Toyota Repair: struts, mount brackets, toyota corolla

Question
QUESTION: Hello i have a 1994 toyota corolla  with 156000 That was making alot on noise I had my brakes checks it wasnt that the mechanic told me that my struts are wearing down And he said that was causing the noise They are not leaking he recommand strut being replace Becuase of the age and mileage on the car I know  it a big expense I was wonder with the year of my car should i  put struts on it Would it help to put years on my car I need my car Thank you Carolyn

ANSWER: The noise is usually caused by the upper strut mounts, I would recommend having the upper mounts replaced, at this mileage it would also be a good idea to replace both the struts and the mounts even though the struts are not leaking, the mechanic is partially right but the noise is not caused by the struts but rather from the upper mount brackets, you can save about $200 if you decide to just have the mounts replaced.

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QUESTION: Hello Todd thanks for answer when the mechanic gave me a price he said that would include spring , plate i don't recall about the mount He said all that would be new So you suggest replaces the mounts brackets Is that something dangerous if there not replaced right away if i  replace the mounts will the struts need place too He quoted a price on 298.00 for one strut for two be about 500.00 Front back about 1.000 Will
so you would replace them as  old as my car is Would it give me more mileage on it  I hear wants you replace them it almost like a new car
or little better  Thanks for your answer been very helpful Carolyn

Answer
The noise itself is caused by loose insulators on the mounting brackets, it by itself is not dangerous other than the annoying noise,I would only replace the front struts unless there are obvious handling problems of the car, worn struts can cause instability and in that case can be dangerous, I would stall a little bit and get another opinion from a Toyota dealer, most of them do a free safety type inspection especially if you go in for just an oil change and ask to have the car looked over, they'll give you a list of recommendation and do ask them to test drive for the noise.