Mount bearing: replacement and selection

When and why it is necessary to replace mount bearing

Manufacturers do not set exact time period, at the end of which the mount bearing should be replaced. The component needs to be replaced at abrasive wear-out, mechanical damages and appearance of free movement or corrosion spots. Moreover, the part is replaced due to cracking or elasticity loss of its rubber part.

Oxidation and abrasive wear-out of the car part are the result of ingress of sand and moisture. During this, if there is no lubricant in the bearing, it will break down even faster. Mechanical damages and free movement of the car part can be the result of aggressive driving style or consequence of car operation on roads with poor-quality surface. In some cases, jamming of the component can be caused by shock strut defects.

A broken down mount bearing is indicated by knocking and rustling sounds in the shock struts area during car driving. This sounds are clearly audible at maneuvers performing, at loaded car operation and during driving along a rough road. Moreover, road-holding ability significantly worsens at defectiveness of the part at straightforward driving as well as at cornering.

Replacement of this part should be performed at a service station, as the procedure requires a lifting device and special tools. Car manufacturers recommend to replace the mount bearing in pairs on one axle. This is determined by the fact, that loading is distributed unevenly at different wear degree of the parts, thus a new bearing will break down faster.

How to select mount bearing

According to construction, there are several types of these car parts: with in-built outer or inner ring (race), with dismountable outer or inner ring, and assembled ones (with an outer race split in one point). In the parts with the solid race, usually there are special holes for mounting, which significantly eases their installation. The items with the dismountable ring are easier to use for fitting into various shock struts. And the bearings with the divided race are considered more resistant to wear-out.

In order to make the components perform their function faultlessly during a continuous time period you need to prefer production of reliable manufacturers. For instance, high-quality mount bearings are produced under Lemforder, SKF, Magnum Technology, Mapco, Optimal brands.

The part should fit by thickness, and inner and outer diameters. These parameters greatly depend on the vehicle characteristics: the brand, model, production year and body type. Also at purchasing the mount bearing you need to pay attention to the side and axle of its mounting.