Parts for your 2001 Toyota Crown-Struts

2001 Toyota Crown: are struts used on this model?

Based on technical references, the 2001 Toyota Crown (S170 series, including JZS171/JZS173/UZS171 variants) does not use MacPherson struts. Toyota’s New Car Features for the S170 Crown, the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC), and major ride-control catalogues from KYB and Monroe all describe a front double-wishbone layout and a rear multi-link arrangement. In these designs, the spring and damper units are not structural members of the steering knuckle, so they’re shock absorbers rather than struts. Higher-grade Crowns of this era also offered TEMS electronic damping and, on some trims, air suspension, further confirming a non-strut architecture.

Why no struts? The Crown is a premium rear-wheel-drive sedan tuned for comfort and precise handling. A double-wishbone front end gives better camber control through the suspension travel, helping the car hold a steady tyre contact patch and deliver a plush ride on Aussie and Kiwi roads. It also packages neatly around the straight-six and V8 engines used in the S170, and isolates noise and vibration more effectively than a typical strut tower arrangement. At the rear, the multi-link setup enhances stability and ride quality, and it pairs well with Toyota’s TEMS logic and optional air springs where fitted.

For servicing, “struts” isn’t the right term for this model. Workshop and parts literature list front and rear shock absorbers, coil springs (or air springs on select grades), upper and lower control arms, ball joints, stabiliser links, and assorted bushes and top mounts. Technicians typically inspect dampers for oil misting, dents, or fade, check bushings and ball joints for play, and verify ride height and alignment—especially if the vehicle has TEMS or air suspension. Many owners find that shocks are due somewhere between 80,000 and 120,000 km depending on road conditions, load, and tyre choice, TEMS actuators and air bladders should be evaluated at the same time where applicable.

• Front: double-wishbone with non-structural shock absorbers and coil springs (TEMS optional).
• Rear: multi-link with shocks and coils or factory air suspension on some trims.
• Service focus: shocks, mounts, bushes, ball joints, stabiliser links, and alignment, calibrate or diagnose TEMS/air systems if fitted.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota New Car Features (S170 Crown, Suspension), Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog for JZS171/JZS173/UZS171 (1999–2003), and ride-control catalogues from KYB and Monroe listing shock absorbers (not struts) for this platform.

Popular questions

Does a 2001 Toyota Crown have struts or shocks?

The 2001 Crown uses shock absorbers within double-wishbone (front) and multi-link (rear) suspension, not MacPherson struts. That’s why parts catalogues and workshop manuals list shocks, mounts, arms, and bushes rather than strut cartridges.

How often should the shocks be replaced on a 2001 Toyota Crown?

There’s no fixed interval, but many Crowns need fresh shocks between 80,000 and 120,000 km, sooner if they’ve lived on rough roads or carried heavy loads. Signs like oil seepage, extra bounce, nose dive, or uneven tyre wear suggest it’s time.

What else should be checked when renewing shocks on a Crown?

Good practice includes inspecting top mounts, control-arm bushes, ball joints, and stabiliser links, then finishing with a wheel alignment. If equipped with TEMS or air suspension, the actuators, sensors, wiring, and air bladders should be assessed and calibrated.