DIY Strut Mount Washer Replacement: Complete Guide

Strut mount washers are small but critical suspension components that support the strut assembly and help distribute loads evenly across the mounting surface. Over time, these washers can wear, crack, or corrode, leading to noise, vibration, and compromised suspension geometry. Replacing them is an intermediate DIY task that typically takes one to two hours per strut. This guide provides general guidance; specific tools, torque specifications, procedures, and safety protocols vary significantly by vehicle make and model. Before starting, consult your vehicle's service manual for exact step sequences, fastener specifications, and any model-specific precautions. Because strut mounts are suspension components directly affecting vehicle stability and safety, we strongly recommend that readers who lack suspension experience have this repair inspected or performed by a qualified mechanic.

What You'll Need

Tools

• Socket set (metric and standard sizes, typically 8–19mm)
• Torque wrench (beam or digital, rated for suspension fasteners)
• Floor jack and jack stands rated for your vehicle's weight
• Lug wrench or impact wrench for wheel removal
• Wheel chocks to prevent rolling
• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• Marker or painter's tape for component labeling
• Spring compressor tool (if spring removal is required; rental availability varies by region)
• Pry bar or breaker bar for stubborn fasteners

Parts & Materials

• Replacement strut mount washers (verify fitment with your vehicle's service documentation before purchase)
• Threadlocker compound (medium-strength, such as the type commonly used for suspension fasteners)
• Brake cleaner or carburetor cleaner for removing dirt and corrosion
• Gasket or washer sealant if specified in your service manual
• Shop towels or lint-free rags

Before You Begin

• Park your vehicle on level, solid ground (asphalt or concrete) and allow the engine to cool completely before working. Hot components can cause burns and affect torque readings.
• Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels (or in front if raising the rear) to prevent accidental rolling.
• Work in a well-lit area, ideally with a work light or task lamp positioned to see fasteners and mounting surfaces clearly.
• Verify that you have the correct replacement washer for your specific vehicle by checking your service manual or parts documentation; incorrect washers can affect suspension alignment and safety.
• Suspension work is safety-critical. If you are not experienced with suspension repairs, vibration or steering problems are present, or you lack the necessary tools, we strongly recommend having a qualified mechanic inspect and perform this repair.

Step-by-Step: How to Replace a Strut Mount Washer

1. Raise the vehicle safely. Use a floor jack to lift one corner of the vehicle, supporting the frame at a designated lift point (never under the control arm or suspension). Place a jack stand under the frame as a backup support. Repeat on the opposite side if replacing both struts. Lower the vehicle weight onto the jack stands, but keep the jack in place for added security.
2. Remove the wheel. Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground, then remove them fully. Slide the wheel off the hub and set it aside in a safe location.
3. Locate and access the strut assembly. The strut mount is typically located at the top of the strut assembly near the wheel well or engine compartment, depending on whether you're working on a front or rear strut. Remove any plastic covers, wiring clips, or protective shrouds that obstruct access to the strut mount fasteners.
4. Remove the strut mount fasteners. Using the appropriate socket and breaker bar if needed, loosen and remove the fasteners holding the strut mount assembly to the vehicle. Mark the orientation and position of each fastener with painter's tape or a marker so you can reinstall them in the correct sequence and direction.
5. Separate the strut assembly from the mount. Carefully pull the strut assembly downward to gain clearance. You may need to support the assembly with a helper or a jack to prevent stress on brake and suspension lines. Once separated, you should have clear access to the worn washer.
6. Remove the worn strut mount washer. Inspect the washer for cracks, corrosion, or permanent deformation. Use a socket or appropriate tool to hold the center bolt if necessary while removing the washer. Keep all fasteners and hardware organized—use a labeled container to track which parts belong to which strut location. Consult your vehicle's service manual for exact torque specifications for all fasteners you are removing and reinstalling, as these vary significantly by make, model, and engine type.
7. Clean the mounting surfaces. Use brake cleaner and a shop towel to remove dirt, rust, and old sealant from both the vehicle frame mounting surface and the strut assembly. A clean surface ensures proper seating and load distribution of the new washer. Allow surfaces to dry completely before proceeding.
8. Install the new strut mount washer. Position the new washer onto the strut assembly, ensuring it sits flat and fully contacts the mounting surface. If your service manual specifies threadlocker or gasket sealant, apply a small amount to the fastener threads or mounting surface before installation. Do not over-apply sealant, as excess material can interfere with seating and fastener torque.
9. Reinstall the strut assembly and fasteners. Carefully raise the strut assembly back into position, aligning the mounting holes with the vehicle frame holes. Insert and hand-tighten all fasteners in the sequence indicated by your service manual (typically starting from the center and working outward). Once all fasteners are snug, use a torque wrench to tighten them to the specification listed in your manual—do not guess or estimate torque values, as under- or over-tightening both compromise suspension integrity.
10. Reinstall the wheel and lower the vehicle. Mount the wheel back onto the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle slowly by removing the jack stands and using the floor jack, then remove the jack. Once the vehicle is fully on the ground, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the specification in your owner's manual.

Tips for a Successful Strut Mount Washer Replacement

• Inspect surrounding suspension components while the strut is disassembled. Check the strut bearing, spring seat, and isolator for cracking, wear, or corrosion. If these components are damaged, replacing them now prevents future labor and improves long-term reliability.
• Always use a torque wrench for final fastener tightening. Suspension fasteners are not "tight enough" based on feel—proper torque is essential for safety and longevity. Under-torquing allows fasteners to loosen over time; over-torquing can strip threads or crack components.
• Label all fasteners and components with painter's tape before removal. Strut mounts often have different fastener sizes, orientations, and sequences. Clear labeling prevents incorrect reassembly, which can lead to misalignment and uneven wear.
• Do not reuse old washers, even if they appear intact. Washers that have been compressed, heated, and exposed to road salt and moisture lose their original load-bearing properties and compression characteristics. New washers ensure proper support and alignment geometry.

When to Call a Professional

If the strut assembly, spring, or surrounding suspension components show signs of rust, corrosion, or damage that makes safe disassembly difficult, have a professional handle the repair. If you lack experience with suspension work, notice vibration or steering issues that suggest alignment or suspension problems, or do not have access to a torque wrench and the correct fastener specifications, a qualified mechanic should perform or inspect the work. Suspension repairs directly affect vehicle stability, braking, and steering response—any uncertainty about proper procedure, torque values, or component condition warrants professional evaluation.