Parts for your 2004 Toyota Crown-Strut mounts

2004 Toyota Crown: Are strut mounts actually a thing on this model?

Short answer: no, proper MacPherson-style strut mounts aren’t used on the 2004 Toyota Crown (S180 series). Technical documentation like Toyota’s New Car Features (S180), the factory Repair Manual, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue list a double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear. Because it’s not a MacPherson strut setup, there’s no rotating strut top bearing plate up front – the bit most people call a “strut mount”.

On this Crown, the shock absorber and spring are supported by arms and separate mounting hardware. Up front, the upper control arm locates the hub, while the shock is bolted in with rubber insulators and hardware – but not a strut top bearing. Down the back, the multi-link layout also uses shock absorbers with upper mounts/insulators rather than strut mounts. That’s why searching “2004 Toyota Crown strut mounts” often returns confusing results – some listings use the term loosely for the shock top insulator, which isn’t the same thing as a strut mount with a bearing.

• Front: Double wishbone. No strut tower bearing. Shock uses rubber insulators and hardware.
• Rear: Multi-link. Shock upper insulator/mount, not a strut mount assembly.
• What to service: shock absorbers, upper/lower shock insulators, control arm bushes, sway bar links/bushes, and ball joints.

If the Crown’s making clunks over bumps, has vague steering feel, or shows uneven tyre wear, the likely culprits are worn control arm bushes, tired shocks, or degraded shock top insulators. A proper inspection should include checking for perished rubber, oil seepage on the shocks, play in ball joints, and looseness in sway bar links.

Replacement tips for the shock top insulators and related hardware: torque everything to spec with the suspension at ride height (to avoid preloading bushes), note the orientation marks on any rubber isolators, and book in a wheel alignment after front-end work. Many owners find that fresh shocks and new insulators tidy up NVH and tighten the car’s road manners nicely.

Thinking of coilovers? Some kits for the S180 Crown include top “camber plates” that look like strut mounts, but that’s a change from the OE concept. In Australia and New Zealand, ensure the setup is compliant, a certification/engineering check (e.g., LVV cert in NZ) may be required. Always confirm fitment for your exact Crown grade and suspension variant before ordering parts.

FAQ: 2004 Toyota Crown strut mounts

Does the 2004 Toyota Crown have strut mounts?

No, not in the MacPherson strut sense.

The S180 Crown uses a double wishbone front, multi-link rear.

Those layouts don’t need a rotating strut top bearing plate.

Instead, the car uses shock absorbers with rubber insulators/mounts.

Toyota’s New Car Features and EPC diagrams show no front strut mount.

Up front, location is handled by control arms and ball joints.

Steering loads aren’t carried by a strut top bearing here.

Some parts catalogues loosely label shock top insulators as “strut mounts”.

That wording causes confusion but the function is different.

If you’re chasing a creak or clunk, think shocks, bushes, and links.

A technician can confirm the suspension type in minutes.

Ask for an inspection of the shock insulators and control arm bushes.

What should be replaced instead of strut mounts on a 2004 Crown if there’s a clunk?

Start with the front and rear shock absorbers if they’re weeping or tired.

Replace the upper and lower shock insulators/top hats if the rubber has perished.

Check front upper and lower control arm bushes for cracking or play.

Inspect sway bar links and bushes for looseness or torn boots.

Spin and load-test ball joints, any play means replacement.

Look at top shock hardware (washers, seats, spacers) for deformation.

Confirm spring seats aren’t damaged or misaligned.

Re-torque fasteners with the vehicle at normal ride height.

After work, get a quality wheel alignment.

Use OE or reputable aftermarket parts matched to the S180.

If the car’s on air or electronic control, follow the specific procedure.

Always road test to verify the noise is gone and handling is stable.