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A strut is a shock absorber that also carries weight and locates the wheel, so it does more work than a shock and affects steering angles. Route 66 Auto Repair in Upland inspects the strut, its upper mount, bearing and spring, then explains whether a bare strut or a complete assembly makes more sense for your car. You approve a written estimate, we install and torque the parts, arrange the alignment, and road-test. For cars that use separate shocks, see shock absorber replacement.
Is the noise the strut or the mount on top?
The upper strut mount holds the strut to the body and, on front struts, includes a bearing that lets the assembly turn with the steering. When that bearing binds, you hear a creak or pop when turning the wheel at low speed, and the steering may feel notchy. When the rubber in the mount collapses, you hear a thump over bumps from the top of the fender.
Those noises often get blamed on the strut itself. We check the mount separately so the estimate covers the part that is actually failing.
Bare strut or complete assembly?
A bare strut reuses your spring and mount. That can make sense if they are in good shape, but it means compressing the old spring and reusing aged rubber. A complete assembly includes a new strut, spring, mount and bearing, ready to install. It usually costs more in parts and less in labor, and it refreshes everything at once.
We tell you the condition of your springs and mounts so the choice is based on your car, not a default. If a spring is already broken, our coil spring replacement page explains that side.
Our strut repair process
Step 1: Road test and inspect
We feel for bounce and listen for mount noise, then inspect struts, mounts and springs on the lift.
Step 2: Present options
The written estimate compares bare struts and complete assemblies where both fit.
Step 3: Install
Struts are installed in axle pairs and torqued to spec.
Step 4: Align and verify
We arrange the alignment and road-test for noise, ride and centering.
What's included in strut repair
Included on the work order
- 01Strut leak and damping check
- 02Upper mount and bearing inspection
- 03Spring and seat condition check
- 04Struts replaced as an axle pair
- 05Alignment arranged after installation
- 06Road test for noise and handling
Need-now or need-later?
Need now: call
- A strut leaking heavily or with a broken mount
- Binding steering from a seized mount bearing
Need later: book
- Gradual softening with dry struts
- A slight creak from the mount with free steering
How pricing and timing work
Strut price varies by vehicle and by the bare or complete choice. The alignment is its own line. AAA members get 10% off parts and labor, up to $75. We give you a realistic window, including the alignment, when the board allows. Our suspension alignment page explains how that step is coordinated.
Aftercare
New struts often feel firmer; that is normal. Make sure the alignment has been done before a long drive. If a clunk appears after a few days, call us, since hardware settling is checked quickly. Worn brakes can feel like weak struts, so we also glance at the brakes while the wheels are off.
Frequently asked questions
Do new struts require an alignment?
Usually yes. Struts help set camber and sometimes toe, so replacing them can move those angles. We arrange the alignment and road-test afterward.
Should I replace struts in pairs?
Yes. Mixing a new strut with a worn one on the same axle makes the car behave unevenly.
What is a quick strut?
It is a trade name many people use for a complete strut assembly with the spring and mount already installed. We explain the pros and cons for your car.