The Ultimate Guide to Front Suspension Strut Mount for Peugeot 206

The front suspension strut mount, also known as the top mount or strut bearing, plays a crucial role in the performance and safety of your Peugeot 206. It connects the suspension strut to the vehicle's body, providing support, isolation, and articulation. A worn or damaged strut mount can lead to a variety of problems, including:

• Reduced ride comfort
• Increased noise and vibration
• Poor handling and stability
• Uneven tire wear
• Premature suspension component failure

Understanding the Function of a Strut Mount

The strut mount serves several essential functions within the suspension system:

• Support: It bears the weight of the vehicle and helps to distribute the load evenly across the suspension components.
• Isolation: The mount acts as a cushion, absorbing shocks and vibrations from the road surface and preventing them from being transmitted into the vehicle's interior.
• Articulation: The strut mount allows the suspension to move up and down, enabling the wheels to follow the contours of the road.

Signs of a Worn or Damaged Strut Mount

Several symptoms can indicate that your Peugeot 206's strut mount needs attention:

• Clunking or rattling noises: These sounds are often heard when driving over bumps or rough roads.
• Reduced ride comfort: The vehicle may feel rougher and less stable, especially on uneven surfaces.
• Uneven tire wear: The tires may wear unevenly, with the inside or outside edges showing excessive wear.
• Poor handling and stability: The vehicle may feel unstable, with poor cornering and braking performance.
• Premature suspension component failure: A worn strut mount can put excessive stress on other suspension components, leading to premature failure.

Causes of Strut Mount Failure

Strut mounts can fail due to several factors, including:

• Age and wear: Over time, the rubber components of the mount can deteriorate and lose their ability to absorb shock.
• Excessive stress: Hard driving, overloading the vehicle, or driving on rough roads can put undue stress on the mount.
• Corrosion or rust: Exposure to moisture and salt can cause the metal components of the mount to corrode and weaken.
• Defective parts: Occasionally, strut mounts can fail due to manufacturing defects or poor-quality materials.

DIY vs. Professional Replacement

Replacing a strut mount is a moderately complex repair that requires specialized tools and knowledge. While it is possible to do it yourself, it is generally recommended to have the work performed by a qualified mechanic unless you have extensive mechanical experience.

Step-by-Step Strut Mount Replacement Guide

If you decide to tackle the replacement yourself, follow these steps carefully:

1. Safety first: Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Gather tools and parts: You will need a new strut mount, a spring compressor, socket wrenches, and a torque wrench.
3. Remove the wheel: Loosen the lug nuts on the affected wheel and use a jack to lift the vehicle. Remove the wheel.
4. Compress the spring: Use a spring compressor to compress the suspension spring.
5. Unbolt the strut mount: Remove the bolts that secure the strut mount to the suspension strut and the vehicle's body.
6. Replace the strut mount: Install the new strut mount onto the strut and tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
7. Release the spring pressure: Slowly release the spring compressor to allow the suspension to extend.
8. Reinstall the wheel: Place the wheel back on the hub and tighten the lug nuts.
9. Tighten all bolts: Double-check that all bolts are properly tightened to the manufacturer's specifications.
10. Lower the vehicle: Use the jack to lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands.

Cost of Strut Mount Replacement

The cost of strut mount replacement varies depending on the model, the location, and the labor rates of the mechanic. As a general estimate, expect to pay between $200 and $400 for the parts and labor combined.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overtightening the bolts: This can damage the threads or the mount itself.
• Reusing old nuts and bolts: Always replace the nuts and bolts that secure the strut mount.
• Not compressing the spring properly: This can lead to the spring coming loose and causing serious injury.
• Ignoring alignment: After replacing the strut mount, it is essential to have the vehicle's alignment checked and adjusted if necessary.

Advanced Features of Strut Mounts

Some modern strut mounts incorporate advanced features that enhance their performance and durability:

• Hydro-mounts: These mounts are filled with hydraulic fluid to provide additional damping and vibration isolation.
• Active damping: These mounts use electronic sensors and actuators to adjust their stiffness in real-time, providing improved handling and stability.
• Camber adjustment: Some mounts allow for camber adjustment, which can be beneficial for performance driving or to correct alignment issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How often should strut mounts be replaced? The lifespan of strut mounts varies depending on the vehicle and driving conditions. However, it is generally recommended to replace them every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
• Can I drive with a bad strut mount? Driving with a faulty strut mount is not recommended as it can compromise safety and damage other suspension components.
• How can I tell if my strut mounts are worn? Look for signs of reduced ride comfort, increased noise and vibration, uneven tire wear, poor handling, or premature suspension component failure.
• Is it necessary to replace both strut mounts at the same time? It is not always necessary to replace both strut mounts at the same time, but it is generally recommended to do so for optimal performance and balance.
• What are the signs of a bad strut mount? The most common signs of a bad strut mount include clunking or rattling noises, reduced ride comfort, uneven tire wear, poor handling, and premature suspension component failure.
• How long does it take to replace a strut mount? A professional mechanic can typically replace a strut mount in about 2-3 hours per side.
• How much does it cost to replace a strut mount? The cost of strut mount replacement varies depending on the type of vehicle, the parts used, and the labor rates. However, as a general estimate, expect to pay between $200 and $400 for the parts and labor combined.

Funny Stories and Lessons Learned

• The Bouncing Sedan: One driver ignored the signs of a worn strut mount, leading to a wild and uncontrollable ride. The vehicle bounced excessively over even the smallest bumps, earning it the nickname "The Bouncing Sedan." Eventually, the excessive bouncing put so much stress on the suspension that several components failed, causing the vehicle to be stranded on the side of the road.
• Lesson: Pay attention to the warning signs of a worn strut mount and have it replaced before it leads to more serious problems.
• The Misaligned Mazda: Another driver noticed uneven tire wear but mistakenly assumed it was due to a bad alignment. After spending money on an alignment, the problem persisted. It turned out that the worn strut mount was causing the suspension to sag, leading to excessive camber and uneven tire wear.
• Lesson: Double-check the condition of your strut mounts before assuming that other components are faulty.
• The Clunking Camry: A driver reported a loud clunking noise coming from the front of their vehicle. After several unsuccessful attempts to diagnose the problem, it was finally discovered that the strut mount had completely collapsed, allowing the strut to hit the vehicle's body when going over bumps.
• Lesson: If you hear a clunking or rattling noise, don't ignore it. A worn strut mount can cause serious damage if it fails completely.

Conclusion

The front suspension strut mount plays a critical role in the safety and performance of your Peugeot 206. By understanding the signs of a worn mount and taking steps to replace it promptly, you can avoid costly repairs and ensure optimal suspension performance. If you have any doubts or concerns, don't hesitate to consult with a qualified mechanic for professional advice.

References

• Car and Driver: What Strut Mounts Do and Why They're Important
• AutoZone: Strut Mounts: What They Are and When to Replace Them
• YourMechanic: How to Replace a Strut Mount