Parts for your 2005 Toyota Altezza-Strut mounts

2005 Toyota Altezza strut-mounts — are they used?

Short answer: traditional strut mounts aren’t used on the 2005 Toyota Altezza. Technical sources including Toyota’s New Car Features for the XE10 platform (Altezza/IS200/IS300), the Lexus IS200/IS300 Repair Manual suspension section, and Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue all show the Altezza runs double-wishbone suspension front and rear. In this layout, the damper isn’t a structural “strut”, so there’s no MacPherson-style top mount with a steering bearing.

Because the Altezza uses upper and lower control arms to manage wheel location and steering loads, the front damper simply bolts into the body via a rubberised top insulator and seats for the coil spring. That part is commonly called a shock absorber top mount or insulator, not a strut mount. Same story at the rear: it’s a wishbone setup with a shock and spring assembly using insulators, not a strut with a bearing plate.

What does this mean for servicing? If someone’s chasing “strut-mount” noise on an Altezza, look instead at the front and rear shock absorber upper insulators, spring seats, and related bushings. Per the factory repair literature, these rubber components age and can crack, harden, or separate, causing knocks over sharp bumps, light creaks at low speed, or a dull thud on driveway entries. They don’t contain a steering bearing, so you won’t get the classic MacPherson “graunch” when turning the wheel at a standstill.

• Inspect the upper shock insulators for perished rubber, separation, or distorted sleeves.
• Check coil spring seats and isolators for wear or flattening.
• Look for damper oil leaks and play at the top nut.
• Don’t forget control arm bushes, ball joints, and sway bar links—common culprits on wishbone setups.

Replacement of the shock top insulators requires safe spring compression and correct torque on the centre nut and top fixings, follow the factory repair manual. A wheel alignment isn’t always mandatory if you haven’t disturbed the control arms, but it’s smart to check alignment afterwards—definitely align if any arm bolts or camber adjusters were loosened.

One last tip: some aftermarket catalogues loosely label these parts as “strut mounts” for the Altezza. If ordering, ask for the shock absorber upper insulator/support and spring seats to get the right gear first go.

• Does a 2005 Toyota Altezza have strut mounts?
  No. The Altezza uses double-wishbone suspension front and rear, so there’s no MacPherson-style strut mount with a bearing. It has shock absorber upper insulators and spring seats instead. This setup carries steering loads through the control arms, not through the damper top.
• What should be replaced if there’s a front-end knock?
  Start with the shock top insulators and spring seats, then check sway bar links, control arm bushes, and ball joints. Dampers that are leaking or have loose top nuts can also thud over bumps.
• Do you need an alignment after replacing the shock top insulators?
  If you only remove the damper and don’t disturb the control arms, alignment is often unchanged—but it’s wise to check. If any arm bolts or camber adjusters were loosened, book a full alignment.