Parts for your 2004 Toyota Highlander-Strut mounts

2004 Toyota Highlander (Kluger) strut mounts

Strut mounts are absolutely used on the 2004 Toyota Highlander (sold as the Kluger in Australia and New Zealand). The Toyota Repair Manual for the 2001–2007 Highlander/Kluger platform specifies MacPherson strut suspension at the front and rear, which requires upper strut mounts. Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue also lists front “shock absorber mount sub-assemblies” and rear “suspension support/insulator” components for this model. Major suspension suppliers’ fitment guides (e.g., KYB, Monroe) likewise catalogue dedicated mount kits for this vehicle.

On this Highlander, the front strut mounts do two key jobs: they secure the top of the strut to the body and house a bearing so the strut turns smoothly with the steering. At the rear, the mounts isolate noise and vibration and locate the top of the strut, but don’t need a steering bearing. Good mounts keep the ride quiet, the steering feel tidy, and the wheel alignment consistent over bumps and through corners.

As part of regular servicing, it pays to inspect strut mounts any time the wheels are off, or at roughly 40,000–60,000 kilometre intervals. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions—think coarse-chip roads, corrugations and heavier family loads—rubber and bearings can age quicker. Many workshops replace mounts whenever fitting new struts, because a tired mount can undo the benefit of fresh dampers and may fail soon after.

• Watch for clunks over bumps, a groan or twang when turning the wheel, vague on-centre steering, or cupping on the tyres.
• Look for cracked rubber, torn insulators, or play at the top of the strut.
• If replacing, use quality OE-spec mounts, fit the bearing the right way up on the front, torque fasteners to spec, and get a wheel alignment.

DIYers should only compress front coils with proper spring compressors, mark the orientation of parts, and replace any single-use nuts. For high-kilometre Highlanders—say 100,000–160,000 km—pairing new struts with new mounts and bearings is a smart, once-and-done refresh that brings back the calm ride and confident steering these SUVs are known for.

Popular questions

Do 2004 Highlanders/Kluger have strut mounts front and rear?
Yes. Technical documentation for the 2001–2007 platform shows MacPherson struts at both ends, which use upper mounts. The fronts include a steering bearing, the rears are insulator-style mounts without a steering function.

How long do strut mounts typically last on a 2004 Highlander?
Many last 100,000–160,000 km, but it depends on road quality and load. It’s wise to inspect them every 40,000–60,000 km or whenever there’s noise over bumps, steering notchiness, or unusual tyre wear.

Should strut mounts be replaced with the struts?
Highly recommended. New struts paired with old mounts can leave residual noise or play. Replacing mounts and front bearings at the same time restores ride quality and helps the new gear last longer. Always follow torque specs and get an alignment after the job.