut mounts — what they do and when to replace them

Strut mounts are absolutely relevant on the 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Technical sources including the Mitsubishi Motors Service Manual for Eclipse Cross GK1W/GK2W (global MY2017–), Mitsubishi Motors Australia specification sheets for Eclipse Cross (front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link), and industry databases such as Autodata/AllData confirm the vehicle uses a MacPherson strut front suspension. That design requires a strut top mount and bearing at each front corner. The rear is a multi-link layout with separate dampers and coils, so the classic “strut mount” applies to the front, not the rear.

On the 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, the strut mount sits at the top of the front strut assembly, tying the strut to the body. It does two key jobs: it isolates vibration and road harshness through a rubber insulator, and it houses a bearing that lets the strut rotate smoothly as the steering turns. When the mount and bearing are healthy, the steering feels light and precise, and the cabin stays quiet over bumps.

There’s no fixed service interval for strut mounts, but they should be checked during routine servicing—especially if the vehicle sees plenty of rough country roads, corrugations, or city potholes. Tell-tale signs it’s time to replace include:

• Clunks or creaks from the top of the front struts over bumps or when turning
• Heavy, notchy, or slow-to-return steering (often the bearing binding)
• Visible cracks, separation, or perishing in the rubber insulator
• Uneven tyre wear or vague front-end feel

Best practice is to replace strut mounts in pairs and fit new strut bearings at the same time—many quality kits bundle them together. Use new self-locking nuts where specified. Because MacPherson struts locate the wheel, a wheel alignment is recommended after any strut or mount work. If doing the job at home, use a proper spring compressor and follow torque specs from the workshop manual, overtightening the strut shaft nut or top mount fasteners can damage the bearing and create more noise than you started with.

For Aussie and Kiwi conditions, coastal cars benefit from an extra look for corrosion around the strut tower area, and high‑kilometre commuters should plan inspections around the 80,000–120,000 km mark or sooner if noises appear. Quality OEM-equivalent mounts and bearings will typically restore the Eclipse Cross’s tidy steering feel and keep the cabin nice and quiet.

FAQs

How long do the front strut mounts last on a 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?

It varies with driving and road conditions, but many see 80,000–150,000 km before noticeable noise or play. Frequent gravel, corrugations, speed humps, and heavy loads can shorten that. Regular inspections during scheduled services help catch early wear.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing strut mounts?

Yes. The front MacPherson strut affects camber and can influence caster and toe when it’s disturbed. Any time a strut or top mount is removed/refitted, plan for a professional alignment to keep tyre wear even and steering straight.

Should the strut bearing be replaced with the mount?

Highly recommended. The bearing is integral to smooth steering and often wears alongside the mount. Replacing both together prevents return visits for creaks, groans, or heavy steering and is usually more cost‑effective.