Parts for your 2005 Toyota Wish-Strut mounts

2005 Toyota Wish strut mounts — what they do and when to change them

Strut mounts are absolutely relevant on the 2005 Toyota Wish. Technical documentation for the first‑generation Wish (model codes such as ZNE10/ANE10/ANE11) specifies a MacPherson strut front suspension, which uses a top “support sub‑assembly” (commonly called a strut mount or strut top). The rear on most 2WD models is a torsion beam with separate shocks and springs (so no rear “strut” mount in the MacPherson sense). References: Toyota Repair Manual/NCF for the Wish platform (front MacPherson layout), Toyota EPC terminology “Support Sub‑Assembly, Front Suspension,” and major aftermarket catalogues (KYB, Monroe, Febest) that list front strut mounts for 2003–2009 Toyota Wish.

On a 2005 Toyota Wish, the front strut mounts sit at the top of the MacPherson struts, bolting the strut to the body and isolating vibration. Inside is a bearing that lets the strut turn smoothly as the driver steers. That rubber-and-bearing combo keeps the cabin quiet, the steering light, and the tyre contact patch stable over bumps. When the mounts age, the rubber hardens or cracks and the bearing can notch or bind, which leads to clunks over speed humps, a creak whilst turning the wheel, vague front‑end feel, or feathering of the front tyres.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the strut mounts any time the front shocks, springs, or top hats are out—say, every 40–60,000 km, or sooner if there are noises over rough roads. There isn’t a fixed replacement interval, but on Kiwi and Aussie roads a set can be tired anywhere from 100–150,000 km. If one side fails, replace mounts in pairs to keep steering feel balanced.

Good workshop practice includes: using a proper spring compressor, renewing the mount-to-body nuts if specified, ensuring the bearing is oriented correctly, and torquing fasteners with the car at ride height. A wheel alignment is recommended after any front strut or mount replacement to protect tyre wear and restore straight‑line tracking.

Owners can choose quality aftermarket or genuine mounts, the key is getting the correct mount for the Wish’s model code. If the car is a 2WD Wish, remember there isn’t a traditional “rear strut mount” because the rear uses a torsion beam with separate dampers. Some AWD/multi‑link variants also use separate upper shock mounts rather than a MacPherson‑style top bearing.

• Common symptoms: clunking over bumps, steering notchiness, uneven front tyre wear, and vague steering response.
• Best time to replace: when fitting new front struts/springs or if noise/play is found during inspection.
• Post‑service check: road test for noise, re‑torque if required, and book an alignment.

FAQs

Do all 2005 Toyota Wish models have strut mounts front and rear?
Front, yes—MacPherson struts use a strut mount with a bearing. The rear on most 2WD Wishes is a torsion beam with separate shock and spring, so there isn’t a rear MacPherson‑style strut mount. AWD or multi‑link variants also use separate rear damper mounts rather than a strut top bearing.

What are the signs that front strut mounts need replacing?
Tell‑tales include clunks over potholes, creaks when turning the steering, tramlining or vague front‑end feel, and uneven front tyre wear. If the steering feels notchy at parking speeds, the bearing in the mount may be binding.

Should strut mounts be replaced with the front shocks/struts?
It’s recommended. Labour overlaps heavily, and new dampers can highlight play in old mounts. Replacing mounts (and bearings) in pairs with the struts helps restore steering feel and ride quality, and reduces the chance of doing the job twice.