Parts for your 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer-Struts

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer struts — what they do and when to replace them

Struts are absolutely relevant on the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer. Technical sources including the Mitsubishi Motors Workshop/Service Manual (2006 Lancer, Group 33A – Front Suspension), the Haynes Repair Manual for 2002–2007 Lancer, and major catalogues from KYB and Monroe all specify MacPherson struts on the front axle, with separate shock absorbers on the rear multi-link suspension. That means “front struts” and “rear shocks” for most non-Evo models sold in Australia and New Zealand.

On the front of a 2006 Lancer, the MacPherson strut does double duty. It’s a structural part of the suspension and a damper in one assembly. The spring sits on the strut, the top mount carries the car’s weight and allows steering rotation, and the damper keeps the tyres planted, steadying the body under braking, cornering and over bumps. Because the strut locates the wheel hub, it also affects wheel alignment and tyre wear. When the front struts are healthy, the Lancer feels tidy and predictable, when they’re tired, it’ll float, crash over bumps, or wander on the motorway.

Service-wise, a regular look at the front struts is smart maintenance. Many owners notice wear somewhere between 80,000 and 120,000 km depending on road conditions, but time (10–15 years) can be just as hard on seals, mounts and bump stops as kilometres. Aftermarket “complete strut” options can simplify replacement, though quality inserts with new mounts work well too.

• Check for tell-tales: oil weeping down the strut body, cupped or feathered tyre wear, clunks over ripples, nose-dive under brakes, or a slow, bouncy rebound test.
• Replace in axle pairs for consistent handling, and fit new top mounts/bearings, dust boots and bump stops at the same time.
• Always get a wheel alignment after front strut work. Mark camber bolts during removal, use new self-locking nuts where specified, and torque to the workshop spec.
• Rear of the Lancer uses separate shocks, so if the back feels floaty, you’re looking at shock replacement rather than rear struts.

For anyone keeping a 2006 Lancer feeling sharp, fresh front struts make a bigger difference than most realise — less brake dive, better steering feel, and more even tyre wear. It’s a tidy upgrade to safety and comfort.

Popular questions about 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer struts

Does a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer have struts front and rear?
Most non-Evo 2006 Lancers run MacPherson struts on the front and separate shocks on the rear multi-link. That’s confirmed in the Mitsubishi service manual and major suspension catalogues. Evo variants use different performance hardware, but the everyday AU/NZ models are front strut, rear shock.

When should the front struts be replaced?
There’s no hard expiry, but many drivers notice wear around 80,000–120,000 km, or sooner with rough roads. Oil leaks, clunks, bouncy ride, longer stopping distances, and uneven tyre wear are the cues. Ten-plus years of age is another good reason to consider fresh struts and mounts.

Do new front struts need a wheel alignment?
Yes. The strut locates the hub and influences camber and toe. Any time front struts are removed or replaced, book an alignment to protect tyres and restore straight-line stability and steering feel.