Strut Bearing

Replace the upper strut bearing (mount bearing) on the front suspension, restoring smooth steering operation and eliminating noise from worn bearing components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Strut bearing (upper mount bearing) × 2 — Mopar or equivalent upper strut mount bearing
• Upper strut mount assembly (if bearing not sold separately) × 2 — Complete mount assembly
• Strut mount hardware kit (if applicable) × 1 — Mounting nuts/washers

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, stable surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on heavy-duty jack stands at frame rail locations
5. Remove front wheels completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on upper strut mounting nuts and allow to soak (these are often corroded)
7. Mark orientation of strut components with paint pen before disassembly for proper reassembly alignment

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper strut mount
   Open hood and locate the upper strut mounting nuts accessible from the engine bay. On the driver side, you may need to move the coolant reservoir or air filter housing slightly for better access. The upper mount is secured by three nuts on top of the strut tower. Do not remove these nuts yet.
2. 2

   Disconnect lower strut components
   From underneath the vehicle, disconnect the sway bar end link from the lower control arm if it interferes with strut removal. Disconnect the brake line bracket from the strut body if equipped. Support the lower control arm with a jack to prevent it from dropping when the strut is removed.
3. 3

   Remove upper mounting nuts
   From the engine bay, remove the three upper strut mounting nuts while holding the strut shaft from spinning (you may need an assistant to support the strut from below). Keep the strut supported as you remove the last nut to prevent it from falling.
4. 4

   Remove lower strut mounting bolts
   Remove the two lower strut-to-knuckle mounting bolts. These are large bolts that may require significant force. Note the orientation of any alignment cams or eccentric washers for reinstallation. Carefully remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.
5. 5

   Install spring compressors
   Place the strut assembly in a vise or secure holding fixture. Install heavy-duty spring compressors on opposite sides of the coil spring, ensuring compressor hooks are fully seated in the spring coils. Tighten compressors evenly and gradually, alternating between sides to maintain even compression. Compress the spring until all tension is removed from the upper mount (the mount should move freely).
   ⚠️Never use undersized or damaged spring compressors. Ensure compressor hooks are fully engaged before applying compression. Stand clear of the spring path during compression.
6. 6

   Remove strut shaft nut
   Using a wrench to hold the strut shaft flat section (located just below the nut), remove the upper strut shaft nut with a socket. This nut is typically very tight and may require a breaker bar. Remove the nut, upper mount assembly, bearing, upper spring seat, and any spacers or bumpers. Keep all components in order for reassembly.
7. 7

   Inspect and replace bearing
   Remove the old strut bearing from the mount assembly. Inspect the upper mount for cracks, deterioration, or damage. Clean the mounting surfaces with a wire brush. If the bearing is integrated into the mount assembly and cannot be separated, replace the complete upper mount. Install the new bearing into the mount, ensuring it seats properly and rotates smoothly.
8. 8

   Reassemble strut components
   Reinstall components onto the strut shaft in reverse order: bump stop (if equipped), lower spring isolator, coil spring (ensuring spring end seats in locator on lower perch), upper spring seat with proper orientation, new bearing/mount assembly aligned per your original marks. Thread on the upper strut shaft nut but do not fully tighten yet.
9. 9

   Torque strut shaft nut
   Hold the strut shaft with a wrench and torque the upper strut shaft nut. While no database torque specification is provided, typical specification for this application is 80-100 ft-lbs. Verify in a factory service manual if available. Ensure the bearing rotates smoothly after torquing.
   ⚠Without verified torque specifications, consult a factory service manual before final torquing. Over-torquing can damage the bearing; under-torquing can allow the nut to loosen.
10. 10

    Release spring tension
    Carefully and evenly release the spring compressors, alternating between sides. Ensure the spring seats properly in both the upper and lower spring seats as tension is released. Once completely released, remove the compressors and verify all components are properly seated.
11. 11

    Install strut assembly
    Position the strut assembly back into the vehicle. Insert the upper mount studs through the strut tower holes, ensuring proper alignment. Install the three upper mounting nuts finger-tight. Align the lower strut bracket with the steering knuckle holes and insert the lower mounting bolts with any alignment cams in their original positions.
12. 12

    Torque all fasteners
    From the engine bay, torque the three upper strut mounting nuts (typical specification 50-70 ft-lbs, verify in service manual). Torque the lower strut-to-knuckle bolts (typical specification 100-120 ft-lbs, verify in service manual). Reconnect the sway bar end link and brake line bracket to their original positions with proper hardware.
    ⚠Without database torque specifications, consult a factory service manual for exact values. These fasteners are critical to vehicle safety.
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform the entire procedure (steps 1-12) on the opposite front strut assembly to replace the second strut bearing. Both sides must be completed for proper vehicle operation.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels and torque lug nuts to proper specification (typically 135 ft-lbs for this vehicle) in a star pattern
2. Lower vehicle to ground and perform final lug nut torque check with wheels on ground
3. Reposition any components moved during access (coolant reservoir, air filter housing)
4. Double-check that all fasteners have been properly torqued and no tools remain in engine bay or under vehicle

Verification

• Start vehicle and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify smooth bearing operation with no binding or noise
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, checking for proper steering response and listening for any clunking, popping, or grinding noises from the strut mounts
• Verify no vibration or unusual handling characteristics during normal driving
• Schedule a professional front-end alignment within 50 miles of completing this repair
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all strut mounting fasteners and wheel lug nuts to ensure nothing has loosened

More procedures for this vehicle