Parts for your 2004 Toyota Hilux-Strut mounts

2004 Toyota HiLux strut-mounts — are they used?

For the 2004 Toyota HiLux, strut-mounts aren’t a relevant part. This model sits on a double wishbone independent front suspension, not a MacPherson strut setup, so there’s no strut tower bearing or “strut top” that turns with the steering. Up front, the HiLux uses upper and lower control arms, with either a torsion bar (common on 4x4 of this era) or a coil with a separate shock. The shock’s top is secured with simple rubber bushes and hardware, not a strut-mount assembly.

Why that matters: a strut-mount is specific to MacPherson strut designs where the spring and damper form a structural unit and the top mount includes a bearing to allow the whole assembly to rotate. The 2004 HiLux doesn’t steer through a strut, it steers via ball joints at the control arms, so there’s nothing up top that needs a strut-mount bearing.

Technical sources that document this layout include Toyota’s workshop information (TIS) for the 2004 HiLux front suspension, which specifies a double wishbone IFS with torsion bar (4WD) or coil (2WD) and a separate shock absorber, and independent aftermarket manuals for 1997–2005 HiLux models (Haynes/Max Ellery). Suspension fitment catalogues from major 4x4 brands for pre-2005 HiLux also list torsion bar IFS and separate shocks rather than MacPherson struts.

If a parts search throws up “strut-mounts” for a 2004 HiLux, it’s usually a catalogue catch‑all or confusion with later models. Even on the 2005-on HiLux, the front is still double wishbone with a coilover shock, not a true MacPherson strut. For a 2004, focus maintenance here instead:

• Upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Front shock absorbers and their rubber bushes
• Sway bar bushes and links
• Steering rack ends and tie-rod ends
• Wheel bearings and alignment

Good practice is to inspect the above every 20,000 km or when you notice clunks, tramlining, uneven tyre wear, or vague steering. Replace tired bushes and ball joints in pairs per axle, torque fasteners at ride height, and get a proper wheel alignment afterwards. If unsure which front suspension your ute runs (some late-2004 builds overlap generations), check the VIN/build plate and front-end layout before ordering parts.

Popular questions about 2004 Toyota HiLux strut-mounts

Does a 2004 Toyota HiLux have strut-mounts?
No. The 2004 HiLux uses double wishbone front suspension with a separate shock, so there’s no MacPherson strut or strut-mount bearing. The shock is held by simple rubber bushes and brackets.

What should be checked instead of strut-mounts on a 2004 HiLux?
Look at the front shocks and their top/bottom bushes, upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints, sway bar bushes and links, and steering tie-rod ends. These are the usual sources of front-end knocks and sloppy steering on this model.

Why do some parts sites list strut-mounts for HiLux?
Many catalogues use “strut-mount” as a generic heading or are aimed at later models. Even then, HiLux fronts are coilover double wishbone, not true MacPherson struts. For a 2004, a “strut-mount” listing typically doesn’t apply.