Strut bearing replacement

Turning the steering wheel via the steering system moves the wheels. Since the shock absorbers are connected to the wheels, they suffer torsional stress. The other end of the shock absorber is attached to the vehicle body via a strut bearing. The torsion of the shock absorber due to the wheel’s movement is transmitted to the strut bearing. The strut bearing task is to prevent torsion transfer from the shock absorber to the body.

The appearance of creaking and banging when turning the steering wheel indicates the possibility of a malfunction of the strut bearing. Over time, the rubber of the strut bearing weakens or gives way due to strong impacts. When twisting the shock absorber, the damaged strut bearing moves and makes a noise because it is not properly attached.

We can easily establish the correctness of the strut bearing. We start the engine, and the assistant on the spot turns the steering wheel to one side and the other. Place your hand on top of the strut bearing during testing. If there is any noise or rotation, it is a sign that the strut bearing has suffered.

Before replacing the strut bearing, remove the shock absorber and spring from the vehicle. Vehicles usually have connected a shock absorber in a spring assembly and to the suspension system via two or three points (steering knuckle, vehicle body and/or sway bar link). After release, we remove the shock absorber and the spring from the vehicle.

We fix the shock absorber on the workbench with a vice. Before removing the strut bearing, we must secure the springs with a special blocking tool. It is necessary to be extremely careful when releasing the spring to avoid an accident. When the spring is blocked, we carefully unscrew the screw on the top of the shock absorber that holds the strut bearing and the spring. After replacing the strut bearing, turn the screw back and gently release the spring with increased precautions.

We install the shock absorber with a spring on the vehicle in the reverse order.

To replace the strut bearing, follow these steps:

Removing shock absorbers and springs from the vehicle

Raise the vehicle to the appropriate height with a hoist. Remove the wheel. Separate the brake hoses and cables from the shock absorber mount. Separate the sway bar link from the shock absorber. Separate the shock absorber from the steering knuckle. Separate the upper part of the shock absorber from the vehicle body. Remove the shock absorber and springs from the vehicle.

Strut bearing replacement

Fix the shock absorber with a spring on the workbench with a vice. Block the spring with a special blocking tool. Unscrewing the spring, release and remove the old strut bearing. Place the new strut bearing on the shock absorber support and fasten it with a screw. Carefully release the springs.

Installation of shock absorbers and springs on the vehicle

Place the shock absorber with spring on the shock absorber support of the vehicle body. Fasten the shock absorber bracket to the vehicle body with a screw. Install and fasten the steering knuckle and sway bar link to the shock absorber with screws. Fasten the removed hoses and cables to the shock absorber support. Put the wheel back and lower the vehicle from the hoist.