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How long should struts last on 2004 Saturn VUE 6 Cyl AWD?
Optional Information: Year : 2004Make : SaturnModel : VUEEngine : 6 Cyl AWD Already Tried: Mechanic tells me one front strut mounting plate bearing is shot, but recommends replacing both of those, both front struts, both front sway bars, and rear shocks for total of $1500. Car has 75k miles.
These usually do last around 75,000 - 100,000 miles so you are within the norm. Upper strut mounts/bearings are very common problem areas on these vehicles.
Experience: 28 years experience, Master Mechanic
Do you have a strong opinion on simply replacing the mounts and waiting for the struts to "really need" replacing? And should sway bars ever need to be replaced, can't you just replace the bushings, or use them a little loose?
I alway replace the struts with the mounts and vise versa, it is just good practice and it actually saves you money in the long run because the labor would need to be paid twice if you did them separately. As for the sway bar links they are often ruined when they are removed so they typically are replaced, but if they come off really good and are not bad there really is not a need to replace them.