Replacing the Suspension Strut Mounts on Your 1989-1996 Eagle Summit
Eliminate clunking noises and restore your Summit's ride quality by choosing the right strut mount kit.
- Bad strut mounts on an Eagle Summit typically cause clunking noises, steering issues, and vibrations.
- For a long-lasting repair, KYB is the recommended aftermarket brand; DEA is a budget-friendly alternative.
- Due to the age of the vehicle, you should replace the struts, mounts, and bellows at the same time.
- A wheel alignment is mandatory after replacing strut mounts to prevent tire damage and handling problems.
Is Your Eagle Summit Making Noise Over Bumps?
If you're hearing clunking, knocking, or popping sounds from the front of your 1989-1996 Eagle Summit, especially when turning or driving over bumps, there's a good chance the strut mounts have failed. These parts are made with rubber that cracks and wears out over time. On a car the age of your Summit, the original mounts are well past their service life.
Symptoms of a Bad Strut Mount
- Clunking or Popping Noises: The most common sign is a metallic clunk or pop when you turn the steering wheel or hit a bump. This is caused by the worn rubber allowing metal parts to hit each other.
- Vibrations: You might feel excessive vibration through the steering wheel or the floor. The mount is no longer isolating the road shocks from the car's body.
- Stiff or Noisy Steering: Since the mount contains a bearing that allows the strut to pivot, a bad mount can cause the steering to feel stiff, bind, or make noise as you turn.
- Poor Handling: A feeling of instability or excessive body roll in turns can be a symptom of a failed mount affecting your suspension alignment.
- Uneven Tire Wear: A bad mount can throw off your wheel alignment, causing your tires to wear out unevenly and prematurely.
Pro Tip: The Eagle Summit is mechanically identical to the Mitsubishi Mirage of the same years. When searching for parts or repair advice, looking for information on the 1989-1996 Mitsubishi Mirage can provide more results.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Strut Mount
For a vehicle like the Eagle Summit, original equipment (OEM) parts from the dealer are likely discontinued and unavailable. The aftermarket is your only realistic option. Here’s a breakdown of the available brands, from good to best.
| Brand Tier | Brand(s) | Quality & Cost Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | DEA | DEA provides budget-friendly, standard replacement parts. They are designed to be a direct fit and will solve the immediate problem of a failed mount. For a daily driver where cost is the main concern, DEA is a functional choice. |
| Standard / Mid-Grade | Mevotech | Mevotech offers different quality levels, from standard replacements to enhanced "Supreme" parts. Quality can be inconsistent, with some users having good experiences and others reporting early failures. They can be a good value but are considered a step below top-tier brands. |
| Premium / OE-Quality | KYB | KYB is a well-respected Japanese brand that is often an original equipment supplier for many car manufacturers. Their parts are known for high quality and durability, closely matching the performance of the original mounts. For the best long-term results and ride quality on your Summit, KYB is the recommended choice. |
A Note on Replacement: Replacing a strut mount requires disassembling the entire strut assembly, which involves using a spring compressor. This tool is dangerous if not used correctly. If you are not experienced with this job, it is safer to have a professional mechanic do the work or to replace the entire strut assembly if a pre-assembled ("quick strut") unit is available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to get a wheel alignment after replacing strut mounts?
Yes, absolutely. Replacing the strut mounts will affect your vehicle's suspension geometry. A four-wheel alignment is required to prevent uneven tire wear and ensure the vehicle handles correctly.
Should I replace struts at the same time as the mounts?
Given the age of the 1989-1996 Eagle Summit, if the struts are original, they are certainly worn out. Since you have to remove and disassemble the strut to replace the mount anyway, it is highly recommended to replace the strut, mount, and bellow (dust boot) all at once. This saves on future labor costs and completely restores your front suspension's performance.
Can I replace just one strut mount?
It is always recommended to replace suspension components in pairs (both front mounts, or both rear). If one mount has failed due to age, the other is likely not far behind. Replacing them in pairs ensures balanced handling and predictable performance from side to side.
Were there any recalls for the Eagle Summit strut mounts?
No. Searches of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database show no recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) related to the suspension strut mounts for the 1989-1996 Eagle Summit.
Technical Specifications
The kit typically includes the strut mount with integrated bearing and may come with new mounting nuts. Always confirm fitment for your specific year and submodel (DL, LX, ESi, Wagon).
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Eagle Summit: