Parts for your 2010 Toyota Mark x-Strut mounts

2010 Toyota Mark X – Are strut mounts actually used?

Short answer: no, the 2010 Toyota Mark X doesn’t use MacPherson-style strut mounts. Technical references including Toyota’s product outline for the X130-series Mark X (2010 model year), the Toyota Repair Manual for GRX130/135, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue point to a front double-wishbone suspension and a rear multi-link set-up. In that layout, there isn’t a traditional strut tower bearing/mount as found on cars with MacPherson struts.

Why’s that important? In a MacPherson system the “strut mount” at the top of the tower carries vehicle weight, insulates noise and vibration, and (critically) contains a bearing so the entire strut can rotate with the steering. The Mark X’s double-wishbone front end locates the wheel with upper and lower control arms, so the damper/spring unit doesn’t steer. That means there’s no need for a strut mount with an integrated bearing. Instead, the car uses shock absorber upper insulators/cushions and body-side brackets to isolate noise and harshness, while the control arms and ball joints handle geometry and wheel location.

Toyota uses this arrangement for better camber control, sharper steering feel and tidier ride/handling balance on a rear-drive sedan like the Mark X. It also reduces steering friction because there’s no big top bearing to turn under load. So while “strutmounts” are a common search term, they’re not the right part for this model year Mark X.

What should owners and techs look at instead during servicing? Focus on the components that do the strut mount’s jobs in other platforms:

• Front upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints (for wheel location and camber control)
• Front shock absorber upper insulators/cushions, dust boots and bump stops (for NVH isolation)
• Rear shock absorber upper mounts/insulators on the multi-link rear
• Stabiliser (sway) bar links and bushes front and rear

Tell-tales that feel like “bad strut mounts” on other cars—clunks over speed bumps, light knocking on rough roads, a dull thud on turn-in—are more likely worn control arm bushes/ball joints, tired sway bar links, or perished shock top insulators on the Mark X. On Aussie and Kiwi roads, these rubber components can age by 80–150,000 kilometres depending on conditions. When replacing any of the above, torque the arms with the vehicle at normal ride height to avoid preloading bushes, and book a wheel alignment afterwards. Fresh dampers with new upper insulators can transform the car’s ride quality and quieten the cabin without chasing non-existent “strutmounts”.

References: Toyota Global product information for Mark X (X130), Toyota Repair Manual GRX130/135 series (front: double wishbone, rear: multi-link), Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (front shock absorber upper insulator and support, no MacPherson strut bearing/mount listed).

Popular questions about 2010 Toyota Mark X “strutmounts”

Does a 2010 Toyota Mark X have strut mounts?

No. The X130 Mark X runs a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear, so it doesn’t use MacPherson-style strut mounts with steering bearings. It uses shock absorber upper insulators and body brackets for isolation, while control arms and ball joints handle wheel location.

What parts should be checked instead of strut mounts on a Mark X?

Inspect the front upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints, the shock absorber upper insulators (front and rear), stabiliser bar links and bushes, and the damper boots and bump stops. These are the usual culprits for knocks, creaks or vague steering on this chassis.

How can an owner tell if the shock top insulators or control arm bushes need attention?

Listen for clunks over potholes or speed humps, a dull thud on turn-in, or see uneven tyre wear. Look for cracked or oil-soaked rubber at the bushings/insulators and any damper oil seep. If in doubt, a workshop inspection and post-repair wheel alignment will set it straight.