I am workign on a tight budget, and am replacing all 4 struts - using the forum, and my budget, I opted to try out the SenSen struts, but did not buy threm from eBay - and got all 4 for $138 shipped.

Question is, on the mounts / bearings - since they are usually separate - is a new strut mount REQUIRED with a new bearing, or can I just clean the old one well, and install a new bearing?

Mind you, the car has 180k on the clock now.

I know that I SHOULD replace the mount, but CAN I get away safely with just cleaning the old one?

 

I just ordered two kyb mounts with bearings for 30 each from tirerack.

 

i never heard of "cleaning" a strut mount before. and, as long as your not getting any knocking noises when you turn the wheel, you should be fine replacing original plates. i would however, replace those 2 little rings that help with the steering. i forget what they're called. but make sure you do them as if one or both are worn you could have issues with the ease of your steering.

 

kyb mounts suck btw, ask around man. oem is much better.

 

Depends on how much u tryin to spend. THere is a good chance that everythin on the car is good. Might need to replace a few parts of the mount maybe a bushing or washer, u wont know until u get the mount.

looking on Autozone website, it dont look like it comes the some parts. best to hit up courtesyparts.com

 

I got my Moog strut mount with bearing for $33 shipped off eBay. Haven't had the chance to install it yet but it seems to be very high quality.

I've heard that KYB mounts suck as welli.

 

ok, well, this is my dd, so I can't take the car down to replace struts, and find I need to replace parts, and not be able to get them...

As for cleaning the mount, as was referring to cleanign the surface that rides on the bearing.

there is no noise at all from the front end - just the struts are worn...

i was going to replace the bearing, regardless, seeing as how it's plastic...

 

If the rubber bushing in the mounts are OK, then yes you can reuse them.
Look closely at the strut boot, they typically fall apart. You can go the cheap route and get the Monroe units. Another item to "service" would be the strut bearing. You can easily pry it open, clean and regrease it. It's nothing more then a plastic housing with a teflon bearing slider in it.

 

I replaced my struts and shocks this summer. Decided to save some money and ordered the KYB mounts and bearings. The mount's rubber bushing disconnected from the plate when I took the car for test drive and the KYB bearings could not take the weight I guess and the springs would not turn smooth on the turns, so it was noisy. I ended up buying the OEM bearings and re-using the OEM mounts, so now it is smooth. At least I learned how to change a strut for 50 minutes. What was the saying "Something .. makes perfect"?

 

OK, well, I plan to replace the bearings, just to be safe - they're not that expensive - but will try and reuse the mounts, then...

 

do yourself a favor and replace the spring isolaters, those little rings that sit in between the strut plate and the mount.

 

I agree...do this if your on a budget. I had 170k on my car when I did my suspension. I re used the stock metal pieces but replaced the bearing and al the rubber including the bump stops.

 

Where would I get those? Nissan, I assume?

 

OK, on the mounts - I was wondering if anyone has any word on the ones made by Mevotech, since their LCA's seem to be considered good. Also, if anyone has used them, if they include the bearing, or not...

 

yes