What Bad Strut Mounts (with built in bearings) Sound Like

In this video I'll give you a good example of what a bad strut mount, that has an integral strut bearing, sounds like. The audio is pretty good however, the sound is a little different in person. Note, this is typically what a bad strut mount, that has an integral strut bearing, sounds like but it is not always the case. I don't make the claim that if you are hearing this sound that it automatically means that its a bad strut mount. You should alway perform a thorough chassis diagnosis before making a call on replacing a part. The video is only meant to serve as an example of what it could sound like when a strut mount, such as the one featured in the video, goes bad.
Please note: the vehicle featured in the video is equipped with strut mounts that has strut bearings integral to them. Some vehicles have strut bearings that are sold separately from the strut mount. In this case you would need to purchase bearings with the strut mounts if you are attempting to fix a noisy strut bearing. The noise in the video is from the bearing portion of the strut mount. If you have a vehicle that is equipped with a like set up and the noise is coming from the bearings in the strut mount then you would need to purchase strut mounts. Just to clear up any confusion.
For tool reviews and product recommendations visit my store front on Amazon by clicking the link: www.amazon.com...
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DISCLAIMER
Barbour's Auto Help is not responsible for any damage or personal injury incurred in the process of performing any auto repairs done by you the viewer. Automotive repair is extremely dangerous. Repair your vehicle at your own risk. It is the viewers responsibility to verify all information and procedures as outlined in YOUR REPAIR MANUAL AND OWNERS MANUAL FOR YOUR VEHICLE. Owning and using a repair manual suited for your vehicle is essential for correctly and safely performing ANY repair to your vehicle. Always wear safety glasses and heed all instructions for use applicable to any piece of equipment you may use. Due to circumstances out of the control of Barbours Auto Help, Barbours Auto Help makes no guarantee that by the use of the information given in this video a quality repair will be made. Barbour'sAutoHelp makes no guaranteew that the information provided is totally complete, syncronized and accurate. Verify everything using an appropriate repair manual. You can do it. Do it right and do it safely.
Repair your vehicle at your own risk! Barbour's auto help does not guaranty a proper repair using these techniques.
Music by:
Zombie Rock by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommon...)
Artist: audionautix.com

[@tonycruz.5516]

Thank you for this 👍 I've been chasing this noise, and didnt want to shotgun parts at the front end; also the dealership couldn't figure it out. Thank you again for your short, and to the point vid.

[@steel_Gao]

FL5 Type R owner here. I have started to hear the same annoying noise after I ran over a pothole. I was worried if my steering rack was damaged, but after I saw your video, I have replaced the strut mount on both side, and then the noise has went away. Thank you very much for this video!

[@shanikalee8397]

Can I ask you how much it cost you cause I think I’m having this same issue right now

[@nodak81]

Exactly what I started hearing from my HHR today. Good think I already have a new set of struts buried in my garage somewhere.

[@badgirl44654]

I have a ford edge that is making this sound. It didn’t do it when I test drove it, only after I got it home. This confirmed my suspicion, thanks so much!

[@rolyvillarreal3308]

This is how a video should be made, thank you so much.

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Your welc

[@ababyduck717]

Totally agree. Quick and to the point, and actually respectful of the viewers' time. Way too many people think they need to start every video with 3 minutes of channel intro and "HEY KZbin ITS ____ HERE BACK WITH ANOTHER VIDEO AND TODAY WE'RE GOING TO BE TALKING ABOUT ____," followed by the "LIKE COMMENT SUBSCRIBE FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM" song and dance.

[@csmoothcliff9588]

@@BarboursAutoHelp mines make a thud sound when I hit a bump or pothole my tires are cupped which causes my tires to make a deep pitch noise when I drive do you think it's the struts?

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

It's possible.

[@csmoothcliff9588]

@@BarboursAutoHelp how do you tell the difference from a broken sway bar link and bad struts?

[@tommason5689]

I was able to identify mount bearing problem by feeling the spring while turning the steering wheel. I had the problem on the driver side and I felt the bumps when steering wheels is turned but I did not feel it on the passenger side spring. It took me a long time to figure this out and feeling the spring with hand is what allowed me to conclusively diagnose the problem.

