About 16 months ago, I installed FCS from RockAuto on my 2013 2.5L Fusion, and it’s been one of the worst decisions I’ve made. The mounts started grinding and knocking less than a year later. I sent them back and got replacements, but now my passenger side is making noise when turning. The market for Fusion front strut assemblies seems almost nonexistent, except for low-quality options like FCS, TRQ, Detroit Axle, and others. I can’t find new OEM Motorcraft struts, and I don’t want to keep dealing with this headache. I’m thinking of buying salvaged OEM struts off eBay unless anyone has a better recommendation?
I’m also surprised at how bad the front strut market is for the Fusion.
Sierra said:
I’m also surprised at how bad the front strut market is for the Fusion.
Same here. I installed Carquest brand quick struts from Advance Auto on my 2016 Fusion, and they’ve been noisy from the start. They even use some Ford OEM parts, but the assembly quality was so bad that I had to take one apart and put it back together myself. The coil springs are a bit too big and rub against part of the strut tower. I was desperate for something new, so I just deal with it.
@Reuben
It’s a real shame. You’d think it wouldn’t be that hard to get right. I found some salvaged 2019 OEM struts for $125 each, so I might go with that.
Brooklyn said:
@Reuben
It’s a real shame. You’d think it wouldn’t be that hard to get right. I found some salvaged 2019 OEM struts for $125 each, so I might go with that.
Yeah, the market is pretty limited. Most of the cars I see in scrapyards still have the original parts.
Maybe try checking what Steeda offers?
EmmanuelBrown said:
Maybe try checking what Steeda offers?
Already looked, they don’t have them.
Bilstein might be a good option, but they don’t sell quick struts. The cheaper quick struts you’re buying are low quality, especially for a heavier car like the Fusion. Bilstein struts require a spring compressor, but if you want quality, it’s worth the investment. Otherwise, if you keep buying quick struts, expect to keep having problems.
@Dakotah
Sure, but why can’t any company just sell a quality assembly so I don’t have to piece things together like you’re suggesting? No other car parts give me this much trouble.
Brooklyn said:
@Dakotah
Sure, but why can’t any company just sell a quality assembly so I don’t have to piece things together like you’re suggesting? No other car parts give me this much trouble.
Quick struts are just not built for long-term quality. When your car was originally assembled, it was done the way Bilstein suggests—separate springs, mounts, and struts. You’re choosing to use cheaper components that don’t match the OEM quality, and then you’re frustrated when they fail. The best way to avoid these headaches is to buy the right parts individually and assemble them yourself. Leave the quick struts for cars that were poorly assembled from the start, like older Hyundais and Kias.
@Dakotah
You had me until you dissed Hyundai and Kia. They make good cars.
Brooklyn said:
@Dakotah
You had me until you dissed Hyundai and Kia. They make good cars.
They make cheap cars. Pre-2011 Hyundais were solid, but the 2011-2019 models with GDI engines have tons of issues, mostly due to poor maintenance. The 2020 and newer ones seem better, but still, everything feels cheap. I’ve seen coworkers go through Hyundai after Hyundai, racking up debt. I own a Kia, and while it’s got 265k miles, I wouldn’t call it a ‘good’ car. I’ve had to baby it with constant maintenance.
@Dakotah
Well, maybe you should have bought a quality car in the first place instead of complaining about it.
Brooklyn said:
@Dakotah
Well, maybe you should have bought a quality car in the first place instead of complaining about it.
Haha, my Fusion is doing just fine, thanks. The Kia? Not so much. I paid $1 for that thing, though, so I can’t complain. You can’t say the same about your Fusion, can you? While you keep spending on aftermarket parts, I’m sticking with what works.