Are shock absorber mount and shock absorber mounting the same thing?

Yes. "Shock Absorber Mount" and "Shock absorber mounting" refer to the same car part. Other common names include Shock absorber mounting, Mounting, shock absorber, Strut Mount. The part is the same regardless of which name is used.

Can I reuse the bump stop from the old shock absorber?

Not recommended. Bump stops harden and compress permanently over time. A hardened bump stop transmits more impact energy into the body, undermining the ride improvement from new dampers.

What does the bump stop do?

The bump stop is a polyurethane or rubber cushion at the top of the shock absorber travel that prevents the piston from striking the top of the cylinder. Without it, full-compression impacts produce a loud metallic thud.

Do I need a spring compressor to fit a mounting kit?

On MacPherson strut applications, yes — the spring must be compressed to access the top mount. On separate spring/damper configurations (double wishbone), the damper can usually be removed without a spring compressor.

How do I know if the dust cover has failed?

A split or missing dust cover allows dirt and moisture onto the shock absorber piston rod. This abrades the rod and seals, causing fluid leaks and premature failure. Check for splits whenever the strut is removed.

Is the mounting kit included when I buy a complete strut assembly?

Pre-assembled complete struts (strut, spring, and top mount assembled) include all mounting components. Individual shock absorbers require a separate mounting kit — check the supplier's application listing.

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Shock Absorber Mount buying guide — what to know before you buy

Shock absorber mounting hardware — including the top mount, bump stop, dust cover, and retaining nut — secures the damper within the suspension assembly and ensures it operates smoothly through its full stroke. Even when the shock absorber itself is serviceable, deteriorated mounting components cause knocking, rattling, and premature damper wear. Sachs, Bilstein, and Monroe supply complete mounting kits that include all ancillary parts needed for a professional shock absorber installation. Fitting the complete kit ensures consistent performance and avoids the need to re-access the strut within a short period to replace individual worn components.

Components in a shock absorber mounting kit

A complete mounting kit takes the guesswork out of shock absorber replacement by including every part that should be renewed at the same time.

Top mount bearing and rubber pad (MacPherson strut applications)
Bump stop: prevents metal-to-metal contact at full compression
Dust cover or gaiter: protects the piston rod from contamination
Retaining nut: single-use on many applications — must not be reused
Spring seat pad: isolates the coil spring from the strut housing

Why replace the mounting kit alongside the shock absorber

Reusing worn rubber components with a new shock absorber reduces the effectiveness of the new damper, allows noise and vibration to be transmitted into the body, and shortens the service life of the new unit. The labour cost of re-accessing the strut to replace a failed bump stop or mount dwarfs the cost of the parts.

Fitting the mounting kit

Follow the shock absorber manufacturer's sequence for assembly. Compress the spring fully before fitting the top nut, and torque to specification. The top nut on many struts is a stretch bolt — check if the manufacturer specifies a new nut. Align the spring seat orientation marks before tightening.

Check the mounting kit application guide — non-return top nuts must not be reused
Lubricate the bump stop with rubber-friendly grease to prevent squeak
Ensure the dust cover is fully seated and not kinked
Carry out a wheel alignment after reassembly