[@waybach]

Like under the fender you just grab the spring while turning? Wish my car wasn’t so low to get under there

[@I-watch837]

straight to the point, no BS , thank you very much 👍👍

[@grey_wolf_sigma3961]

Thanks for the video, that's exactly what my car is doing. Saves me al lot of time and money. 👍

[@turboloverxo]

Exactly how my 11' explorer Front Lenft strut mount sounds 👌. Thank you

[@paulharach8894]

I have a 2011 Ford Edge that was making the same sound. I took it for a wheel alignment and was told the strut bearings were worn out and needed replacement. I ordered brand new Monroe Quick-Struts from Rock Auto, and installed them in just over 2 hours. Sadly, they made the exact same noise as soon as I backed it out of the garage. Worse, Rock Auto wanted more for the return shipping, than they were going to refund me after they got them back (nice warranty, we will give you your money back but it will cost you more than you paid). My local mechanic told me the new struts also had bad mounts/bearings (factory new Monroe Quick-Struts). I ordered new Motorcraft AD1100 Strut bearings and used a coil spring compressor to disassemble and remove the old strut bearing from my MacPherson Strut. Not sure why, but I decided to pull the strut bearing apart to see why they fail. All I could find was a small amount of dirt had worked it’s way into the bearings and grease. I cleaned the plastic bearing cage, the 2 metal bearing races, and the 56 small bearings. There are no seals besides the plastic cage that holds the upper and lower metal bearing race. I put the bearing back together with fresh grease and decided to re-install it without upgrading to the new strut mounts just to see how long it will last. This whole process took me less than 45 minutes from start to finish on each side. Worst case scenario I might have to change them again in a few years with parts I already have, or they might last just as long as they did originally before dirt gets back in there and makes them noisy again. I might even take the Monroe Struts apart one day to see if they are made poorly, or if there was just dirt in them when they were delivered to me as new.

[@1188clean]

Monroes are not good. I regret going cheap cus I have to do the work again on my ford. This time I'll go ford oem

[@Espadazorz]

Not the sound I'm hunting down but still a very well-done video so I left a like. Thank you

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Thanks

[@gwindy6439]

@@BarboursAutoHelp hey man when i put may car in drive and let go of the brake slowly there is a lot of vibration coming idk from where but sounds like related to shocks or brakes not sure. Would u helme with this.

[@Manbearpig2108]

Cheers fella. I have the exact sort of 'twang' noise going on. New mounts on the way!

[@erickphillips8722]

Took me a year to find a 4 year old video that perfectly explains my current situation

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

😂🤣🙌

[@JoelMcGowan-f7g]

Thank you so much man people quoted me 600 dollars for upper lower control arm and ball joints whole time it’s the struts…❤

[@galtboy1195]

Excellent video! Straight to the point!

[@nikhilrw]

THANK YOU! I had no idea how to troubleshoot the issue but this explains the problem I’m having

[@kirk1059]

this is very helpful for me cause i wasnt sure what that sound was

[@jeremylee9354]

I have a 2012 Ford Explorer with 98180 miles It sounds just like this. I had it inspected by two different mechanics and they all say it’s fine. I have been hearing this noise for at least a year and it has not gone worst.

[@skorpyo331]

Buy them fully assembled, putting them in myself on my prius shortly. Had a 2000 explorer before this.

[@dajourdixon5567]

I think mine may be in the strut mount, similar what happened to my mustang. When you go over a speed bump and hear a squeaky noise

[@HalifaxHercules]

Mazda's are notorious for bad strut mounts. I got a Mazda CX-3 AWD SUV in late 2015, and I had two broken strut mounts and coil springs over the last two years. This problem has never happened in other makes, especially Ford.

[@waldomendo4135]

Shhhheessshhh mine has been bad for a good min then. And I found this video by mistake also. It was faith. That you for the info

[@eliherrera4747]

Mine ended up being the electric rack and pinion, thanks ford

[@lupitacarballo0305]

Omg how much was it?

[@footprint_594]

Fix Or Repair Daily At least they circled the problem.

