Hi! I am planning to replace the front strut for my 91 240SE station wagon. Is it a good idea to also replace the strut mount? I guess I am wondering if the old ones go bad (rubber parts?) with time?

Thanks!

Vin
-------------
240 SE station wagon, white
200K miles with a rebuilt engine
put in 2005. Running strong

I made the mistake of replacing mine "just in case" with cheap aftermarket mounts, which then self destructed! If your car has original Volvo mounts in good shape, keep them!

Take a look at the condition of the rubber on the top of the strut mount. Look for any separation of the rubber from the bearing housing. If there is separation then I would replace. 2 things can go with the mounts, the rubber fails and/or the bearing fails. Hard to tell the condition of the bearing until the mount is removed.

I've read contrary opinions on the rubber crack issue. What is the function of the rubber in the strut mount? Does it center the strut bearing or act as a vibration damper? Why are the cracks around the bearing housing important? (Is the bearing housing the part under the plastic cap covering the strut nut?) Both of mine have a crack about 270 degrees around x 1/16" or less. I'm also looknig at replacing strut inserts and I don't understand the strut mount issue enough. I want to make certain before I drop the big $ for Volvo OEM.

J
Sounds to me like you are okay with your strut mounts. My rule of thumb, which is just me, is if you can get a pocket screwdriver to stand up in a crack without pushing it in, it is time for replacement. You'll know a lot more when you get your strut assembly off the vehicle as far as condition of the bearing at that time. Unfortunately, a lot of schlock is being produced for these cars now, and we are paying a heavy price for it. When the time comes, if you can ante up for Volvo genuine parts in this case, I think you'll be ahead. This is not one of those jobs that you want to go back in a second time for.

I installed a new ball joint in my 91 740 and decided to replace the strut bearing at the same time . I got an inexpensive one ...euro...something brand. What a mistake ! Luckily I kept the original and reinstalled it. If the original appears to be ok leave it alone !

As noted above, there's not a real clear explantion on the rubber issue. Obviously if the bearing is toast, agreed - it's time to replace. And I'm guessing that bad bearings may be a symptom of salty climates or road salt? However the rubber issue hasn't been clearly defined to me yet.

If you could include a photo of your strut mounts, we'll be glad to give an opinion. It is kind of hard to quantify in words when they are toast and when they are okay. As far as I can tell, some light seperating from the bearing is completely normal, and you still have a serviceable mount (bearing issues aside). When you start getting heavy cracking around the entire perimeter of the mount (screwdriver measurement referred to above) is when it is time to take a really close look and make a decision. Hope this helps.