Parts for your 2019 Suzuki Splash-Strut mounts

Strut Mounts on the 2019 Suzuki Splash: What You Need to Know

The 2019 Suzuki Splash is a compact city car designed with practicality and affordability in mind. When looking at its suspension setup, it becomes clear that strut mounts, as a distinct component, are not exactly applicable to this vehicle. This is primarily because the 2019 Suzuki Splash does not use a MacPherson strut suspension, where strut mounts typically play a crucial role. Instead, the Splash is equipped with a different front suspension design that does not require traditional strut mounts.

To understand why strut mounts are not fitted in the 2019 Suzuki Splash, it helps to quickly look at what strut mounts are and where they fit into the broader suspension picture. Strut mounts are found on vehicles that use MacPherson strut assemblies at the front. This setup has the shock absorber integrated with the coil spring in one unit - the strut - and the mount secures that assembly to the car's body or chassis. It acts as a bearing and cushioning point between the suspension and the frame.

However, the Suzuki Splash employs a different front suspension setup, it typically has a lower control arm with separate shock absorbers and coil springs. This means the front suspension elements are mounted differently, eliminating the need for a strut mount as a single composite part. Instead, the suspension's connection points are made through different mounts, bushes, and joints tailored to the vehicle's design.

For owners of a 2019 Suzuki Splash, this means there's no strut mount to replace or maintain, but it's still important to keep an eye on other suspension components. Replacement and maintenance should focus on shock absorber mounts, suspension bushes, and ball joints, all of which perform similar roles ensuring comfort and control.

That said, understanding strut mounts and their importance is still useful for many vehicles, especially when servicing or repairing front strut suspensions on other cars. Strut mounts serve several important purposes in any vehicle that uses them:

• Dampening Noise and Vibration - Strut mounts act as a cushion between the suspension and the car body to help reduce the transmission of road noise and vibrations into the cabin, making for a smoother, quieter ride.
• Supporting Suspension Weight - These mounts physically support the weight of the suspension assembly, keeping everything properly aligned and secured under a variety of driving conditions.
• Allowance for Steering Movement - Many strut mounts contain a bearing that allows the front strut assembly to rotate when the steering wheel turns, enabling smooth steering and proper suspension function.

Over time and with regular use, strut mounts can wear out or become damaged. Typical signs that a strut mount may need replacement include clunking noises when driving over bumps, increased vibration felt through the steering wheel, uneven tyre wear, or a noticeable deterioration in steering response and ride comfort.

During servicing of vehicles that do have strut mounts, such as those fitted with MacPherson struts, mechanics often check strut mount condition along with the shock absorbers and coil springs. Maintenance and replacement are usually recommended when the mounts show signs of wear or damage to avoid further suspension issues and to maintain safety and comfort.

For people who own vehicles that do have strut mounts, here's a quick guide on what to keep in mind when it comes to service and replacement:

1. Inspection - Regular suspension inspections can reveal deterioration or damage in the strut mounts. This usually involves a visual check and sometimes manual testing by a mechanic for looseness or noise.
2. Signs of Wear - Cracking rubber, worn bearing surfaces, or rusted components indicate the mount should be replaced promptly.
3. Replacement Intervals - While there's no fixed interval for strut mount replacement, they are often inspected and replaced together with shock absorbers, commonly anywhere between 80,000 and 120,000 kilometres depending on driving conditions.
4. Quality Parts - Using high quality replacement strut mounts can significantly improve ride comfort, reduce noise, and restore proper steering feel.
5. Professional Fitting - Strut mounts are a vital part of the suspension and steering system and typically require specialist tools and expertise for correct installation.

Although strut mounts are not applicable to the 2019 Suzuki Splash, understanding their role highlight the importance of tailored suspension design and maintenance according to the specific vehicle architecture. For Suzuki Splash owners, it means focusing on other suspension components like shock absorber mounts and bushes to keep the ride smooth and handling sharp. For vehicles with strut mounts, keeping them in good condition plays a big role in maintaining the quality and safety of the driving experience over time.