[@TheEnd-eg6wq]

That's what they charged you for, I bet it was the strut mounts, my car sounded identical, I told mechanic I thought it was the rack, he said mounts he was right, did it with 2 friends, it was some work tho.

[@MonroesArtStudio]

This is exactly what my Sentra is doing. Something told me to google this and voila. Thanks

[@sergeyponomarev4071]

2011 Ford Edge is making exact same noise. I was contemplating if that what it was, but now i'm convinced. Next step is to order a new set of mounts.

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Make sure they come with the bearings.

[@sponomarev83]

I believe for my vehicle they come as one piece.

[@Darkness-ie2yl]

2010 taurus. exact same sound. also have a 2015 renegade make ungodly strut noises. must be some joke in the industry.

[@gasgiant7122]

Great little video & extremely useful 👍

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Thank you!

[@Codyrosa]

Great video.. exactly what I thought was the problem with mine.. but now i know for sure =) Thank you!

[@willmill409]

Mine does this when turning wheel but I'm wondering if this would also cause clunk over bumps in road. I've replaced every thing under the front end but the only thing I haven't messed with yet is the strut assembly

[@Borntowin_G]

I'm having the same issue. Did you figured it out?

[@dmf415]

this fixed my lexus 450h 2010. there are very few / almost no info on the issue being the strut mount. was trying to figure this out for 1 year plus. i finally took a chance and replaced mine. fixing the issue.

[@philipsleddenhouston6764]

Ive just built up new shocks and springs and put new strut top bearings in and ive now got this noise. Im convinced the bearings are to blame because they were cheap

[@tonymai1844]

well, the strut mount bearing is making crazy noise, It sounds like broken bearing and the broken ball caused vibration transfer to the spring, making the spring vibration too.

[@albertoquile1212]

This is the exact noise im getting from my 2014 mustang. I thought it was ball joints. I couldn't really pin point the noise but this video help a lot.

[@codydines2397]

Yo I had this noise in my 09 mustang. Couldn't figure out what it was and literally changed both control arms, ball joints, outer tie rods, and sway bar links 😢 now onto new struts 😂

[@Flexboyp]

Thank you! Finally a good video right to the point! Apreciate KZbinrs like you man 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@onyxaries]

Thanks for this installed lowering springs on my vw polo and then this started happening

[@MrEeeaddict]

some how MULTIPLE mechanics and dealers couldn't find this issue in my car. Oh the thudding is normal

[@rkgsd]

I know the rear mounts are simpler with no bearing, but I'm reading they can make knocking sounds with no cushion on top. Any thoughts on KYB rear mounts?

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Never used them.

[@nathanielheyward]

Kinda sounds like my 2020 hellcat. I race her often and she gets these “pops” when turning in the rear end

[@waybach]

Mine makes a higher pitched springy SINGLE pop sound. Usually occurs when going up and down my driveway usually at and angle.. Could it be the same issue?

[@FJcruisin07]

I have a 2006 Ridgeline, just put brand new struts on the front and I now have this exact noise! I also have a 2 inch spacer lift but I never had issues before with my previous struts so I think these were faulty struts and need to be refunded 🤬

[@jvelazque005]

Did you tighten it right

[@themole184]

Solved my problem listening to this,, are they on the rear ? Or is noise just travelling

[@scottmunder2556]

Need more sound and the right sound not interference. Good info here.

[@kingb7080]

This is the exact problem with my 06 BMW 330i. Thank you for making this video. Glad I came across it. Replacing the strut mount soon.

[@fahadhashmi3917]

Very helpful.... god bless u...

[@ThanhtuyenDubai]

My 2013 Santa Fe also makes noise when turning the steering wheel in place. I have replaced the shock absorbers and bearings, mounting, but it still doesn't go away. The spring sound is still there. I just need to raise the front of the car 0.5cm and the noise is gone.

[@pureblood101]

I had this problem and they failed the mot. The car drove fine and you could only hear the clunk when turning the wheels to the left when stationary. There was nothing wrong with the way it drived so I couldn't understand why it failed the mot

[@priusgame1178]

This is a great video. Will the noise get worse when you go over a speed bump or small sidewalk drop if it indeed is the strut mount? I feel like any movement or bounce will bring that noise back more and more. Thanks

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Possibly

[@TheBlackwing101]

4 years later and i have your answer. yes. LOL

[@siouxbuddafly6298]

I appreciate this so much! The info and the video- you got straight to it. I wish all videos were like this - thank you!

