Hello, i have a 2002 cavalier Ls. I put new struts on about 4 months ago including strut mounts which came with the bearing plate. I was not happy from day one with the monroe mcphereson OEM replacement. I also used monroe's strut mount which was way cheaper than anyone elses. I had it aligned at pep boys. Everything was ok with the steering and alignment but the struts suck! Now 4 months later the steering is starting to bind and so far is intermittent. i'm wondering if the strut mounts are crap as well. steering fluid is topped off, tires are good in pressure, no noises from steering pump. I want to replace these junk struts and but don't know if i should keep the bearing plates, they're not that old but of course if they are causing the problems then i will replace them too.