TOPPING IT UP
Safety critical and integral in a vehicle’s suspension
system, febi sheds some light on the importance of
checking strut top mounts regularly.
Often overlooked until it is obviously worn out, the strut top mount is
a small but integral part to a car’s suspension system. If they are not
changed in time, a faulty strut top mount can affect the other parts of
the car and impact the overall vehicular safety.
The strut top mount contributes to a car’s suspension system, its ability
to absorb shocks and road vibrations. As the strut’s upper centre of
rotation, the strut top mount links the shock absorber with the chassis
which affects the front axle’s camber and castor settings.
CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL
In modern vehicles, the strut top
mount is constructed from a rubber-
metal element that is extremely
sturdy. It is imperative that the
rubber used for strut top mount
construction fits the specific hardness
to ensure driver comfort and safety.
If the rubber is too hard, the vehicle’s
comfort is compromised; too soft and
it wears faster.
KITTED OUT
febi strut top mountings adhere strictly to the OE specifications in
their construction and materials used. The ball bearing in a strut
mount allows the strut to rotate in relation to the chassis. febi supplies
individual rubber-metal mounts and ball bearings separately as well as
repair kits within febi’s ProKit range.
Dust caps, buffers and rubber blocks are important chassis components
which are often overlooked. Wear and tear of these rubber components
have similar adverse effects on driver safety. Furthermore, the rubber
block’s function is to absorb vibrations from the road surface. As
the rubber becomes less elastic, the vibrations are transmitted to the
car’s interior.
MECHANICS OF WEAR
As a rebound stop, the strut top mount limits the shock absorber’s
rebound path and must absorb the substantial forces over a short
distance. These parts wear until they fail completely due to the
constantly changing stresses which increase as a result of poor road
conditions. Every pothole, bump and kerb strike places stress on the
microcellular foam of the buffer which becomes increasingly softer
and shorter.
CHECKING & REPLACEMENT
A strut top mount should be checked at least every 12,000 miles and
replaced every 60,000 miles to ensure safe driving and performance.
When replacements are needed, strut top mounts should always be
renewed in pairs. This can also be done when replacing the shock
absorbers as it does not require additional steps and labour costs to
the process.
10 STRUT TOP MOUNTS
Protection kits should also be checked during an inspection and
replaced whenever the shock absorbers are replaced, or no later than
every 60,000 miles. febi supplies kits to fit most common European car
makes in OE matching quality.
Available from FPS via same/next-day delivery all febi parts are
catalogued on the F:Drive and MAM Autocat. For more information,
speak to your local FPS representative.
VITAL NEWS ISSUE 47