Parts for your 2011 Ford Falcon-Strut mounts

2011 Ford Falcon strut-mounts — are they actually used?

Short answer: a traditional strut-mount isn’t used on the 2011 Ford Falcon (FG MkI/MkII). The Falcon runs a double-wishbone (SLA) front suspension with a coil-over shock, not a MacPherson strut. Steering loads go through the upper and lower control arms and ball joints, so there’s no need for a strut top bearing plate. This layout is documented in the Ford FG Falcon Workshop Manual (Section 204-01 Front Suspension), widely covered in Gregory’s/Ellery’s service manuals for BA–FG models, and reflected in spec listings like RedBook that describe the front end as independent, double wishbone with coil spring and gas damper. Aftermarket catalogues for MacPherson-style strut top bearings typically don’t list a bearing-style “strut-mount” for FG Falcons because it doesn’t use one.

What the Falcon does have at the top of the front coil-over is a rubber/insulated upper shock mount or spring seat that secures the damper and spring assembly to the body. It supports load and isolates noise and vibration, but it doesn’t rotate with the steering and it isn’t a bearing plate. That’s the key difference from a true MacPherson strut-mount.

So, when owners and parts sites talk “strut-mounts” for this model, they’re usually referring to the front shock absorber upper mount/insulator. If you’re chasing front-end noises or prepping for new dampers, that’s the piece to consider alongside other wear items.

• What to inspect instead of a strut-mount:
  • Front shock absorber upper mounts/insulators and upper spring seats for cracks, separation, or perished rubber.
  • Upper and lower control arm bushes, plus ball joints, for play and split boots.
  • Sway bar links and bushes for looseness or knocking over bumps.
  • Rear shock upper mounts/bushes (sedan IRS) or shock eye bushes (ute) for deterioration.

Practical servicing tip: any time the front dampers are out, it’s smart to replace the upper mounts/insulators and spring seats as a set. It’s low extra labour for a big improvement in NVH. There’s no strut bearing to preload or index, but a wheel alignment is still recommended after suspension work, as movement of arms and subframe fasteners can nudge camber/caster and toe.

If a parts listing shows a “strut-mount with bearing” for a 2011 Falcon, that’s likely a catalogue mix-up. Ask for a front shock absorber upper mount/insulator to get the correct component for the FG’s double-wishbone setup.

Popular questions

Do 2011 Ford Falcons have strut-mounts with bearings?
No. The FG Falcon’s double-wishbone front end doesn’t use a MacPherson strut or a rotating bearing top mount. It uses a rubberised upper shock mount/insulator that supports the coil-over but doesn’t steer. If you hear top-end knocks, focus on the shock mount/insulator, control arm bushes, and sway bar hardware.

What should be replaced when freshening the front suspension?
Pair new front dampers with new upper shock mounts/insulators and spring seats. Inspect and, if needed, replace upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints, plus sway bar links and bushes. This combo restores ride and steering feel and knocks out most clunks and rattles common on higher-kilometre Falcons.

How often should suspension mounts and bushes be checked?
A quick check at every service is a good habit, with a thorough inspection around 20,000–30,000 km intervals or sooner if there are noises, tyre chop, vague steering, or harshness. Australia and New Zealand roads and loads vary, so condition beats a fixed kilometre number—replace parts on wear, not just mileage.