Parts for your 2001 Toyota Crown-Struts

2001 Toyota Crown struts: are they actually used on this model?

Short answer: no, the 2001 Toyota Crown (S170 series – Royal/ Athlete/ Majesta) does not use MacPherson struts. It runs a double wishbone front suspension and a multi‑link independent rear, which means the car uses shock absorbers (dampers) with control arms rather than struts. This layout is documented in Toyota technical literature for the JZS17x platform (Suspension section of the Toyota repair manual) and in period spec sheets for the S170 Crown that list “front: double wishbone, rear: multi‑link independent” as the suspension design. Independent model guides and parts catalogues for the JZS171/173/175 likewise show separate upper and lower arms with a shock/spring unit, not a structural MacPherson strut.

Why no struts? On a luxury rear‑wheel‑drive sedan like the Crown, Toyota prioritised precise wheel control and quiet ride. Double wishbone and multi‑link layouts let engineers manage camber gain and toe change through the full stroke, giving better grip and tyre contact over rough roads, plus more freedom to isolate noise and vibration. A MacPherson strut does double duty as a suspension link and damper, the Crown’s design uses dedicated arms for location, leaving the shock absorber to handle damping only. That’s ideal for high‑end ride/handling targets. Note: the Crown Comfort taxi (a different model) did use a front strut, but the mainstream 2001 Crown S170 does not.

If someone’s searching “Crown struts”, they usually mean the front or rear shocks. For servicing a 2001 Crown, the smart checks are:

• Shock absorbers for leaks or fade, and spring condition
• Upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints (front), multi‑link bushes and joints (rear)
• Stabiliser (sway‑bar) links and bushes
• Top mounts/insulators, bump stops and dust boots
• Wheel alignment after any suspension work to protect tyres

Typical signs it’s time to refresh parts: floaty ride, clunks over bumps, tram‑lining, uneven tyre wear, or longer stopping distances. Quality replacement shocks and fresh bushes can make a big difference to the Crown’s quiet, planted feel. Ask for a proper inspection on a hoist and go for an alignment with caster/camber/toe set to spec after the work.

• Does the 2001 Toyota Crown have struts?
  Not on the S170 Crown (Royal/Athlete/Majesta). It uses double wishbone front and multi‑link rear suspension with shock absorbers, not MacPherson struts. That’s how Toyota achieved the plush ride and tidy handling expected of a flagship sedan. The Crown Comfort taxi is a different platform and may be the source of “strut” confusion.
• What suspension does it use instead of struts?
  Front: double wishbone with upper and lower arms, coil spring and a separate damper. Rear: independent multi‑link with separate links, coil spring and damper. This setup keeps better tyre contact across bumps and during cornering, and isolates road noise more effectively.
• What should be serviced if there are “strut” issues?
  Ask for shock absorber testing/replacement, control arm and multi‑link bushes and ball joints, sway‑bar links/bushes, and top mounts. Finish with a four‑wheel alignment to protect tyres and restore steering feel.