Rack Mount Replacement - Do It Right!

The strut mount, also referred to as the suspension strut mount, is one of the most important chassis components and is jointly responsible for steering precision. Malfunctions and defects in the rack mounting appear very quickly and must be repaired as soon as possible. In the following overview, we will tell you if a repair shop is needed, what costs you can expect and how you can carry out the repair or replacement yourself.

Rack mount and its functions

The strut attachment function is to connect the strut to the car body . Both bearings on the front axle allow the suspension strut to rotate in the so-called suspension strut dome when the steering wheel is turned.

Thus, suspension strut bearings are necessary for precise steering. , since with their help both rotation and angle of inclination to the rack body are possible. In addition, the strut mounts have a damping effect, so that noise and vibrations from the chassis are reduced and only slightly transmitted to the bodywork.

Symptoms of a rack mount defect

Defects in the strut supports usually show up fairly quickly. . However, not all of these symptoms necessarily indicate a rack mounting failure. Therefore, you should always check the operation of the rack post before replacing it.

However, the following three symptoms are typical of a failed rack post:

1. Steering is much more sluggish than usual. Steering wheel movements are often jerky.

2. Steering is weak or delayed in response to steering movements.

3. Driving over potholes is accompanied by a loud knock or rattle. Also, when turning the steering wheel, you can hear an unusual crack or rumble.

Replacing the strut support yourself or in the workshop?

In principle, replacing the strut support is not so difficult. , but rather labor intensive.

For this purpose special tools such as a spring compressor are usually required, as shock absorbers usually have to be removed to replace them. If you don't have such a tool handy, or if you've never worked with a spring compressor before, you should have a replacement done by a specialist workshop.

Improper handling of shock absorbers that are still energized can result in serious injury . With the right tools and experience, you can easily replace shock absorbers yourself.

Is the strut support a wear part?

As a general rule, strut mounts are not wear parts.

Thanks to their design and function, they are designed to last the entire life of the vehicle. However, factors such as driving style, external influences such as frost, road salt or severe temperature changes , can significantly shorten the service life and thus cause premature wear.

It is important to replace a failed rack post early because there may be additional costs if the repair is not performed or the replacement is delayed. Defective strut mounts place a particularly high load on the shock absorbers and can therefore also lead to repair costs.

Costs to Consider

Retainers are not that expensive. Depending on the car and the manufacturer, you can expect to spend between 15 and 70 euros for a rack attachment.
Therefore, it may be advisable to replace the second leg of the rack at the same time as the first. Especially if you have work done by a garage specialist. Depending on the type and design of the vehicle, the replacement usually takes two to four hours. Most specialist workshops charge between €130 and €300 to replace one strut post, including a new strut post. If both strut legs are replaced, the costs will rise to 200-500 euros. However, after replacement, the track of the car must be adjusted. The necessary alignment and new adjustment will cost you another 70 to 120 euros.

Required replacement tools:

If you want to replace the rack support yourself, you should at least have a well-equipped workshop. In any case, you will need a lifting platform . Dealing with simple jacks is clearly too complex and not suitable for trying here. You will also need:

– torque wrench – Set of spanners – Set of nuts – Spring compressor

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the rack support

Removal and replacement of the strut support can vary from vehicle to vehicle and manufacturer to manufacturer at individual stages of the job. Sports cars often have much more compact designs and require much more effort to replace. In any case, work calmly, as the handling of shock absorbers can quickly become dangerous if mistakes are made.

1. To replace the rack post, simply follow these steps:

– First drive the vehicle onto the lifting platform and raise it. – As a next step, you can now remove the wheels. – Then remove the connecting rods that are connected to the suspension strut. – Now disconnect the suspension strut from the steering knuckle in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's instructions. – Release spring strut with spring compressor and secure. – Now unscrew the shock absorber nut. – The strut support can now be removed and replaced with a spare part. - It's assembly time. – Check that the shock absorber nut is tightened to the correct torque. Too much pressure can cause the bolt to turn. – Now you can install the suspension strut. Perform all steps in reverse order. – Replacement completed. “Now the car has to go into camber because the track needs to be re-adjusted. To do this, immediately drive to the nearest specialized workshop.

2. When replacing rack posts, pay attention to the following:

– Approximately every 20 km run should check the operation of the rack supports. – Consider in advance whether you want to replace one rack post or both. – Be extremely careful when handling shock absorbers. Mistakes made when working with shock absorbers can be fatal. – Immediately after replacement, contact to a specialist workshop to adjust the track. This is important for driving safety.