Can a strut mount go bad and start to make a rattle noise when hitting bumps or is there a bearing inside that can be replaced in our cars?

 

Absolutely. strut mounts are nothing more than a rubber mount to isolate road noises and vibrations and also house a bearing plate in the front to alow turning motion for the steering.

when a strut mount goes, you will hear more of a clunk noise. The only way to properly inspect a strutmount is to remove it from the vehicle and make sure that the rubber portion or the bearing plate is in good condition. The rubber mount should not be cracked or torn. Or if there is a metal tube mounted in the mount, it should be 100% intact to the mount.

Also, the bearing plate should rotate freely with no hesitation or "bind".

 

when i buy a new strut mount from the dealership does anyone if the bearing comes with it or do i have to buy that seperate?

 

it depends. when you talk to the parts guy, ask him if its a strut mount assembly with bearing plate or if you need a bearing plate separately. its that simple.

If you take apart your mount and you find that there is no problems with the bearing plate (problems would be binding or any kind of unusual noises like a grinding) then order a mount and not a bearing plate.

If you do order a new mount and the noise doesn't go away, i would suggest looking at the struts next. take a straight edge and hold it against the piston rod to verify that it is good and straight. Also, inspect the seal that the strut piston rod meets the strut housing for leaks or damage. It is normal to see a minor amount of oil around that seal, but if there is more than a minor amount and you see a coating of oil down the body of the strut then chances are that the strut is bad.