Parts for your 2003 Toyota Crown-Strut mounts

2003 Toyota Crown and strut mounts: what’s actually fitted

For the 2003 Toyota Crown, strut mounts aren’t a relevant service item because this model doesn’t use MacPherson struts. The 2003 Crown falls across late S170 and early S180 generations, and both generations run a double wishbone front suspension with a multi‑link rear. That layout uses separate upper and lower control arms with a shock and spring assembly, not a structural strut. Technical references backing this include Toyota’s own workshop literature for S170/S180 and widely cited specification summaries such as the Toyota Crown (S170/S180) entries in comprehensive motoring references and catalogues.

Why that matters: on cars with MacPherson struts, the strut top (often called a strut mount) includes a bearing that allows the whole assembly to rotate as the steering turns. On a double wishbone Crown, the steering pivot is handled by ball joints in the control arms, so there’s no need for a strut top bearing. Instead, the damper is mounted with a rubber insulator/top mount that isolates noise and vibration but doesn’t steer.

So, while “strut mounts” in the MacPherson sense aren’t used on a 2003 Crown, there are still related parts worth a look when chasing knocks, vibration or vague handling.

• Front shock absorber upper insulators/top hats: rubber can harden or crack with age and kilometres, leading to thumps over sharp bumps.
• Upper and lower control arm bushes: wear here causes shimmy, tyre feathering and braking instability.
• Upper/lower ball joints: any play affects steering feel and tyre life.
• Sway bar links and bushes: common source of light clunks on rough roads.
• Rear multi‑link arm bushes and hub carrier bushes: influence straight‑line stability and rear tyre wear.

For owners booking a service, asking the workshop for a suspension inspection by feeler/pry bar and a road test is the go. Many Crowns of this era are now old enough that original rubber will be tired even at modest kilometres. If the shocks are being replaced, it’s smart to fit new upper insulators and any perished dust boots/bump stops at the same time to keep things quiet and compliant.

If the car has been converted to aftermarket coilovers, note that some kits use a “pillow‑ball” top mount. That is more like a strut top, with metal‑on‑metal articulation that can add noise, periodic checks for play and torque are recommended.

Popular questions about 2003 Toyota Crown strut mounts

Does a 2003 Toyota Crown have strut mounts?

No. The 2003 Crown (late S170/early S180) uses double wishbone front and multi‑link rear suspension, so it doesn’t run MacPherson strut assemblies or strut top bearings. Instead, it has shock absorber upper insulators that don’t steer.

If there’s a knock at the front, technicians usually inspect the shock top insulators, control arm bushes and ball joints rather than chasing a strut mount that isn’t fitted.

What should be serviced instead of strut mounts on a 2003 Crown?

Focus on the front shock upper insulators/top hats, upper and lower control arm bushes, ball joints, and sway bar links/bushes. At the rear, check the multi‑link arm bushes and hub carrier bushes. These are the usual wear items that affect comfort, noise and tyre wear.

When replacing front shocks, refreshing the upper insulators and bump stops at the same time helps keep the ride quiet and tidy.

Will coilovers add “strut mounts” to my 2003 Crown?

Some coilover kits for the Crown use pillow‑ball top mounts. Those behave like strut tops and can transmit more road feel and noise. They need periodic checks for play and correct torque, especially on rough Kiwi and Aussie roads.

If a quieter ride is the goal, choose coilovers with rubber‑isolated tops or retain quality OE‑style dampers and fresh rubber insulators.