Top strut mount really necessary?? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Tedders · 03-02-2009, 11:49 AM

Is that hunk o' metal with the three bolts on the top, the upper front strut mount, really necessary to replace? I mean, unless it's really corroded, it seems so very strong! Does it have some sort of bearing built into it?

This is for a zoomin' 93 SE 5 speed manual; and a sun roof, too! 169,000 fun mile!

Tedders

Drive laughing!

rusty9 · 03-02-2009, 12:16 PM

if the bearing turns freely and the bushing isnt cracked or split, then its fine.

Tedders · 03-02-2009, 12:33 PM

Thanks, Rusty 9!

I guess I won't know until I pull those things and look at 'em. That means, too, I have to buy a pair of those top mounts just to have on hand.

Dang... might as well replace 'em with the new ones while I got 'em out....

Tedders

drive laughing!!

***ASG14*** · 03-02-2009, 01:23 PM

If they are original, replace them if you are replacing the struts. The biggest stress on the mounts is when you change the struts. Often, they will break shortly thereafter.

bigbird · 03-02-2009, 03:12 PM

definatly change them.

Tedders · 03-02-2009, 09:20 PM

Alright; all good advice.

Now to find some OE SE mounts. I believe Toyota made 'em different to handle the stress better: SE's are driven for fun! And no one else makes SE aftermarket top mounts.

*Sigh*...findin' originals... This ain't gonna be easy....

When they old ones are out, I'll take some pix and set them up here. Maybe someone can spot the difference. Me? First time, so I won't know.

Thanks; it's great hearing all this advice. Better than Click & Clack!

Tedders
Drive laughing!