Parts for your 2006 Toyota Kluger-Strut mounts

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

Technical sources including the Toyota Repair Manual for the Kluger/Highlander XU20 series (circa 2001–2007), the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, and major suspension catalogues from recognised suppliers confirm the 2006 Toyota Kluger runs MacPherson struts front and rear, each with dedicated strut-mounts (also called top mounts/insulators). So yes — strut-mounts are very much used on this model.

On a 2006 Kluger, the strut-mounts sit at the top of each strut, isolating road noise and vibration while keeping the strut located correctly in the body. Up front, the mount also houses a bearing that lets the strut rotate smoothly as the steering turns. That bearing action helps a light, precise steering feel, the rubber insulator helps quieten bumps and protects against harshness. At the rear, the mounts focus on cushioning and maintaining alignment under load.

Owners often don’t see the mounts, but they notice when they’re tired: a dull clunk over speed humps, a knock when turning, vague or notchy steering, cupped or uneven tyre wear, or a slight change in ride height at one corner. Under the bonnet, perished rubber, cracking around the top hat, or rust/“mushrooming” at the strut tower are all red flags.

For servicing, it’s smart to inspect the strut-mounts whenever front-end components are checked, and any time struts/shocks are replaced. These parts are condition-based, but many Klugers will need mounts somewhere past the 120,000–200,000 km mark, sooner if they’ve done lots of rough or corrugated roads. Best practice is to replace mounts in axle pairs to keep the handling even left-to-right.

• When replacing: use a quality spring compressor, mark camber bolts, and plan for a wheel alignment afterwards.
• Fit new mounting nuts where specified, don’t rattle-gun the centre nut — hold the strut rod correctly and tighten to the Toyota spec from the service manual.
• Choose OE-equivalent mounts with the integrated bearing up front, mixing old bearings with new struts can cause noise and steering bind.

Done right, fresh strut-mounts restore that tidy Kluger ride and sharpen the steering feel, making daily driving quieter and more settled on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Does a 2006 Toyota Kluger have strut-mounts front and rear?

Yes. Technical references for the XU20 Kluger/Highlander platform show MacPherson struts at both ends, with top mounts (insulators) fitted front and rear. The front mounts include a bearing to allow smooth steering rotation, the rear mounts focus on isolation and support.

What symptoms suggest the strut-mounts need replacing on a 2006 Kluger?

Common signs include clunks over bumps, a knock when turning the wheel, notchy or heavy steering, vague front-end feel, or uneven tyre wear. Visual checks may show cracked rubber, collapsed mount height, or corrosion around the top of the strut.

Should strut-mounts be replaced when changing struts/shocks?

It’s recommended. Reusing a worn mount (or old bearing) with new struts can leave noises or steering roughness. Replacing mounts in pairs, then getting a wheel alignment, delivers the best result for ride and tyre life.