Top strut mount failure: here’s what you need to know

First Line explains causes of failure and what symptoms you should be looking for

Top strut mount failure: here’s what you need to know

Top strut mounts and bearings are still susceptible to failure despite technological development, First Line reports.

Top strut mounts and bearings have evolved from ‘generation 0’, featuring a simple steel bearing in a steel beading, to ‘generation 2.5’,which uses a steel bearing with integral upper spring and shock absorber support, made from sophisticated, premium quality plastic composites.

According to First Line, common causes of failure include corrosion from water, sand and salt on the roads, fractures from poor road surfaces or accident/collision damage, and brinelling from micro vibrations and incorrect hardening.

Freezing conditions combined with water penetration cause additional problems by damaging the bearings as well.

Some failures are linked to poor design, forcing original equipment (OE) manufacturers to re-design and upgrade them.

Premature top strut mount failure on Fiat applications

On some vehicles however, it can be the case that the top strut mount fails prematurely, particularly with a number of Fiat applications, including the Fiorino/Qubo (and their Citroën Nemo, Peugeot Bipper/Tepee cousins), Doblo, Grande Punto and Ducato.

A First Line spokesperson said: “Spotting the failure should be relatively straight forward.

“Failure can result in increased noise – clunking, knocking, grinding or creaking – particularly at low speeds, when moving the steering from lock to lock on poor road surfaces, as well as increased torque on the steering wheel.

“Note that a faulty top strut mount or bearing can affect the other suspension components and will increase the chance of their subsequent failure.”

Worn suspension components can increase braking distance by 15 per cent and vibration by as much as 25 per cent, making the vehicle much less responsive.

Replace in pairs

First Line advises replacement every 50,000 miles, or whenever the shock absorber or coil spring is changed.

As with any suspension work, these components should be replaced in pairs.

First Line top strut mounts, bearings, and top strut mount kits are made from premium quality components to OE specifications and undergo stringent examination, as well as detailed application referencing, by the company’s highly qualified product team.

First Line offers a comprehensive range of more than 500 part numbers, covering 94 per cent of top 100 UK most popular vehicles.

For more information about First Line Ltd, select ‘more details’ below.

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