Parts for your 2006 Toyota Blade-Strut mounts

2006 Toyota Blade strut mounts — what they do and when to replace them

Technical references confirm strut mounts are used on the 2006 Toyota Blade. Toyota’s E150-series Repair Manual for Auris/Blade (front suspension section) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (models AZE15#H and GRE15#H) specify a MacPherson strut front end with a top support/strut mount incorporating a bearing. The rear uses a beam or multi‑link arrangement with separate shock absorbers, so “strut mounts” are relevant to the front only.

On the 2006 Toyota Blade, the front strut mounts do a few big jobs: they secure the strut to the body, carry vehicle weight through the upper spring seat, isolate vibration and road noise with a rubber insulator, and let the strut rotate smoothly when steering thanks to an integrated bearing. That combo keeps steering feel tidy and the cabin quiet, even on coarse‑chip Kiwi and Aussie roads.

Because they cop constant load, heat and grime, strut mounts slowly harden or the bearing gets notchy. Typical clues owners notice include:

• Clunks or creaks from the top of the strut over bumps or when parking
• Notchy, heavy, or “memory” steering on centre
• Vibration, tyre feathering, or vague turn‑in feel

There’s no fixed service interval, but it’s smart to inspect the mounts at each front shock/strut or spring job, and from about 80,000–150,000 km depending on road conditions. Look for cracked rubber, separated bonding, collapsed height, torn dust boots, or roughness in the top bearing when the spring is unloaded.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech but does require a spring compressor. Best practice is to:

• Replace mounts in pairs (left and right) to keep steering feel even
• Renew the bearing, insulator, upper spring seat, and dust boot/bump stop together if wear is present
• Orient the top mount correctly to the strut and body marks
• Torque fasteners with the vehicle at normal ride height
• Book a wheel alignment afterwards to tidy camber and toe

Quality matters here. The V6 Blade Master (GRE15#H) loads its front end more than the 2.4‑litre grades, so a decent OE or reputable aftermarket mount pays off in quieter operation and steering precision. If a mount is badly worn, it can let the strut piston slap or bind, which isn’t just noisy — it can knock wheel alignment out and accelerate tyre wear. Sorting mounts promptly restores that neat Toyota steering and keeps the Blade feeling planted.

FAQs

Do 2006 Toyota Blades have rear strut mounts?
Not in the same sense as the front. The front uses MacPherson struts with strut mounts. The rear uses separate shock absorbers with upper bushes, so you won’t find a rear “strut mount” identical to the front piece.

How long do front strut mounts last on a Blade?
Often 80,000–150,000 km, but rough roads, heavy wheels, and age can shorten that. If there are steering notches, top‑end clunks, or visible cracking, it’s time to replace.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing strut mounts?
Yes. Disturbing the front strut assembly can nudge camber and toe. An alignment gets the Blade tracking straight and saves the tyres.