Parts for your 2005 Toyota Highlander-Strut mounts

2005 Toyota Highlander strut mounts — fitted, important, and worth keeping tidy

Based on technical references including the Toyota Highlander (XU20) repair manual for 2004–2006 models, Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue, and major suspension catalogues from OE suppliers, the 2005 Toyota Highlander is built with MacPherson struts at the front and a strut-type rear suspension. That means strut mounts are absolutely fitted to this vehicle — the front mounts incorporate a bearing to allow the strut to rotate with the steering, while the rear mounts are rubber-isolated top mounts without a steering bearing.

On this Highlander, the strut mounts do more than just “hold things together”. They locate the top of the strut, isolate noise and vibration from the cabin, and on the front, the built-in bearing lets the strut turn smoothly as the wheels steer. Good mounts keep the ride quiet and composed, worn ones can make the cabin sound and feel rough as guts, especially over sharp bumps or when parking.

For servicing, it’s smart to assess the mounts any time the struts are replaced, or around the 150,000–200,000 km mark, sooner if the vehicle tows, sees corrugations, or carries heavy loads. Front and rear mounts age at different rates: the fronts work harder thanks to steering loads, while the rears commonly crack or separate the rubber from the plate with age. Because the bearing in the front mount is sealed, it’s not a lube job — replacement is the go if there’s notchiness or play.

Typical clues that strut mounts are due for attention include:

• Clunks, creaks, or a knocking sound over speed humps or driveway lips
• Steering that grates, binds, or won’t self-centre smoothly (front mount bearing wear)
• Visible perishing or separation of the rubber, or doming of the mount
• Uneven tyre wear or vague handling after bumps

When replacing, many workshops fit new mounts with new struts and coils as a matched stack, which saves labour and prevents rework. Use quality components, renew the dust boots and bump stops, and torque all hardware with the vehicle at ride height to avoid preloading the bushes. An alignment is a must afterwards to keep tyres happy and steering true. If there’s persistent noise even after new mounts, check the top hat orientation, spring seating, and sway bar links under the bonnet area for sneaky contributors.

Popular questions about 2005 Toyota Highlander strut mounts

How long do the strut mounts typically last?
Most owners see 150,000–200,000 km from the originals, but harsh roads, big loads, or frequent kerb strikes can shorten that. If the struts are due, plan on fresh mounts at the same time to restore ride and steering feel.

What’s the difference between front and rear mounts on this model?
The fronts include a sealed bearing that allows the strut to rotate with steering. The rears are rubber/metal isolation mounts without a steering bearing. Noise on bumps can come from either end, but heavy, notchy steering is almost always a front mount (or top bearing) issue.

Can strut mounts cause uneven tyre wear?
Indirectly, yes. Excess play or a collapsed mount can shift alignment and upset camber or caster, which scrubs tyres. After mount or strut work, a proper wheel alignment helps protect the tyres and keeps the Highlander tracking straight.