Parts for your 2006 Toyota Hilux-Strut mounts

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

Based on Toyota’s Hilux workshop literature for the 2005–2015 platform (AN10/20/30) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue naming the “Front No.1 Suspension Support” (the top mount), plus aftermarket fitment guides from major suspension brands that list a front top mount/mounting kit for this model, strut-mounts are indeed used on the 2006 Toyota Hilux. The front end is a double‑wishbone coilover setup (not a MacPherson strut), so the mount is a robust rubber/metal “top hat” rather than a steering bearing. Still, it’s a serviceable wear item that matters for ride and NVH.

On a 2006 Hilux, the strut-mount (often called the top mount or suspension support) sits at the top of the front shock-and-coil assembly. Its main jobs are to secure the coilover to the body tower, isolate vibration and noise from the cabin, and keep everything aligned under braking, corrugations and load. Unlike a MacPherson car, steering pivoting happens at the ball joints, so the mount doesn’t need an integrated bearing. That said, the rubber can harden, crack or separate over time, especially if the ute has seen plenty of kays, towing, corrugations or a lift kit.

Typical signs it’s time to sort the strut-mounts include:

• Clunks or knocks over potholes or speed bumps
• Creaks when the suspension compresses
• Vague front-end feel or slight ride-height inconsistency left-to-right
• Perished rubber, torn studs, or visible top-hat deformation

Best practice is to inspect the mounts any time the front shocks or coils are out. If fitting new shocks or a lift, replace the mounts at the same time — it saves labour and helps the fresh dampers do their best work. Quality OE-equivalent mounts are inexpensive relative to the job they do. Use spring compressors safely, torque the top nut and tower nuts to spec, and orient the mount correctly to the body. After any front-end work, book a wheel alignment to keep tyre wear tidy and the steering tracking straight.

For high‑kilometre Hiluxes, vehicles that work off‑road, or those running heavier accessories (bullbar, winch), plan on mounts being a periodic replacement item. There’s no fixed kilometre interval, but many techs find inspection around 100,000–150,000 km is sensible, or sooner if symptoms show up. Fresh mounts restore that planted Hilux feel and knock down cabin harshness — a small part that makes a big difference on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Does a 2006 Hilux actually have “strut” mounts if it isn’t MacPherson?

Yes. While the Hilux front end is double-wishbone, it still uses a top mounting assembly for the coilover often referred to as a strut-mount or top mount in parts catalogues and service manuals. It’s a rubber/metal insulator without a steering bearing, but it serves the same anchoring and NVH roles.

Should the strut-mounts be replaced when installing new front shocks?

That’s the smart move. Replacing mounts with the shocks avoids doubling up on labour, ensures correct preload and geometry, and helps the new dampers deliver their full benefit. If the existing mounts are original or the ute is lifted, swapping them is highly recommended.

Will a wheel alignment be needed after changing the strut-mounts?

Yes, get an alignment. Even though the mount isn’t the steering pivot, removing and refitting the coilover can nudge camber/caster and toe. An alignment protects tyres and keeps the Hilux tracking true.