Parts for your 2010 Volkswagen Amarok-Strut mounts

2010 Volkswagen Amarok Strut Mounts – Are They Used?

For the 2010 Volkswagen Amarok (2H), traditional strut-mounts as found on MacPherson-strut vehicles are not used. Technical references including Volkswagen’s workshop literature for Amarok running gear and the Volkswagen Self‑Study material on the Amarok’s chassis describe a front double-wishbone (upper and lower control arm) setup with a coil-over shock absorber, not a MacPherson strut. Likewise, the VW ETKA electronic parts catalogue for the Amarok lists front shock absorber upper mounts/bushes but no strut bearing assembly typical of MacPherson designs. Aftermarket catalogues from major damper manufacturers also list front shock mounts/bushes for Amarok rather than strut top bearings.

Why that matters: in a MacPherson layout, the strut is a structural member that locates the wheel and turns with the steering, it needs a strut-mount with an integrated bearing at the body to allow rotation and to isolate noise and vibration. The Amarok’s double‑wishbone front axle locates the wheel via the control arms instead, so the shock/spring unit doesn’t steer and doesn’t require a rotational strut bearing. As a result, a conventional “strut-mount” isn’t part of this vehicle’s front suspension design.

What the Amarok does have is an upper shock absorber mounting (a rubber/metal mount or bush) that secures the coil-over damper to the body and soaks up vibration. If there’s a clunk over bumps, knocking at low speeds, wandering on corrugations, or uneven tyre wear, it’s worth inspecting the front shock mounts and the shocks themselves.

• Inspection tips: look for perished or cracked rubber at the top mount, witness marks from metal-on-metal contact, and oil weep from the damper body. Check control arm bushes and ball joints at the same time.
• Replacement pointers: support the lower arm before disassembly, compress the coil spring safely, and torque fasteners with the vehicle at normal ride height. After any front-end work, get a wheel alignment to keep tyre wear in check.
• Service intervals: there’s no fixed kilometre limit for mounts, but many owners see wear emerge between 120,000–200,000 km depending on load, roads, and accessories. Frequent off‑road use can shorten that.

If a parts listing shows a “strut-top bearing” for an Amarok, treat it with caution—some catalogues use strut language generically. For this ute, the correct focus is on the front shock absorber upper mounts/bushes and quality dampers that suit Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

• Does a 2010 Amarok have strut-mounts?
  Not in the MacPherson sense. It uses a double-wishbone front end with a coil-over shock, so there’s no strut top bearing. Instead, it has an upper shock absorber mount/bush.
• What should be replaced instead of strut-mounts?
  The front shock absorber upper mounts/bushes and, if worn, the dampers. It’s also smart to inspect control arm bushes and ball joints while you’re there.
• What are the signs the Amarok’s front shock mounts are worn?
  Clunks over bumps, vibration through the body, vague steering, and uneven tyre wear. Visible cracks in the rubber or damper oil leaks are red flags.