The Escudería
Suspension strut bearings, also known as shock mounts or suspension cups, are responsible for connecting the shock absorber and suspension spring to the vehicle body. These are located at the point where the shocks join the chassis and have a cup-like appearance.
The function of these shock mounts is essential for both driving comfort and driving safety. The bearing is responsible for facilitating the connection between the shock absorber and the chassis, preventing the body from making too much noise when driving on uneven surfaces. When the front axle of a car rotates, its struts move in sync with the wheels, which is why at this point it is necessary to use bearings to support the respective helical dampers.
Signs indicating that the suspension strut bearings need to be replaced
When the shock absorber cups are in poor condition or worn, they prevent the exact guidance of the wheel and the contact of the tires with the road is reduced. This is why, if these components are not replaced, the safety of the vehicle is affected. The main signs that indicate that the suspension column bearings should be replaced are:
- Squeaks heard during spring movements
- The cornering angle is reduced
- Crackling noises are heard when the steering wheel is being turned
- Steering return after cornering is limited
- Knocks are felt when driving the vehicle on uneven surfaces
A simple way to check the condition of the suspension bearings is to open the hood with the vehicle stationary and proceed to turn the steering wheel from right to left and from left to right. If during the process you hear squeaks that come from the joint between the chassis and the shock absorber, it is likely that the cup is defective and, therefore, its replacement is necessary.
Another important reason to pay attention to the condition of the suspension column bearings is that, when they are defective, they are the main cause of premature wear on the vehicle's tires.
Aspects to consider when choosing new suspension strut bearings
The first thing to consider when choosing new bearings is the compatibility of the component with the vehicle. Not all cups are compatible with all types of vehicles, therefore it is necessary to ensure that the part will fit perfectly with the vehicle model.
In cheaper vehicle models there is no need to buy the higher priced replacement part as the simpler chassis and suspension means less load will be placed on the replacement part. However, the cheapest option is also not recommended, since when driving on roads that are not in optimal conditions it will be necessary to change the bearing frequently.
