Parts for your 2009 Toyota Wish-Strut mounts

2009 Toyota Wish strut mounts — what they do and when to replace them

Based on technical references, the 2009 Toyota Wish (ZGE20/ZGE21/ZGE25 series) uses MacPherson struts at the front, which by design require a strut mount/top support. Toyota’s Repair Manual for the Wish front suspension section details a “front suspension support” at the top of the strut. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for ZGE2# lists a “support sub-assembly, front suspension, upper” for the front. Major aftermarket catalogues (e.g., KYB and Monroe) also list front strut top mounts for the 2009 Wish. The rear is a separate spring and shock setup on most trims, so no rear strut mounts there. That makes strut mounts clearly relevant to the 2009 Toyota Wish—at the front axle.

The front strut mounts on a 2009 Toyota Wish are the unsung heroes sitting at the top of each MacPherson strut, under the bonnet. They isolate road noise and vibration, carry the vehicle’s front corner loads, and, with an integrated bearing, let the strut and spring rotate smoothly as the steering turns. When they’re fresh, the steering feels light and precise, when they’re worn, the car can feel harsh, noisy, or a bit vague through the wheel.

Owners often chase odd clunks or steering “notches” and discover the top mounts are tired. Common tell-tales include:

• Clunking or creaking over bumps and speed humps
• Notchy or heavy steering, or “memory steer” after cornering
• Front-end vibration and extra road roar
• Uneven or feathered front tyre wear
• Cracked rubber or separated mount when inspected

Best practice on the Wish is to inspect the mounts whenever front struts or springs are serviced, and at regular intervals (say each major service or around every 20,000 km). If the struts are being replaced, it’s smart to fit new mounts and bearings at the same time—doing them in pairs keeps handling balanced. Choose quality OEM or reputable aftermarket parts, as the bearing quality makes a real difference to steering feel.

Replacement needs a proper spring compressor and care not to spin or mark the strut piston rod. Always follow Toyota torque specs for the piston-rod nut and the three body studs, ensure the spring is correctly seated in the upper and lower insulators, and finish with a wheel alignment. After fitting, a quiet front end and smoother steering are the immediate pay-offs—plus longer tyre life and less cabin vibration.

Worth noting: the rear of most 2009 Wish models uses shocks and coils, not rear struts, so there are no rear strut mounts to worry about.

Popular questions about 2009 Toyota Wish strut mounts

Do all 2009 Toyota Wish models have front strut mounts?
Yes. The front suspension is a MacPherson strut design, which uses a top mount with an integrated bearing. Most trims run a non-strut rear end, so there’s no rear strut mount.

How long do the front strut mounts usually last?
It varies with roads and loads, but many last 80,000–150,000 kilometres. If there’s clunking, steering notchiness, or uneven front tyre wear, they’re due for inspection regardless of distance.

Should strut mounts be replaced with the struts?
That’s the ideal time. Replacing mounts and bearings with new struts avoids repeat labour, restores steering smoothness, and helps the fresh dampers do their best work. Always replace in axle pairs and get an alignment.