what is this, why is it like this, and what should I do?? [pic]

[kind153]

98 GT..noticed this while working under the hood one day (red circle).. this looks different than the driver side's.

First of all.. what is this? I did a quick search and I think it's called strut mount?

Why is it off the center?
Why is the rubber melted?
Does it need to be replaced? how hard?

I've been getting low rattling / rubbery noise for some time..does this make that kind of noise?


Thanks in advance.

 

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

Yup thats a strut mount.

And its pretty much dead, worn out and kicked to the curb.

Replacing them in not super hard if you are somewhat handy.

You'll have to remover the strut, compress the spring and remove the strut/top mount bolt and remove the mount and then install new mount and put it back together.

 

[kind153]

Yup thats a strut mount.
And its pretty much dead, worn out and kicked to the curb.
Replacing them in not super hard if you are somewhat handy.
You'll have to remover the strut, compress the spring and remove the strut/top mount bolt and remove the mount and then install new mount and put it back together.

thanks!!
I'm scared about compressing the spring..will I need a special tool for this?

 

[FriboRage]

thanks!!
I'm scared about compressing the spring..will I need a special tool for this?

Yes, a strut spring compressor. Advance auto parts has them for rental.. you rent it, pay some money, then you get a full refund when you return it.

 

[kind153]

Yes, a strut spring compressor. Advance auto parts has them for rental.. you rent it, pay some money, then you get a full refund when you return it.

ok.. is this a good time to change the driver side's mount as well? how about springs?

 

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

you could do quick struts and do it all at once.

Its up to you really.

Either replace both mounts, or do all new struts with springs, or do new struts and re-use your springs.

Comes down to weather or not you want to replace parts now or wait till later on down the road.

 

[kind153]

OK.. thanks all for your reply.

Sorry if i'm wrong, but when I change the strut and spring, will I be changing the shocks too? could having it as bad like this for over a year have caused any damage to other parts?
I'm wanting to replace parts that'll make the ride more smooth; I think the parts are from 98..;;

Thanks again!



PS - what happened to the forum last night???

 

[Scottydoggs]

when i bought my car the mounts were shot as well, i picked up new strut mounts, then i removed the struts and dropped them and the new mounts at the local front end shop, best 20 buck spent, nice and safe that way, and you know its done right.

if you were to get new whole struts complete with springs and all it should be a r & r type job. after the wheel is off its a 5 bolt job per strut.

 

[Scottydoggs]

and yes your struts are your shocks.

 

[Mad Monkey]

i like this thread...

i think mine are toast too..

 

[kind153]

when i bought my car the mounts were shot as well, i picked up new strut mounts, then i removed the struts and dropped them and the new mounts at the local front end shop, best 20 buck spent, nice and safe that way, and you know its done right.

if you were to get new whole struts complete with springs and all it should be a r & r type job. after the wheel is off its a 5 bolt job per strut.

ok...sorry for asking; what's r&r?
when I do change them out, do I change front and rear together?

 

[Scottydoggs]

remove and replace. and change in pairs at least,(2 front 2 rear) if you can do all 4 (afford them all) do all 4 then, but fronts now rears later is ok too.

if you pop your hood, and rock the steering wheel from side to side, and you see the mounts moving, you know for sure they are shot.

 

[kind153]

remove and replace. and change in pairs at least,(2 front 2 rear) if you can do all 4 (afford them all) do all 4 then, but fronts now rears later is ok too.

if you pop your hood, and rock the steering wheel from side to side, and you see the mounts moving, you know for sure they are shot.

ok.. I think I'll try two fronts then;
Assuming it's never been replaced (180k), would you think I should change the spring, strut, and the mount? I think, at this point, it's obvious the mount is bad for sure, but do I want to test them before I choose replace them?

 

[kind153]

you could do quick struts and do it all at once.
Its up to you really.
Either replace both mounts, or do all new struts with springs, or do new struts and re-use your springs.
Comes down to weather or not you want to replace parts now or wait till later on down the road.

did a quick search..and monroe quickstrut for front is $200 each at oreillys, but mount(34) + spring(120) + cheapest strut(63) = $217.

I heard somewhere the quickstruts are expensive?

 

[thenose]

I put QuickStruts in the back on my car, cost about $175 apiece. Quick and easy, took me about an hour each to get the old ones out and the new ones in. Not the sportiest struts, but compared to bad ones it is night and day.

 

[thenose]

$140ish online here: Quick-Strut Assembly 171661

 

[Odi]

unless you plan on lowering the car, quickstruts are the way to go. now, kyb quickstruts tend to give a more balanced ride while monroe quick struts tend to mellow out the car and give it that boaty feel.

 

[Mad Monkey]

what about just using KYB struts and stock springs,? what kinda ride ya think Adrian?

 

[thenose]

unless you plan on lowering the car, quickstruts are the way to go. now, kyb quickstruts tend to give a more balanced ride while monroe quick struts tend to mellow out the car and give it that boaty feel.

Ok, thread hijack. I just put Monroe's in the rear, but I will need fronts soon as well. What happens if I put KYB's in the front?

 

[Odi]

what about just using KYB struts and stock springs,? what kinda ride ya think Adrian?

stockish? dont expect it to ride like a racecar with quickstruts. they are stock replacements, not meant to be awesome. fresh struts are a noticeable improvement vs worn out ones tho.

Ok, thread hijack. I just put Monroe's in the rear, but I will need fronts soon as well. What happens if I put KYB's in the front?

i doubt youre gonna notice the difference.