Parts for your 1997 Daihatsu Gran move-Strut mounts

1997 Daihatsu Gran Move strut mounts — what they do and when to swap them

Based on the Daihatsu Gran Move/Pyzar (G3 series) factory service manual suspension section and the Daihatsu Electronic Parts Catalogue, the front suspension is MacPherson strut and uses an upper strut mount with an integrated thrust bearing. Major aftermarket fitment catalogues for 1996–2002 Gran Move (e.g., KYB and Monroe) also list front strut top mounts for this model. So yes — the 1997 Daihatsu Gran Move is fitted with front strut mounts, and they’re a key piece of the car’s steering feel and ride comfort.

The strut mount sits at the top of the front strut, tying the strut to the body turret. Its rubber insulator cushions road shock and vibration, while the bearing lets the strut rotate smoothly as the driver turns the steering. A healthy mount helps keep alignment stable, reduces road noise, and stops clunks on bumps. When the rubber perishes or the bearing grinds, the Gran Move can feel crashy over potholes, creak when turning at parking speeds, wander on the motorway, and start feathering the front tyres.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, but on cars that have clocked up years of Kiwi and Aussie kilometres — especially with corrugations or speed humps in the mix — mounts often need attention somewhere after 120,000–200,000 km. During routine servicing, it’s smart to:

• Inspect the top hats under the bonnet for cracked or collapsed rubber and torn dust boots.
• Listen for groans as the wheel is turned lock-to-lock, feel for notchiness from the bearing.
• Check for play by loading/unloading the strut and watching the mount shift.

When it’s time to replace, do both fronts as a pair, fit new associated hardware (self-locking nuts, dust boots, bump stops), and torque the fasteners at normal ride height. A quality spring compressor and correct procedure are essential — if in doubt, leave it to a professional. Always book a wheel alignment afterwards, even if adjustment points weren’t touched, the new mount height and compliance can nudge camber and caster. Going for reputable mounts pays off in steering feel and longevity, and keeps the Gran Move riding quietly and tracking straight.

Typical symptoms worth acting on include clunks over speed humps, steering that doesn’t return to centre cleanly, or uneven inner/outer tyre wear that persists after an alignment. Sort the mounts and the little Daihatsu will feel far more tidy and confidence-inspiring.

Popular questions

Does the 1997 Gran Move have rear strut mounts as well?
Most Gran Move variants use a rear torsion-beam setup with separate coil springs and shock absorbers, not rear MacPherson struts. That means no rear strut mounts — instead, the rear shocks use upper and lower bushes/mounts that can also wear and cause knocks. If there’s a rattle from the back, check those shock bushes and the sway bar links first.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing front strut mounts?
Yes, it’s recommended. Even when the struts go back in the same spots, fresh mounts can slightly change strut height and compliance, which can affect camber, caster, and toe. An alignment ensures the Gran Move tracks straight, the steering wheel sits centred, and the tyres wear evenly.

Can worn strut mounts cause steering shake or vibration?
They can contribute. A collapsed mount or a rough thrust bearing can transmit more vibration into the body and make the steering feel vague or shuddery over bumps. It’s wise to check mounts alongside tyres, wheel balance, and lower control arm bushes when chasing shakes.