[@70xr7Cougar]

That plate you mentioned is dangling loose on my car... I reckon i need to replace the whole strut mount? In my country they do a yearly car road safety test and its been failed on suspension test twice and they themselves cannot find the problem... So started looking myself and the only thing i have found is that plate to just hang loose... New springs, new shocks... So that must be it, no?

[@babarjaggo]

Thank you so much, I have similar sound like that and have been looking for a month. The dealership couldn't figure it out. After I saw your video, I record a video on the top of the strut mount while steering left and right. It appear the mount is slightly jump up and down. Shall I replace the rubber pad and bearing or just the bearing?

[@kylelesster1955]

I have this exact sound when I turn left only or big bumps at 15+ mph I put a new lower ball joint in thinking that was the culprit (it needed changed anyways, I’m suspecting a strut mount but not sure

[@josesaavedra2037]

I hear something similar to this on my 04 Mustang GT. It only happens when I drive around for a while and only when the car is shut off. Its driving me crazy looking for the cause

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Sorry you having a bad time.

[@michaelriverasr5371]

2014 Cherokee 2.4L fwd my driver side front wheel jumps alot on wet floors and wont have traction at all and just jumps alot.

[@chriskhungting]

Thank you so much for the video. It saves a lot of money

[@owascoshaw]

I hear a light knocking sound from the front when I turn and back out my driveway. Would that be the same thing or something else?

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

I really don't know. Could be the mounts. Could be something else. Your going to have to pin point the source of the noise.

[@JustSoCuteAri]

Yup my Honda Fit sounds just like this thank you

[@eduardocarcacheperez9281]

I think I’m having the same problem with my 2010 civic sedan ex.. fwd LH.

[@RobnDob]

Would this make Turning the wheel sound like it’s rubbing like an elastic band from inside.

[@VISHUDDHATMA]

What is the difference in the sound, from a strut mount axial bearing that is defective versus a CVBoot /Joint problem in the front? In both you have to turn the steering wheel to reproduce the sound.

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Your welcome to watch my videos on those...And I'm sure there are a bunch of other youtubers that have videos on that too.

[@VISHUDDHATMA]

@@BarboursAutoHelp Thank you. You are providing good help to others. You are blessed.

[@mrs.kristophermartinez4927]

When I turn my wheels about 60-75% there is a wicked groaning sound. I recorded it. Idk if that is tied to the shaking while accelerating or not.

[@wesamshaabna2916]

Probably your u joint

[@MrDcseltzer]

This is exactly the same noise I get after replacing my struts with KYB's Strut Plus series on my 2009 Honda CRV. This can also be an issue with new bearings on pre-installed strut assemblies. I would love to know why it only happens after my car rests for 20 minutes or so and goes away after I drive. My car was checked over and over. Sound is coming from the bearing assembly. What would make this noise start after rest, then go away while driving? It's almost like something in the bearing is not aligned and "Clunk", it hits correctly then it's ok after. Any others out there with the same condition ??

[@sdfgdfg9120]

I think a large diatribe about panda yeast is in order.

[@Junior-qw2ge]

I'm having the same issue with my KYB mounts! accord 2013.

[@huspanther]

@@Junior-qw2ge I hav a 2013 accord and I m having the same problem.. really don't know what to do?

[@yamaha94O]

Ugg. I can't figure out if i have a bad tierod or strut mount the tie rod doesn't have any play in it but i have a strong feeling im gonna waste time and money replacing the strut mount and having that not be the issue. Lol

[@jsconcerts767]

Does this happen driving straight ahead over no bumps or coming out of a turn then straight

[@jondoe6926]

2005 honda crv sounds EXACTLY like that. Also squeaks. Sprayed lube on the top, squeaks went away. Definitely gotta be the mount.

