Strut Bearing
The strut bearing plays a pivotal role in the operation of your vehicle’s front suspension. The front suspension is responsible for your car’s steering and handling – making it very important to ensure your strut bearings are in good working condition.
Your strut bearings act as the upper pivot points for the two front strut assemblies. The strut itself is a separate crucial component that is a part of your vehicles suspension, while the strut bearing allows the strut to rotate with the wheels as you steer your vehicle. Most modern vehicles are outfitted with this type of strut suspension, where the strut acts as a shock absorber and may also support the vehicle’s weight depending on the suspension system.
Signs a Strut Bearing Needs Replacement
Damaged strut bearings are very dangerous due to the fact that they control your vehicle’s steering system. Your ability to control your vehicle becomes compromised with bad strut bearings and can cause an accident. Strut bearings can go bad due to age, wear, corrosion, high humidity, or as a result of a collision. Here are some signs to be on the lookout for to know when it is time to replace those worn strut bearings:
- Banging, rattling, squeaking, or popping noises while making a turn or going over bumps
- Vibration through the suspension or steering wheel
- Stiff or jerky steering
- Bad wheel alignment
- Rubber mount where bearing connects to car body is deteriorated
- Uneven tire wear
How Strut Bearings Get Repaired
Once a strut bearing gets compromised, the only way to repair them is to actually replace them entirely. The process of replacing a bearing is quite labor intensive as it requires taking apart the vehicle’s suspension. It is common for the mechanic to suggest replacing the strut as well as it is likely to have also suffered an equal amount of wear. Additionally, strut bearings are always replaced whenever the struts themselves are replaced – so if you just got new struts, you don’t need to worry about your strut bearing going bad for a while.
A wheel alignment may also be necessary after the replacement is complete. The best way to book quality car maintenance near you is by booking through CarAdvise. Pay less than the shop price guaranteed on all car maintenance when you book with CarAdvise!
« Back to Glossary Index