My front shock mounts are cracked. Does this mean I should replace my front struts as well? Are they worn out? My car is about to hit 50,000 miles.

 

Are you saying the top strut bushings are cracked or the mount itself is cracked? Bushings need replaced when they start to deteriorate. Mine got replaced at around 70K. The towers themselves, in the Gen 1 are a notorious weak spot prone to mushrooming. Go to Way Motor Works and order yourself a pair of strut tower braces. They are a simple bolt on appliance, re-torque the nuts to 25# and can be installed at the same time as the bushing if they need it. BUT FIRST - the strut towers need to be level. This link has a great video on what to look for and how to remedy it. Hope this helps.

 

The top rubber bushings are cracked in the upper mount. I can see this when I look at the top of the mount under the hood. I already checked for mushrooming with a level and it's fine. What I am worried about is that if I replace my strut mounts, I don't want them cracking again due to my struts being worn and not properly dampening.

 

I just did this myself, its a fairly easy job. I replaced mine with Ireland Engineering fixed camber mounts from WayMotorWorks for around $200 with shipping. Took a few hours to do, but I also put Tein s-tech springs on while I was there. Truely the hardest part was getting my dang wheels off.

 

I know how to do this job myself. What I'm asking is that .... Is it worth it to just replace the strut mounts or should I replace the struts as well?

 

If you have the itch to replace them, which may be the thing to do anyway, then I'd strongly suggest KONI FSD. MotoringWerks has them for close to 50% off. If you would rather use lowering hardware then you want the Yellows. FSD and Yellows are not better one over the other, they are for entirely different applications. I had FSDs installed a couple years ago and absolutely love them. A heavy RSB was also included.


Strut bushings will fail with time and are a normal wear item. Depending on road conditions in your area 50K may be about right for them to crack. Mine died at about 70K.

 

Thanks for your help, I travel I New Jersey ,New York, and Delaware. The roads are not too pleasant.

 

In that case, I strongly recommend adding the strut tower defenders too. Consider them insurance with a one time only premium.

 

The way to tell if your current struts are worn out is by your ride quality. If you find even small bumps to be harsh and jarring then you need new struts. I also recommend the Koni FSD. I just did them with new bushings and it is way way better. The old struts were not leaking and still had some slow rebound of the piston, but they were weak.
You can also get Madness strut plates that install over the bushing and under the tower to add protection against mushrooming, they are a less expensive option vs. the defenders or strut bar.

 

I'm highly considering the Koni FSD Struts. Just need the money. I know the strut plates are expensive but I sure their worth it.

I have a non s cooper automatic and really want a manual S so I'm trying to get parts that will be interchangeable.

 

Has anyone ever seen these/


http://www.ebay.com/itm/MK1-Camber-P...f3fe5e&vxp=mtr


They look like they would last longer since there is not rubber. I would sacrifice rise quality for durability. Would they work with a stock strut and spring? It said something about a flat top hat and small diameter spring.


-Gunner

 

i would never even consider buying something "new" that had this disclaimer under it:
[SIZE=-1] "ALL SALES ARE FINAL...SOLD AS IS WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY. NO REFUND. NO EXCHANGE"

big red flag imo...
[/SIZE]

 

WOW, I didn't read that. I just saw the picture and thought it looked more durable then the rubber stock ones. Ya, no warranty on a new part...forget about it.


Now that I think about it, they may be a 1 time racing application or something like that.

 

Well, looks like my daughter's '05 MCS has a cracked USM on pass side!!
It's just under 50K miles, so I'm thinking I should probably have both sides replaced and may be freshen up the struts at the same time. I've been going to an Indy around the corner that very familiar with these cars.
Any suggestions as to which mounts and struts to go with???
Greatly appreciated.

 

The Bilstein Touring Class struts here and shocks here are a great replacement to go with. For the mounts go with Genuine or OEM supplier here. Be sure to do the front and rears while you have everything out. If you have any questions let me know!

 

It's at the Indy now, I believe I saw 'yellow' boots inside the coils, so imagine I have the bilstein shocks? What is better, the strut or shock? I will probably go Bilstein on all parts.
Thoughts?

 

Struts are the fronts (2) and shocks are the rear (2). I'm not sure what you have on there now, but you might be able to tell from the label. They may still be the original shocks/struts. The Bilstein's have a Bilstein label. They have a feel about the same or a little bit stiffer than stock.

 

Ok, just spoke to my Indy. Usually pretty trustworthy, but they want to charge me $76ea for Sachs strut plates and $146ea for Bilstein Struts(prob TC).
WTF
I think I should send them the parts from YOU! How soon can I get them?

 

Replied to PM.

 

Thanks for your help!!

Parts ordered and will deliver tomorrow.

 

You're very welcome. Glad I could help.