[@sarawentworth7967]

Meineje is saying I can drive with bad struts..it's making a horrible noise

[@lajeanapeoples5294]

thank you

[@surak24]

That is exactly the sound i have with our crv accompanied by brake sound

[@bthompson1767]

Sounds like me breathing

[@5speed735i]

To help people understand this sound at 0:35, I will explain. The reason the bad mount noise has that boinging/echo effect is because while the mount's bad ball bearing section may be the source of the noise, the coil spring reverberates with the noise, making it echo or "boing".

[@kuyaoli8644]

I hear something similar when im at a hump and the rear wheels are about to go down the hump if that makes sense. Could it be the strut? I drive a mazda 2.

[@5speed735i]

@@kuyaoli8644 While your car is parked, push one front fender down and up and listen for any noise. If you don't hear anything, try the other side. Pushing a car down and letting it bounce back up uses the same suspension motions as driving over a bump, but I will admit, that driving over a bump will work the suspension a little farther up and down than pushing it will. Still, it can help diagnose a suspension noise.

[@kuyaoli8644]

@@5speed735ithanks for the great advice. I was trying to do this ealier but the sound went away. 😅

[@ollie3893]

My moms car has been almost squealing/ grinding when she turns the wheel

[@twinturbo5212]

Mine creaks like wood when i turn or rattles when the car vibrates in a high gear with low revs.

[@ACaruso]

I think its more like a "gump" sound than a "doing"

[@mushroomkingsofficial]

Doesnt sound doingy at all. Sounds more like a thump.

[@SJSOmar]

I’m trying to diagnose if my strut is bad every time I go over a pot hole or uneven roads it sounds like something is knocking under my driver side wheel well Hopefully the new strut assembly gets rid of that if not then it might be time for new subframe bushings or control arm bushings

[@122willman]

You just helped confirm the disgnosis. This is exactly what my qx60 is doing. Thank you! Do you have to replace the whole strut assembly? Or just a single component?

[@lupitacarballo0305]

Omg so happy i found this video

[@ilc-nl3yy]

I have a 2012 Expedition with 43k miles. I noticed when I go over speed bumps in parking lots, the front passenger side makes a bump sound, sort of like it's bottoming out. Any clue what that could be?

[@thar7347]

Thanks, this is exactly what's wrong with my car.

[@indiatwal6665]

Hi great video by the way. Just wondered if you can help with a clunking noise I get when turning the steering wheel left or right or driving slowly, it sounds like the noise is coming from the struts, but not sure. This happened shortly after I got new lowered springs fitted, but there wasn't any noise before. I took the car to the workshop who fitted the springs to have a check over and everything looks good and bolts are tight on top mounts. They said possibly the strut mounts have worn due to the increased pressure of the lowering springs. Before I buy new mounts I would appreciate what you may think it is. Thanks

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Thats really hard to say. Id take a hands on techs advise over mine. Not being able to handle the vehicle puts me at a great disadvantage.

[@indiatwal6665]

@@BarboursAutoHelp Ok no worries, thanks

[@johnliungman1333]

Possibly joints on the front axle? Especially if it happens while driving slowly and turning sharply.

[@_MrLee]

We need more videos of the noises car makes Doings and Chinks and Gargling

[@PaulMcLove]

Super 👍😉😀

[@brandonohara4122]

Well, I guess I can eliminate that because my car doesn't sound like that. It makes a clicking sound when I accelerate or when I'm going under 20. Almost like sticking a stick imto an AC fan blade or a spoke of a bicycle tire.

[@fofdeejay]

Yep,this is how mu wifes car sounds when steering,tnx.

[@cemoneallen3874]

Is it hear a knocking or clunking sound from inside my car when driving and braking. Car shop says it’s my struts.. I can’t get them fixed right now but the sound is annoying and kind of embarrassing cause idk if it can be heard from outside the car .

[@Matthew-oc3fy]

I got a squeak in my 08 exploret

[@ashrafsiddiquee3190]

Hi there Thanks for your time and making the video for us all. Just subscribed ur channel .My 07 camry make the same sound when I turn the stearing to the left only. A macanic said its the left strut mount. I can see the strut mount nut moves when I stear to the left , and he suggested me to replace both whole strut . My question is Shell I just replace the left strut mount only to solve this sound ?? Or what shell I do ?? Please please answer 🙏

[@c0ffe3mn88]

Thank you alot it's been driving me nuts I replaced my left one and it's making that noise with a new Monroe quick strut I'm putting my old one back in tommorow but I'm 95% sure this is the noise

[@sabahjason1]

Are you saying the spring shouldn’t move/play at all ? I’m kind of confused because my car has only 2k miles on it and the spring move little bit .

