Parts for your 2009 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Strut mounts

2009 Toyota Vitz/Yaris strut mounts: what they do and when to replace them

Strut mounts are absolutely used on the front of the 2009 Toyota Vitz/Yaris (XP90 series: KSP90/NCP91/NCP93). Toyota’s New Car Features and the factory Repair Manual for the P9# platform specify a MacPherson strut front suspension with a “Front Suspension Support Sub‑Assembly” and an integrated strut bearing. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue also lists these as service parts for the front. The rear of this model uses a torsion beam with separate shock absorbers and springs, so there are no rear strut mounts.

On the front, the strut mounts do two big jobs. First, they locate the top of the strut solidly to the body while isolating vibration with a rubber insulator, keeping cabin noise and harshness down on our sometimes coarse Aussie and Kiwi roads. Second, the built‑in bearing lets the strut turn smoothly as the steering is turned, which keeps steering feel light and consistent.

Over time, the rubber can harden or crack and the bearing can wear. Common clues on a 2009 Vitz/Yaris include a clunk over bumps, a creak when turning the wheel at parking speeds, vague steering on centre, or uneven front tyre wear. If the bonnet’s up and the top of the strut is seen to jump or rotate in a notchy way as someone turns the wheel, the mount or bearing is likely tired.

Smart servicing practice is to inspect the front strut mounts every 40,000–60,000 km, and replace them whenever front struts or springs are being changed. Doing both sides together keeps steering and ride balanced. Quality mount kits usually include the rubber insulator, the bearing and new hardware, avoid reusing old self‑locking nuts. When fitting, index the mount correctly, seat the spring ends in their perches, and torque everything to spec with the suspension at normal ride height. Because the strut-to-knuckle bolts influence camber, a wheel alignment straight after the job is a must.

For owners chasing a tight, quiet front end on their 2009 Toyota Vitz/Yaris, fresh strut mounts can make a bigger difference than expected—clean steering feel, fewer rattles, and more predictable tyre wear.

• Technical sources: Toyota New Car Features (P9# Vitz/Yaris), Toyota Repair Manual – Front Suspension (MacPherson Strut) sections, Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue listings for Front Suspension Support Sub‑Assembly and Bearing (2009 Vitz/Yaris XP90).

Popular questions about 2009 Toyota Vitz/Yaris strut mounts

Do the rear suspension units have strut mounts?
No. The rear of the XP90 Vitz/Yaris uses a torsion beam with separate shock absorbers and coil springs, so there are no rear strut mounts—only the front has them.

How long do front strut mounts last, and when should they be replaced?
Many last 100,000–150,000 km, but rough roads, age and heat can shorten that. Replace if there’s clunking, notchy steering, cracked rubber, or when installing new front struts or springs.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing strut mounts?
Yes. Any time the front struts are removed, camber and toe can shift. A post‑fitment alignment protects tyre life and restores straight‑line stability.