What a Strut Mount is and Why it is Important?

While a strut mount may sound like something simple, it can be one of the most important parts of your vehicle’s suspension system. The strut mount serves as the mounting point for the top of your vehicle’s strut assemblies to connect to your vehicle’s chassis. If you have four-wheel-independent suspension you vehicle will have four strut mounts, two in the front of your vehicle and two in the rear. If you have independent front suspension only, there are only two strut mounts. Ideally, these should be replaced when installing a new strut assembly, but they are usually not sold as part of a complete strut assembly package. Signs of a loose or worn strut mount are much similar to that of other suspension problems, so determining whether it is the strut mount or the strut assembly itself causing a problem is not worth taking time to figure out. Typically, if the strut assembly is worn out, the strut mount is worn out as well and vice versa. Just remember to remove the strut assembly before you try to remove the strut mount for your safety. Before you spend your time and hard-earned money replacing your strut assembly, you want to make sure that it has a stable foundation by replacing your strut mounts.

Where to find your strut mounts
If you only have front wheel independent suspension, you will only have two strut mounts to replace. Simply open your hood and look on both the left and right side of the motor above the front wheels. You should see a round metal plate held on by several large bolts. If you have four-wheel-independent, in addition to the two strut mounts on the front, you will also need to replace two rear strut mounts as well. To locate these you can get an idea of their location by looking up from where your strut assembly attaches to your suspension and follow it to where it connects to your vehicle at the top. To get to the strut mounts, you will need to open your trunk and pull back the carpet over each side of your wheel wells and the strut mounts should be easy to find. Keep in mind that the strut assembly is a pressurized system that is held by the strut mount. For your safety, you want to replace a strut mount only after the strut assembly itself has been removed.
Front Left Strut Top Mount For ACURA CL&TL HONDA ACCORD 

How to choose the right strut mounts and install them

It is easy to choose strut mounts for your car, truck or SUV, as you should always choose one that conforms to original equipment specifications. The only time you would choose a different type of strut mount is if you alter the suspension by installing a different type of strut assembly than what it came with from the factory. For example, if you upgrade your vehicle to heavy-duty off-road suspension or racing suspension, you will want to choose a strut mount that is compatible with that particular type of strut assembly. Replacing the strut mounts is easy, you just need the correct size wrench to remove the bolts that hold them in place. Simply remove the bolts, remove the strut mount, replace it with the new strut mount and replace the bolts. When replacing the rear strut mounts, be sure to push the carpet back where it belongs. You are now ready to install your new strut assemblies with no worries.
When it comes to auto repair, some of the smallest parts can have very important jobs in keeping your vehicle running and driving the way it should. Failure of a simple part such as a strut mount can lead to extensive damage to your suspension, chassis and even your hood or trunk if the strut mount completely fails. Complete failure of a strut mount will allow the pressure in your strut assembly to literally launch it into your hood or trunk lid and can cause both suspension and body damage. Part of successful do-it-yourself auto repair is to be sure that you cover all the bases and make sure that you research any repairs thoroughly to be sure that when you replace a part or component, you replace any other parts that may cause your repair to fail.