Bad Strut Mount Bearing Symptoms: When Should You Replace It?

Reviewed by

Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Written by CarParts.com Research Team - Updated on June 21st, 2024

Reading Time: 4 minutes
Summary
  • Common signs a strut mount bearing needs replacement include steering difficulties, uneven tire wear, and squeaking noises when driving.
  • If you don’t replace a bad strut mount bearing, you’ll have a much harder time controlling your vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
  • A strut mount bearing replacement typically costs between $300 and 500, taking roughly two hours to complete.

Strut mount bearings are crucial suspension parts that can be found in the front suspension, where they help drivers steer and control their vehicles.

These bearings serve as pivot points for your car’s two front strut assemblies. They allow the struts to rotate alongside the wheels when you turn the steering wheel.

Because of their role, bad strut mount bearing systems can cause many problems, most of which can negatively affect your driving. They can cause problems so serious that paying for repairs can be considered getting off light. For example, they can make you lose control, increasing the risk of collision accidents.

That’s why it pays to keep an eye out for the symptoms of bad strut mount bearings.

Note: You can learn more about struts in our discussion about suspension types and wheel alignment.

Signs You Should Replace Your Strut Mount Bearing

Having difficulties when steering, uneven tire wear, and squeaking noises from the suspension are some of the symptoms of a bad strut mount bearing.

When the steering axis goes through the strut, there is a bearing in the strut mount where the strut connects to the car body (shock tower) on the front struts. When this bearing gets dry, it can cause strange steering noises. Additionally, If the bottom of the strut is bolted to the spindle with two bolts as shown in this illustration, replacing the struts requires an alignment check. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: If you hear odd noises from one or both sides in the front while turning the wheels with the vehicle sitting still, you can put a hand on the spring while somebody turns the wheels (vehicle in park) and see if you feel something in the spring that corresponds with the noise. If you do, it’s always the strut mount bearing that’s causing the issue.

Difficulty Steering

Faulty strut mount bearings can (but won’t usually) make the steering wheel unresponsive or perhaps slightly jerky and somewhat more difficult to turn.

Uneven Tire Wear

If the strut mount bearing is damaged, the strut mount will likely malfunction. This can shift the angle of the wheels and the vehicle’s weight distribution, making tires wear unevenly or causing steering pull and wander.

But this is only true if the strut mount bearing has totally come apart so that the top of the strut is moving around. You will have noticed other symptoms long before the strut mount reaches this stage.

Squeaking Noises

Typically, driving over speed bumps and potholes shouldn’t cause your vehicle to make strange noises. However, if the strut mount bearing is bad or not lubricated properly, components will grind against one another, creating clunky squeaking noises.

What Happens if You Don’t Replace Bad Strut Mount Bearings?

Depending on the severity of the damage to the strut mount bearing, your ability to control your vehicle will be compromised.

As previously mentioned, a worn strut mount bearing will make it more difficult to steer your vehicle. So, for everyone’s safety, it’s important to get a bad strut mount bearing replaced as soon as possible.

Failing to replace a bad strut mount bearing can also lead to other problems. For example, your suspension system might bounce unevenly, making you veer off course when driving. The faulty bearings can also put more strain on crucial components, such as ball joints, struts, and tie rod ends.

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How Much Do Strut Mount Bearing Replacements Cost?

The cost of a strut mount bearing replacement varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle. You can expect to spend between $300 and 500 for both the replacement parts and labor costs.

The replacement process typically takes two hours to complete, but a skilled mechanic can finish it in one.

How Often Should Strut Mount Bearings Be Replaced?

A good strut mount bearing can last between 50,000 and 75,000 miles before needing a replacement. This means the average driver will have to replace the strut mount bearing of their vehicle at least once every four years.

If you regularly bring your vehicle to the auto shop for maintenance, your mechanic should be able to tell if anything’s wrong with your vehicle. If they recommend replacing your vehicle’s strut mount bearing because they’ve noticed something wrong with it, it’s a good idea to listen to them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Strut Mount Bearings

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about strut mount bearings.

Can you lubricate strut mount bearings?

Yes, you can lubricate the strut mount bearings with grease. Bear in mind that you should only do so if there is no longer any grease or lubricant. There’s no benefit to adding more grease to strut mount bearings that have already been lubricated.

How long do strut mount bearings typically last?

Though strut mount bearings typically need to be replaced once every four years, this isn’t always the case.

With proper care and maintenance, you might never have to replace your vehicle’s strut mount bearings. On the other hand, bearings that are poorly maintained and insufficiently lubricated might not even last four years.

What typically damages strut mount bearings?

Driving over potholes and bumps can damage strut mount bearings. Environmental factors can also increase wear and tear. This is typically brought about by salt, high humidity, water contamination, ice, and temperature fluctuations.

Reviewed By Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Richard McCuistian has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, and a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others. Richard is ASE certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.

Written By CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

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Published by
CarParts.com Research Team and Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician