Should struts and springs be replaced when replacing top mounts?

[SJPS]

Sorry if this has been asked already (I can't find the search function in the new forum style). My front top mounts will likely need replacing at the next service (60k+ miles on the car).

Question is, should the struts and springs be replaced at the same time, given that everything is apart anyway? I would imagine on a 15 year old car with 60k+ miles, they will wear out soon anyway... or do Porsche struts have a longer lifespan?

Thanks for the advice!

 

[AngieS]

I would say do shocks. Our mini had 4 defective ones that were only discovered after replacing broken spring. It had recently passed an MOT but showed no signs of failure eg leaking or bouncing body! Springs will be fine as long as no corrosion. If caught early then they can be cleaned/painted. Rubber shock mounts are easy enough but will always come down to labour cost balanced with future proofing against problems down the line. Although if you track day then you should be on top of all worn parts?

 

[Motorhead]

Agreed that replacing the dampers - and maybe the springs, dependent upon condition - probably will be worthwhile, although I’m sure that there’s still life in them for a while [20k miles?], so I suppose a lot depends upon use and how long you plan to keep the car since the cost of replacing all four dampers [and springs?] compared with that for some relatively cheap elastomeric components is significant.

Don’t forget to factor-in the cost of a suspension realignment.

Jeff

 

[ianthow]

One front shock on my 2010 Cayman started leaking last year at around 80k, second at 83k. No noticable impact on handling (not tracked) but replaced prior to MOT. OPC did the work. I was expecting them to suggest replacing springs at same time but no mention so I guess they were happy with them. They replaced both drop links as the long clamping bolts were siezed in the hub carrier. Common problem. Top bump stops and sundries also replaced along with lower arms on rear and full alignment.

 

[JohnCRS]

The trouble with suspension is that once you start replacing bits you can end up doing a complete refresh - dampers, bushes, drop links etc. etc. plus all the other associated bits that are crusty. Assuming largely road use, there is no reason this should need doing at 60k miles unless a problem occurs. What is the issue with the top mounts?

Whilst I fully understand the appeal of a refresh if cost is not an issue, I would just do what needs doing (equally to both sides) and leave the rest for another 20k miles or so.

 

[SJPS]

Thanks all. I have not noticed any symptoms with the top mounts myself (that being said, I have not owned cars for long enough to diagnose this..) but I did see the worn rubber bits during the last service (almost two years and 8k miles ago). Therefore, I presume they should be replaced this time.

I would like to take the car on occasional track days and want to make sure the suspension is generally in good order (not after perfection, just safety for a beginner on the track). My initial thought was, if the mechanics have spent the time taking everything apart they might as well replace the struts as well. It seems like the more reasonable thing to do would be to just replace what needs replacing now.

I'll mention my desire for occasional track use to the mechanics and see what they recommend.

Thanks for pointing out the need for an alignment when replacing struts + all the other suspension bits that could be replaced and how cost can spiral once the head starts to spiral...