Parts for your 2009 Ford Transit-Strut mounts

2009 Ford Transit strut mounts — purpose, care, and when to replace

Technical references including the Ford Workshop Manual (V347/V348, 2006–2013), Haynes’ Ford Transit Diesel manual (2000–2013), and Autodata identify the 2009 Ford Transit as using a MacPherson strut front suspension with an upper strut mount and bearing. That means strut mounts absolutely are fitted to the front of this van (the rear runs a leaf-sprung live axle, so no strut mounts there).

On a 2009 Ford Transit, the strut mount sits at the top of the front strut, bolted to the body’s strut tower. It does three big jobs: carries the vehicle’s front corner load, isolates vibration and road harshness with a rubber insulator, and—via an integrated bearing—lets the strut turn smoothly as the steering is wound lock to lock. When the mount wears, the steering can feel notchy, the van can clunk over speed bumps, and road noise can creep into the cabin. Left too long, it can even accelerate tyre wear and upset alignment.

During servicing, it pays to give the mounts a once-over, especially on vans that live on rough roads or carry heavy loads. Look and listen for these tells:

• Clunks or thuds over bumps, or a creak when turning the wheel at low speed
• Notchy, springy feel at the steering wheel as the bearing binds
• Feathered front tyre wear or wandering/poor return-to-centre
• Perished, cracked or separated rubber at the top mount

Best practice is to replace strut mounts in pairs and consider doing the struts at the same time if they’re leaking or bouncy. Use quality mounts with the correct integrated bearing. During installation, orient any locating tabs correctly, seat the spring properly, and torque fasteners to spec with the van at normal ride height. A wheel alignment is recommended afterward, as the camber and caster can shift when the strut is disturbed.

There’s no fixed interval, but many Transit mounts last 80,000–150,000 km. High-load courier work, speed humps and corrugated roads can shorten that. As part of routine checks—say every 20,000 km—inspect the top of the towers for rust, ensure the dust boots are intact, and listen for steering noises on a slow figure-eight. If the van feels harsher than it used to or starts making front-end knocks, fresh mounts can bring the steering and ride back to its best.

Popular questions about 2009 Ford Transit strut mounts

Does a 2009 Ford Transit have strut mounts?
Yes. Technical guides list a MacPherson strut front end with an upper mount and bearing. Only the front uses strut mounts—the rear is a leaf-sprung live axle, so no mounts there.

How long do the strut mounts last on a Transit?
Typically 80,000–150,000 km, depending on loads and road conditions. Hard city work, kerb strikes, and potholes can age the rubber and bearing faster. Inspect regularly and replace if noisy, cracked or causing alignment issues.

Is an alignment needed after replacing strut mounts?
Yes. Disturbing the strut can nudge camber and caster. A proper wheel alignment restores handling, reduces tyre wear, and recentres the steering wheel.