Struts are an important part of your car’s suspension system, providing extra support to the vehicle while driving and reducing bounce and vibration. When replacing or upgrading a strut, it is important to identify the right type, size and fit for your vehicle. This article will discuss different types of strut mounts and how to test if they are suitable for your car.
Types of Strut Mounts and Their Responsibilities
A strut mount consists of several components including an upper mount, a lower mount, a spring seat, bearing plate, gasket, nuts and bolts. Each piece serves an important function in providing support for the vehicle’s suspension system.
Upper Strut Mounts: The upper strut mounts are responsible for connecting the shock absorber to the chassis of your car or truck. They provide stability when driving by absorbing much of the shock from bumps on the road as well as preventing vibrations in the steering wheel while driving at high speeds.
Lower Strut Mounts: The lower strut mount is located near the bottom of the shock absorber and serves a few different purposes. It provides cushioning against vertical movement caused by bumps on uneven terrain as well as improves handling when turning corners or braking. It also prevents noise and rattling from the shock absorber.
Testing New Struts
When purchasing new struts, there are a few ways to test them to ensure they are the right fit for your vehicle.
Visual Inspection: Before installing new struts, it is important to do a visual inspection to make sure that all components are in good condition and securely mounted. It is also important to check for any signs of damage such as rust or corrosion on the mounts or hardware, which could affect performance and safety while driving.
Driving Test: After installation, it is important to take your car out for a test drive on different terrains in order to evaluate if the struts provide enough support and cushioning while driving. If you notice too much bounce or vibration when driving, then the struts may not be the right fit for your vehicle.
Conclusion
Identifying the right type of strut mount can help ensure that your car’s suspension system provides superior performance and handling regardless of terrain or speed. By inspecting all components visually before installation as well as taking your car out for a test drive after installation, you can rest assured that your new strut is fitted correctly and safely.
