Parts for your 2006 Ford Territory-Strut mounts

2006 Ford Territory strut-mounts — are they actually used?

Short answer: no. A 2006 Ford Territory (SX/SY) doesn’t use traditional strut mounts, because it doesn’t run a MacPherson-strut front end. Technical references, including the Ford Territory SX/SY workshop manual (Front Suspension, VPCL design) and major suspension catalogues for the model, describe a double wishbone/coil-over front with steering loads carried by the upper and lower ball joints and control arms. In that layout the damper doesn’t rotate for steering, so there’s no need for a strut-top bearing assembly — the bit most people mean by “strut mount”.

On this Territory, the front shock absorber sits inside the coil spring and attaches at the top with a rubber insulator/mount, sometimes listed as a shock upper mount or top insulator rather than a strut mount. It isolates noise, vibration and harshness, but it isn’t a structural steering pivot and it doesn’t contain a bearing like a MacPherson strut top does. Rear suspension is independent as well, with separate shock mounts rather than strut tops. This approach is backed by workshop literature for the SY/SX series and by parts listings from well-known brands, which show front shock upper insulators/bushes for Territory rather than strut-top bearing kits.

If someone’s hunting “strut-mounts” for a 2006 Ford Territory, what they likely need are:

• Front shock absorber upper insulators/mounts
• Upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Stabiliser (sway bar) link and D-bushes
• Rear shock mounts/insulators

Typical symptoms of tired front shock upper insulators include a dull clunk over sharp bumps, perished or cracked rubber around the top hat, and a thump from the strut tower area on corrugations. Because there’s no bearing in the mount, you won’t get the classic graunching noise on steering lock that you’d expect from a worn MacPherson strut top.

Best practice is to inspect these mounts and bushes every 40,000–60,000 km (sooner if the Territory tows, carries loads or spends time on rough roads). Replace in axle pairs for even ride quality, and torque fasteners at normal ride height to avoid preloading the rubber. An alignment check is smart any time control arm fasteners or ball joints are disturbed, changing just the shock and its upper insulator usually won’t alter alignment, but many shops will verify it anyway for peace of mind.

Popular questions about 2006 Ford Territory strut-mounts

Does a 2006 Ford Territory have strut mounts?
No — the Territory uses a double wishbone front suspension, not a MacPherson strut. That means there’s no strut-top bearing assembly. Instead, it has a shock absorber upper insulator that cushions the top of the shock.

What should be replaced if there’s a front-end clunk?
Start with the front shock upper insulators, sway bar links and D-bushes, and the upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints. These are the common wear points on a Territory and are more likely than a non-existent strut mount to cause knocks over bumps.

Can I fit an aftermarket strut-mount kit to my Territory?
Traditional MacPherson strut-mount kits won’t fit, because the Territory doesn’t use that design. Look for shock upper insulator/mount kits made for the SX/SY Territory, and match them to the specific shock brand and series being installed.