Parts for your 2009 Toyota Ractis-Struts

2009 Toyota Ractis struts: what they do and when to sort them out

For the 2009 Toyota Ractis (NCP100/SCP100), front suspension uses MacPherson struts, while the rear runs a torsion-beam axle with separate shock absorbers. This layout is documented in Toyota’s Ractis Repair Manual (Front Suspension – MacPherson Strut Type), Toyota’s New Car Features for Ractis, and Toyota’s electronic parts catalogue, which lists a “front shock absorber with coil spring (strut) assembly”. So yep, struts are absolutely relevant on the front of a 2009 Ractis, but the rear is shocks only.

On this model, the front struts do double duty: they control damping and also locate the wheel upright, helping set camber and caster through the top mount and knuckle. That’s why worn struts can show up as vague steering, longer stopping distances, and choppy, uneven tyre wear. They also carry the coil spring, so the top mount and bearing are key for smooth steering with no graunching or spring bind.

When should they be replaced? There’s no fixed interval, but many drivers see best results changing them somewhere between 80,000 and 150,000 km, sooner if roads are rough or the vehicle often carries a full load. Tell-tale signs include oil weeping down the tube, knocking over bumps, nose-diving under brakes, tramlining, or scalloped tyres. Any WOF/roadworthy fail on damping balance or leakage is a clear call to act.

Good practice on a 2009 Ractis:

• Always replace front struts in pairs to keep the car balanced.
• Fit new strut mounts/bearings, bump stops, and dust boots at the same time, they’re cheap insurance.
• Torque control arm and strut hardware at ride height to avoid bushing preload.
• Book a wheel alignment straight after, as camber and toe can shift with new struts and mounts.
• Choose quality gas-charged assemblies, inserts/cartridges aren’t typically serviceable items on this platform.

DIYers should use proper spring compressors and mark knuckle-to-strut positions if reusing, but a professional install is often the safer bet. After fitting, expect a firmer, more controlled ride, sharper steering, and better tyre life—especially handy on Aussie and Kiwi chip-seal or patched urban roads. If the rear feels floaty too, remember the Ractis uses separate rear shocks, freshening those can round out the handling nicely.

Popular questions about 2009 Toyota Ractis struts

Does the 2009 Toyota Ractis have struts or shocks?

It runs MacPherson struts at the front and conventional shock absorbers at the rear. The struts handle both damping and wheel location up front, while the rear shocks only control damping on the torsion-beam axle.

How long do front struts last on a 2009 Ractis?

Many owners see 80,000–150,000 km depending on road quality, loads, and driving style. Replace sooner if there’s oil leakage, knocking, poor steering feel, or uneven tyre wear, or if it fails a WOF/roadworthy check.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing front struts?

Yes. Because the strut affects camber and toe, any change to the strut or top mount can shift alignment. An immediate post-replacement alignment protects tyres and restores proper handling.