Parts for your 2009 Toyota Fortuner-Strut mounts

2009 Toyota Fortuner strut-mounts – are they actually used?

Based on Toyota’s own technical literature — the New Car Features (NCF) for the IMV platform (Fortuner/Hilux AN60 series), the Toyota Repair Manual (TIS), and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) — the 2009 Toyota Fortuner does not use MacPherson struts at the front and therefore does not have conventional strut mounts with a steering bearing. Instead, the Fortuner runs a front double wishbone suspension with a coil spring and separate shock absorber (a coilover-style damper assembly), and a solid rear axle with coil springs and separate shocks. Steering pivot is handled by the upper and lower ball joints, not by a strut top bearing.

That’s why “strut-mounts” aren’t relevant on this model. In a MacPherson setup, the strut top mount carries vehicle weight, locates the suspension, and houses a bearing so the assembly can rotate as the wheels steer. On the Fortuner’s double wishbone layout, the shock absorber doesn’t act as a structural strut or a steering pivot. Up top it uses a rubberised upper insulator/cushion and seat hardware, not a rotating strut bearing. Toyota parts listings for this vehicle call out items like “insulator, front coil spring (upper)”, “seat, front coil spring (upper)”, and shock absorber upper cushions — rather than a strut mount assembly.

For owners asking about strut-mounts during servicing, the correct focus is the front shock absorber upper insulators/cushions and related hardware. These components can age, harden, or split, leading to noises or a slightly harsh ride. When refreshing the front suspension, a workshop may recommend replacing:

• Front shock absorber upper insulators/cushions and retainers
• Front coil spring upper seat (top hat) if worn or deformed
• Associated nuts and washers (single-use hardware as specified)

Tell-tale signs include knocking over sharp bumps, perished or cracked rubber at the shock top, and minor changes in ride quality. Replacement involves safely compressing the coil spring and reassembling the damper unit with new insulators, torque values and stack order should follow the Toyota Repair Manual. The rear uses separate shocks as well, so there’s no rear strut mount either — just conventional shock mounts and bushes. If a lift kit or “strut top spacer” is being fitted, it’s a spacer above the coilover assembly’s top plate, not a true strut bearing mount, quality parts and correct geometry are essential for proper alignment and tyre wear.

• Does a 2009 Toyota Fortuner have strut mounts?
  No. The front suspension is double wishbone with a coilover-style shock, so there’s no MacPherson strut or strut top bearing. It uses a rubber upper insulator/cushion and spring seat instead.
• What should be replaced if there’s a clunk from the top of the front suspension?
  Typically the shock absorber upper insulators/cushions, the upper spring seat (top hat), and related hardware. A tech will also check sway bar links, control arm bushes, and ball joints as these can make similar noises.
• Are “strut top” spacer kits the same as a strut mount?
  No. Spacer kits sit above the coilover’s top plate to achieve lift but don’t add a steering bearing. Ensure any kit is designed for the AN60 Fortuner and get a proper wheel alignment afterward.