Strut bad or strut mount?

[msvx95]

I've noticed lately when going over small bumpy roads, my car makes a sound as if something is mechanically loose...possibly a mild thud sound. I can't figure it out but I want to say it's the front strut mounts. The car sits normally and suspension-wise feels ok, so I'm hesitant to think it's the struts themselves.

Anyone have this type of problem and can you tell me if a strut mount can be replaced without replacing the strut also?

Please advise

Thanks

[Blacky]

Yes the mounts can be replaced seperately.

[NiftySVX]

With the age of the car you would likely find both in need of replacement.

[dannmarr]

Is there any way to check the mounts without removing them?

[msvx95]

Ok second question, can I replace the front strut mounts myself without having to use a spring compression tool or any special tools? If so what is the trick.

Also with Dannmarr's question too, what does a bad strut mount look like?

[SVX_MY_BABY]

You should be able to feel a thud from a broken mount, unless it's just the play from worn out bearings.

If I remember correctly the top mount alone holds the spring so you do need a compressor.

[RojoRocket]

The strut assembly DEFINITELY needs to come apart to replace the mount, requiring spring compression. There are a number of wear items in the assembly, including bump stop, and rubber cushion. subaruparts.com have lovely exploded diagrams showing the parts in detail. I would be prepared to replace a few other parts if you disassemble your struts, as it's a lot of work to get there. Airtools are a BIG help!!

Glenn

edit: Matt, specific answer to your "bad mount" question is "maybe" you can tell visually if it's shot. A rusty blob that barely holds the spring would be obvious, but a mount that has been in some way compromised by normal wear might not. Hard rubber is involved and may be coming apart invisibly. There was a change in the mount after '93 iirc that "improved" and superseded the earlier part, so your 95 should not be subject to that shortcoming.

[msvx95]

Ok thanks for the info Glenn. I might as well buy new struts and mounts at this point...ugh.

[RojoRocket]

Matt,
Depending on rust issues in your locale, that may be the way to go, as struts get tired around 70-80k miles anyway. I'm about to tackle swapping the Koni's from my '93 wreck into the '97 and have a new mount and spring seat in hand to replace the tweeked LF one, as well as front bump-stops, and hope my rust free parts will suffice for the rest of the job. Having done the Koni swap and original install on the '93 I can vouch for their product. I had the original fronts leak and they were covered by Koni warranty, and from what I read here oem stocks are likely to have been lying around for some time.

Glenn

[tiv0]

My front strut mounts went and when i took it to the dealership i was told it would be $300 a piece to have them replaced...

So because i dont have $600 to drop right now, ive been driving around with the broken mounts. The ride is no less comfortable, just annoying from the rattle at every little bump.

I need to get this taken care of as well.

[RojoRocket]

Originally Posted by tiv0

My front strut mounts went and when i took it to the dealership i was told it would be $300 a piece to have them replaced...

So because i dont have $600 to drop right now, ive been driving around with the broken mounts. The ride is no less comfortable, just annoying from the rattle at every little bump.

I need to get this taken care of as well.

That's because they want to charge you list of $97.82 per mount and $15.32 for the spring seat, per side in front. The labor is probably 1.5 hrs per corner at nearly $100/hr. This is entirely doable by the average hobbyist IF you're CAREFUL!! The spring compressor is borrowable (w/deposit) at most national parts houses, and like I say, with CAREFUL use of hand tools the strut/spring combo can be R&R'ed.


Glenn

[msvx95]

Originally Posted by tiv0

My front strut mounts went and when i took it to the dealership i was told it would be $300 a piece to have them replaced...

So because i dont have $600 to drop right now, ive been driving around with the broken mounts. The ride is no less comfortable, just annoying from the rattle at every little bump.

I need to get this taken care of as well.

I hear you...I think that's my problem right now. Car is still driveable though as well.

[SVX_MY_BABY]

Originally Posted by RojoRocket

T The labor is probably 1.5 hrs per corner at nearly $100/hr.

Glenn

Labour here is Cdn$80.00 hr at a dealer + 13% tax. Less at most independents. Maybe you guys close to the border should head north for service.

[huck369]

Bad Sway bar end links can sound like bad top mounts too.....just something to check before you buy anything...

[msvx95]

ok thanks Huck...will check it out...not ready to drop a lot of money yet