Maintain proper vehicle handling, ride comfort and safety

The value and importance of mounting kits

Another type of shock, the spring seat shock absorber, is similar to a strut in that it helps suspend the vehicle’s weight. A key difference, however, is that a spring seat shock is not subjected to significant side loads and therefore typically will feature less robust construction.

WHAT IS A MOUNTING KIT?

Rubber block

The rubber block within a mounting kit, sometimes referred to as the “filtering block,” is constructed from a high-quality rubber compound and is intended to filter out road vibrations. Suspension performance is directly linked to this block (and bearing, when applicable) because it helps provide load support, absorb small road irregularities, guide strut rotation and maintain proper wheel alignment.

As these rubber blocks wear out, they become harder, losing their elasticity and absorption qualities. As a result, they cannot effectively isolate noise, vibration and harshness from the cabin and steering wheel. Dynamic testing demonstrates that a worn-out block can have a profoundly negative effect on ride comfort. Compounding the problem, these vibrations can also lead to accelerated wear of the strut steering ball joints and silent blocks.

Vibration issues after replacing the struts are often misdiagnosed as wheel balancing problems, so it is important for technicians to remember to also inspect the vehicles’ mounting kits.

BEARING

Inspect and replace

The maximum working life of a mounting kit is approximately 80.000 km. To ensure optimal performance, Monroe recommends conducting an inspection every 20.000 km and replacing the kit immediately if damage or wear is identified.

Monroe also strongly recommends installing new mounting kits with each strut replacement. Never reuse existing mounting kit components as they can degrade suspension performance and might result in loss of warranty coverage on the new struts.

Always choose the best: Monroe

While most mounting kits might look similar on the surface, there can be significant differences in the materials used by their manufacturers, which can affect quality and performance. Monroe Mounting Kits are manufactured from original equipment grade materials, ensuring they help reduce road-induced noise and vibrations, provide a smooth ride and deliver precise, jump-free steering. 

Most important, these high-quality kits are a perfect complement to Monroe struts. Together these parts deliver the world-class ride experience preferred by millions of installers.

The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice from a certified technician or mechanic. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.