The shop I have my car at said they can't do an alignment because my car has bad strut mounts. Regardless if the mounts are bad or not, is that true or BS?

How much are strut mounts and how hard are they to put in? Do new mounts come with new struts? I would like to replace the struts and springs w/i the next 6 months, buuuuuuut I don't want my front right tire losing any more tread. It's bald enough as it is. A slight camber problem it has.

 

If the strut mounts are bad, they won't be able to do an alignment. You can inspect them by removing the dust cap. Get them to show you.

Strut mounts are about $75.00 each from your neighborhood auto parts place. Specialty mounts can be had for much more.

If the shop replaces them expect them to charge more that $75. You can replace them yourself then take it back for an alignment if you want to save a little cash. Only four bolts on each, but the large strut bolt can be a pain to get off if you don't have an air wrench.

When you replace struts and springs in a few months you should really get a new alignment then, too.

 

I wouldn't know how to tell you if that is bs unless you post a picture of them or the exact wording of what the mechanic said. I can tell you that you can buy new strut mounts, I believe spohn (sponsor above) sell some that are better than stock. I have yet to see a strut mount come with struts as a packaged deal. More than likely you will have to buy them separately. You do not have to buy new strut mounts to change the struts and springs. If they are really shot then you should replace them. I live in the rust belt, and have yet to see some worn out strut mounts on camaros and firebirds. This doesn't mean they don't exsit, I just haven't seen them. Post a picture of them if you could, then we can try to help you out a little more.

 

they could do one, but it wouldnt be accurate at all. Soon as you kick the tire it would be off.


If you need a set, give me a PM. I have a spare set.

 

Replace them.

Whether good used ones or new ones.

They are correct in what they said, yours must be roaylly shot lol

They make some noise/grind/squeal?

later
Jeremy

 

I haven't heard any noises. But will new mounts improve shock absorbtion and handling?

 

More then likely. I would depend on how shot they are as to how much difference you would notice.

 

The mounts usually fail when the "rubber" bearing support inside begins to tear. When it fails, the mount is unable to keep the top of the strut properly positioned. This introduces slack at the primary point of adjustment. Continuing to drive with worn mounts will only allow them to become worse and possibly allow the strut bolt bearing to separate completely from the mount.

Remove the dust cap and you can see what I'm talking about.

 

That cone is the dust cover, right? Just squeeze and twist off? Will it be noticeably worn if shot?

This is what needs to be replaced, correct? I don't need the actual bracket or anything.

http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...1&autoview=sku

 

These are the ones here:

Spohn Strut Mounts

 

The Spohn one's will run you a little more and may be heavier duty, but the KYB's will work fine. The photo on the summit site is representative only and doesn't look like yours will, they will include the "bracket". Try Tirerack for a better photo of the KYB mount. About the same price as summit, shipping will be the diff.

 

Could these bad mounts also cause vibration at around 85mph or so?
I've been battling that for quite some time now. Tire balancing didn't help. Those Spohn ones look nice.

 

They could possibly cause a vibration, but no promises.

How much did the shop want to replace the the mounts?