Quality Strut Mounts for Reliable Suspension Performance at Repco
Repco offers a comprehensive range of strut mounts designed to restore ride comfort, steering accuracy, and suspension stability. Whether replacing worn strut tops on a daily driver or upgrading a tired top mount on a performance vehicle, selecting quality components makes a noticeable difference. Repco’s range of strut mounts suits a wide variety of makes and models, helping ensure correct fitment and long service life. For vehicles experiencing knocking over bumps or resistance while steering, replacing worn strut tops is a practical step towards restoring proper suspension function and maintaining safe, predictable road manners.
How do I tell when my strut mounts need replacing?
Several clear signs indicate worn strut mounts. One of the most common symptoms is a knocking or clunking noise from the suspension when driving over bumps or rough roads. This often points to deterioration in the rubber insulation of the top strut mount or excessive movement within the assembly.
Other indicators include:
- Steering stiffness or notchy steering feel
- Grinding or creaking noise when turning, often linked to a worn strut bearing or strut top bearing
- Uneven tyre wear caused by poor suspension alignment
- Visible cracks or separation in the rubber of the strut top
- Vibration felt through the steering wheel
In vehicles fitted with front strut tops that incorporate a rotating bearing, failure of the strut mount bearing can cause resistance during steering input. If ignored, this may place additional strain on other suspension components. Inspecting strut mounts during routine servicing or when replacing shocks is considered good practice.
How much does it cost to replace strut mounts?
The strut mount replacement cost depends on vehicle type, brand of parts selected, and labour rates. Typically, parts range from $150 to $400 per mount. Premium or heavy duty designs may sit at the higher end of this range, especially for performance vehicles or SUVs.
Labour costs generally range from $200 to $600 per axle. Because the strut assembly must be removed and disassembled, labour can be significant. Many workshops recommend replacing strut top mounts in pairs, particularly the front strut mount assemblies, to maintain balanced suspension performance.
Where a strut top mount replacement is completed alongside new struts or shock absorbers, labour efficiency can reduce overall costs. Combining these services often makes practical and financial sense.
How long does it take to replace strut mounts?
Replacing strut mounts typically takes between 2 and 4 hours per axle in a professional workshop. Time varies depending on vehicle layout, corrosion levels, and whether additional suspension components require replacement.
The process involves:
- Safely raising and supporting the vehicle
- Removing the wheel and disconnecting suspension components
- Extracting the strut assembly
- Compressing the coil spring with specialised equipment
- Removing and replacing the strut top mount or strut mount bearing
- Reassembling and reinstalling the strut assembly
A wheel alignment is usually recommended after replacing front strut mounts to ensure correct suspension geometry and tyre wear.
What other things should I check when changing my strut mounts?
When carrying out a strut top mount replacement, it is wise to inspect surrounding suspension components. The strut assembly works closely with several interconnected parts, and wear in one area often affects another.
- Shock absorbers or struts for oil leaks or reduced damping
- Coil springs for sagging or cracks
- Dust boots and bump stops for deterioration
- Sway bar links and bushes for play
- Control arm bushes and ball joints for wear
Replacing worn strut top bushes or a faulty strut bearing at the same time as shocks can restore ride control and reduce noise. Addressing related components together ensures improved stability under braking, cornering, and uneven road conditions.
Do I need specialist tools to change a strut mount?
Yes, specialist equipment is required. A coil spring compressor is essential to safely relieve tension from the suspension spring before removing the top mount. Coil springs store significant energy, and incorrect handling can cause serious injury.
In addition to a spring compressor, the following tools are typically required:
- Socket and spanner set
- Breaker bar
- Torque wrench for accurate reassembly
- Vehicle hoist or secure jack stands
Due to safety considerations and the need for precise torque settings, many vehicle owners choose professional installation. Experienced DIY enthusiasts with the correct tools and knowledge can perform the task, provided all safety precautions are followed carefully.
When and Where Strut Mounts Are Used
Strut mounts are primarily used in MacPherson strut suspension systems, which are common in front wheel drive vehicles and many rear suspension designs. The top strut mount secures the strut to the chassis tower, absorbing road shock while isolating cabin noise.
The integrated strut mount bearing, or strut top bearing, allows the strut to pivot during steering. Without this rotation capability, steering would bind and place additional load on the suspension system. For this reason, the front strut mount design often differs from rear assemblies, which may not require a bearing.
In everyday driving conditions, strut mounts are subjected to repeated vertical load, lateral force during cornering, braking stress, and exposure to road contaminants. Australian & Newe Zealand road conditions, including rough regional roads, speed humps, and temperature variation, contribute to gradual wear.
Maintaining sound strut top mounts supports accurate steering input, improved tyre contact with the road surface, and consistent ride height. For vehicles used in towing, carrying heavy loads, or frequent urban driving, regular inspection of strut tops is particularly important.
For both daily drivers and performance vehicles, replacing worn strut mounts restores proper suspension function and driver confidence. Ensuring quality components are fitted and installed correctly supports long term durability and reliable handling across varied driving conditions.
Complete the Suspension Job with Confidence
When installing a new strut mount or replacing ageing strut tops, it is wise to inspect related suspension components at the same time. Repco also stocks a wide selection of shock absorbers and struts, allowing the entire assembly to be refreshed in one service. Checking suspension bushes for wear can further improve ride control and reduce unwanted movement. After fitting new strut mounts, a proper wheel alignment is recommended to maintain tyre life and steering precision, making wheel alignment and steering components another important category to review. Addressing the strut top and surrounding parts together helps ensure balanced handling, improved braking stability, and long term durability. With practical advice and a broad product range available, Repco makes it straightforward to carry out suspension maintenance with confidence.
