Parts for your 2004 Toyota Highlander-Strut mounts

2004 Toyota Highlander (Kluger) strut mounts — what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 2004 Toyota Highlander (sold as Kluger in Australia and New Zealand) uses strut mounts front and rear. This is confirmed by Toyota’s factory Repair Manual for the XU20 series, which details a MacPherson strut setup with a “suspension support sub‑assembly” (strut mount) at the top of each strut, and by Toyota’s electronic parts catalogue and mainstream aftermarket catalogues that list both front strut mounts with bearings and rear upper mounts for this model. So, strut mounts are absolutely relevant on a 2004 Toyota Highlander/Kluger.

On this Highlander, the strut mount is the bit that bolts the strut to the body under the bonnet or in the rear tower. It cushions road harshness via a bonded rubber insulator and, in the front, it also houses a bearing so the strut can rotate smoothly as the wheels steer. Good mounts help keep alignment stable, tame vibration and noise, and make the steering feel consistent rather than notchy.

Because the rubber and bearing age with kilometres and time, it’s smart to inspect strut mounts any time the struts are out, or during major services and tyre rotations. The workshop will look for perished or cracked rubber, separated bonding, rusty or loose studs, and gritty or seized front bearings.

• Common symptoms of worn mounts:
  • Clunks over bumps or when turning into driveways
  • Steering “memory” or bind after cornering
  • Uneven or cupped tyre wear and wandering
  • Visible cracking or collapsed rubber at the towers

Best practice on a 2004 Highlander is to replace strut mounts when fitting new struts, because the labour overlaps and old mounts can shorten the life of fresh dampers. Use quality mounts that include the front bearing, and replace related consumables at the same time—bump stops, dust boots and spring isolators. Align the mount to any factory orientation marks, always use a proper spring compressor, and never undo the centre nut until the spring is safely contained. Once fitted, torque all hardware to the workshop manual specs and book a four‑wheel alignment.

There’s no day‑to‑day maintenance beyond periodic checks, but keeping the cowl drains clear can help prevent water ingress around the front towers. Drivers who regularly tackle corrugated roads or carry heavy loads should shorten inspection intervals, as mounts work harder under those conditions.

Popular questions about 2004 Toyota Highlander strut mounts

Do both the front and rear of a 2004 Highlander use strut mounts?

They do. The front uses a strut mount with an integrated bearing so the assembly can turn with the steering. The rear uses an upper mount that isolates noise and vibration but doesn’t need a steering bearing. This applies across most 2WD and AWD variants in the 2001–2007 generation.

When should strut mounts be replaced on a 2004 Highlander?

Many mechanics recommend replacing strut mounts whenever the struts are changed—often around 150,000–200,000 km, or sooner if symptoms appear. If you notice clunks, notchy steering, or see cracked rubber at the towers, it’s time to inspect and likely replace them. An alignment afterwards is essential.

Can strut mounts be replaced without changing the struts?

Yes, but the labour overlaps heavily. If the struts are still in good nick you can fit new mounts alone, especially to cure steering bearing noise. If the dampers are getting tired, doing both together is more cost‑effective and saves a second alignment.