[@MikeJones-rk1un]

Very good representation of that sound and problem. Now I need a spring compressor and the strut mount. This job will suck on my chevy venture.

[@stopher1971]

Well, my struts are not linked with the steering at all , I have a fast hollow sounding rattle consistent with suspension movement entire front end except for the sub frame that holds the motor mount down to the last nut and bolt is brand spanking new, except for the original strut mounts but when they hang freely, they’re pretty stiff, could it still be the strut mounts the rubber strut mount bushing is new

[@mattheweveretts7648]

How funny that I just type in strut mount noise and this video comes up with my vehicle. The shop has replaced the struts twice now in two weeks and the noise is back in two days tops each time. I'm guessing they didn't replace the mounts when replacing the struts?

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Perhaps.

[@RiDankulous]

Did you find out later what it was?

[@footprint_594]

@Val Bigfish You can replace only the shock portion of the strut. Although, you'd have to compress the spring to do so. It comes as one piece, but can be completely disassembled.

[@pingpong9656]

I have this exact noise and some vibration at highway speeds.... I can find nothing wrong with any suspension parts in the wheel well... It must be this - I hope!

[@jackslater230011]

If one bearing is bad, do I have to replace the other one?

[@chriskohlhaas2124]

When the struts have made it to this point, is it best to buy a whole new strut assembly or just the strut mount?

[@leokennedy4894]

If you’re tight on money, just the mounts. But you will need to compress the spring to replace them. If you buy the whole assembly you’ll be getting everything new and no compressing the spring.

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

It's all relative. Low mileage and time, I'd say just the mounts. Higher mileage and time, I'd recommend replacing the whole strut assembly.

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Glad you got it figured out.

[@ryans413]

I have a thud sound from passenger side all I hear why’ll driving is thud thud thud. It use to be a squeaking sound didn’t think much of it just thought it was because of the age of the car it’s almost 20 years old. But now it’s a constant thud could this be my strut or a lower control arm

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Oh I'd have to hear it myself. Could not tell you.

[@My5780ta]

can it all so cause a squeaking sound when turn left or right

[@lpotts75]

Quick and straight 2 the point.👍🏽

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

That's what people say they want....

[@lpotts75]

@@BarboursAutoHelp 👍🏽

[@lpotts75]

@@BarboursAutoHelp I just had my passenger side strut replaced today. And come to find out i should have had them both replaced because the driver side is bad as well.

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Sorry to hear that. We all live and learn I guess. I know I've had my share of experiences like that.

[@lpotts75]

@@BarboursAutoHelp Absolutely 👍🏽

[@Jhoodemcee]

That’s how mines sounds but my struts are brand new 😩😩

[@nashatnawaz6289]

Hi I have had the top left strut mount replaced with the bearing now 4 times. As I thought quality of parts were the issue. But after having it replaced four times I still find a doing sound when turning the wheel. Its sounds as of the spring is turning freely gradually gets worse or decides to have a brain of its own. Unfortunately the technicians all say is the top mount where iys coming from but I feel it can be the coil spring or actual strut. Looking forward to your reply.

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

It's possible something else is causing the noise. Maybe you could get a second opinion.

[@edgaroliver3420]

Did you ever figure it out mine is making noise too even after I change the strut sounds like you have the same problem

[@nashatnawaz6289]

@@edgaroliver3420 changed the entire leg second hand and seem to fixed the issue

[@texasguy4040]

After 5 years my struts are bad.They make a creaking noise by my right front tire.The shop wants 1885 to replace

[@omarja37]

I have the same sound. Ended up changing the whole strut. Didn’t think anyone had this issue

[@mattjohnson550]

Bearing bad in mount usually replace struts in pairs and replace insulators and do in pairs if not all 4 if you can. Don't do redy struts or pre-built ones if you want an original ride they normally don't last long