Shock absorber strut mount replacement related question

Strut Mount Replacement Cost

The exact cost associated with strut mount replacement differs on a case-by-case basis and is largely dependent upon the exact make and model of the vehicle that is to receive such repairs.

However, the following is a general estimate of the costs associated with strut mount replacement, for illustrative purposes.

On average, strut mount replacement will cost between $150-$300 to complete. The lower end of this range is reflective of replacement on a standard sedan, using economy mounts. The higher of these figures is generally reserved for high-end performance vehicles or sports cars, having such repairs conducted at dealer labor rates.

Is an Alignment Necessary After Replacement?

As a general rule, one is best advised to have their vehicle’s front end aligned following strut mount replacement. This stems from the fact that struts play an integral role in the alignment of many vehicles.

Therefore, variations in the overall length of a strut assembly, due to the replacement of strut mounts, can cause issues with misalignment.

Strut length is crucial to the following alignment settings, in many vehicle models:

• Toe: Toe is the angle at which the leading edge of a vehicle’s tires are orientated (inward vs. outward). Poorly adjusted toe settings can result in rapid tire wear.

• Caster: Caster is the orientation of a vehicle’s steering axis, in a forward or rearward leaning manner. Poorly adjusted caster settings can result in steering wander.

There are certain instances where it is not necessary to perform a front end alignment following strut mount replacement. This includes situations where a vehicle’s struts have no bearing on front end geometry, such as in the case of some wishbone suspensions.

Can a Strut Mount Be Replaced Without Removing the Strut?

In certain cases, it “might” be possible to replace a vehicle’s upper strut mount without removing the strut itself. However, doing so would likely prove just as, if not more difficult, than simply removing the strut to facilitate replacement.

One is also likely to spend far more time fidgeting with a pre-installed shock when attempting such a repair than is truly practical.

Instead, it is always best to follow the manufacturer’s service literature for your particular vehicle, when attempting strut mount replacement. Doing so ensures that such repairs are completed both safely and efficiently, without undue risk of damage to equipment or personal injury.

Article source: CarTreatments.com