Parts for your 2000 Ford Falcon-Strut mounts

2000 Ford Falcon strut mounts — are they used?

For the 2000 Ford Falcon (AU Series I/II), a traditional “strut mount” as found on MacPherson-strut cars isn’t used. The AU Falcon runs a short–long arm (SLA) double-wishbone front end with a separate coil spring and shock absorber. Steering pivot and camber control happen through the upper and lower control arms and ball joints, not through a strut tower bearing. Technical sources that describe this include the Ford AU Series Workshop Manual (Suspension, Section 204-01: Description and Operation), Gregory’s Ford Falcon AU Series Service & Repair Manual (No. 271), and major shock catalogues for AU Falcon which list front shock absorbers rather than strut assemblies or strut-top bearings.

Because there’s no MacPherson strut, there’s no rotating strut-top bearing or strut-mount assembly to replace. Instead, the top of the front shock mounts to the body via simple rubber bushes and washers, while the coil spring seats with an insulator. If someone’s searching for “strut mounts” for this Falcon, they’re usually chasing front-end noises or feel that are more often linked to worn control-arm bushes, ball joints, sway bar links, or tired shock absorber bushes.

What should be serviced or replaced on a 2000 Falcon when folks think “strut mounts”?

• Front shock absorber upper and lower mount bushes (and the shock itself if it’s leaking or weak)
• Upper spring insulators
• Upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Sway bar link rods and D-bushes
• Front wheel bearings and tyres if there’s noise or vibration

Typical symptoms like clunks over bumps, steering vagueness, or tyre feathering usually point to control-arm bushes or ball joints on this chassis. A “notchy” steering feel isn’t a failed strut-top bearing here (there isn’t one), it’s more likely a worn upper control arm ball joint or binding bush. After any front-end work, it’s smart to get a proper wheel alignment. When tightening control-arm hardware, do it at normal ride height so the bushes aren’t preloaded. Quality rubber or polyurethane components from reputable brands suit Aussie and Kiwi roads well, and fresh shocks with good top rubbers can make the AU feel tighter without being harsh.

Bottom line: there’s no strut mount to service on a 2000 Falcon AU. Target the shock rubbers, spring insulators, control-arm bushes and ball joints for the results most owners are chasing.

Popular questions

Does a 2000 Ford Falcon have front strut mounts?
No. The AU-series Falcon uses a double-wishbone (SLA) front suspension with separate shocks and springs, so it doesn’t have a MacPherson-style strut top or bearing. The shock mounts with simple rubber bushes instead.

What should be replaced instead of strut mounts on an AU Falcon?
Look at front shock absorber bushes (and the shocks themselves), upper spring insulators, upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints, plus sway bar links and bushes. Those parts fix most front-end clunks and play on these cars.

Will a strut-mount kit from another Ford fit the 2000 Falcon?
No. MacPherson strut-mount kits from other models won’t fit the AU Falcon because its front suspension doesn’t use a strut assembly or a rotating strut-top bearing.