Top Mounts and suspension repairs.

It is well known that replacement shock absorbers and coil springs should be fitted in pairs to ensure a balanced and safe vehicle for the driver, but often it is the strut top mounts that are overlooked...

Actual top mount failure or substantial corrosion are the obvious reasons to change them, but the deterioration that happens through day to day use isn’t always obvious at first glance...

Strut top mount wear can include:
• Fatigue of rubber elements, which can affect ride height - not obvious without a new top mount to compare with.
• Free moving elements can seize up which may not cause a problem when assembling the strut but can affect the steering.
• Bearings can dry out or become polluted with impurities.

Symptoms of top mount failure can include:
• Creaking noise when turning
• Suspension noise on bumpy roads
• Increased steering effort
• Uneven feedback through steering
• Poor return to centre after turning

The last thing you want is the customer to drive away with new coil springs or shocks only to turn around and come back with a complaint - all down to the top mounts.

In conclusion, whenever you are replacing shocks or springs take the opportunity to replace the strut top mounts at the same time, it’s labour saving, gives the customer a high level of service (ultimately saving them time and money that would occur with a return trip) and it’s a profit maker!