Parts for your 2009 Toyota Hilux-Strut mounts

Does a 2009 Toyota Hilux use strut mounts?

For the 2009 Toyota Hilux (N70 series), a traditional “strut mount” in the MacPherson-strut sense isn’t used. Toyota’s technical literature for the AN10/20/30 Hilux platform (New Car Features manual and Repair Manual – Front Suspension) specifies a double wishbone front suspension with a coil spring and separate shock absorber assembly. Because the front end isn’t a structural MacPherson strut, there’s no rotating strut top with a bearing plate—so the classic strut mount isn’t part of the design.

What the Hilux does have is a coilover-style shock-and-spring unit that bolts to the chassis at the top via a rubberised top insulator/mounting plate, and to the lower control arm at the bottom. Steering loads are handled by the upper and lower ball joints and the knuckle, not by a strut tower and bearing. That’s the key reason a true strut mount (with an integrated bearing to allow steering rotation) isn’t required.

Parts catalogues (Toyota EPC, front suspension group) list the front shock absorber assembly, upper insulator/bush, and associated hardware—rather than a strut bearing plate. Some aftermarket sites loosely call the Hilux top insulator a “strut mount”, but functionally it’s a shock top mount/insulator, not a MacPherson strut bearing.

For owners and techs, the practical takeaway is simple: don’t chase a “strut mount” kit expecting a steering bearing. Focus on the correct front shock top insulator and hardware, plus control arm bushes and ball joints for steering and alignment integrity. If the ute shows front-end clunks over corrugations, shimmy, or harshness, it’s more likely worn shock mounts/bushes, lower control arm bushes, or ball joints rather than a failed strut bearing that doesn’t exist on this setup.

• When refreshing the front end, consider: shocks, coil seats/insulators, upper mount hardware, lower control arm rear and front bushes, sway bar links/bushes, and ball joints.
• Listen for knocks after off-road work, inspect the shock top insulator for cracking, crushed rubber, or elongated holes.
• After any suspension work, get a wheel alignment—Hilux double wishbone geometry is sensitive to camber/caster changes.

Referencing Toyota’s New Car Features (AN10/20/30 series) and the Repair Manual front suspension section supports the above: double wishbone with coil spring and shock absorber, no MacPherson strut, and therefore no true strut mount with bearing on the 2009 Hilux.

• Does a 2009 Hilux have strut mounts?
  It doesn’t use a traditional strut mount with a bearing like a MacPherson-strut car. The Hilux front end is double wishbone, so it uses a shock top insulator/mount and hardware instead.
• What should be replaced when doing a front-end refresh on a 2009 Hilux?
  Prioritise front shocks, the top insulator/mount hardware, sway bar links/bushes, lower control arm bushes, and ball joints. Check wheel bearings and get an alignment afterward.
• How can someone tell the shock top mount/insulator is tired?
  Look for perished or cracked rubber, metal-to-metal witness marks, or ovalised bolt holes. Symptoms include knocks over bumps, harshness, and a front-end rattle after corrugations.