Parts for your 2012 Ford Transit-Strut mounts

2012 Ford Transit strut mounts: what they do and when to replace them

Based on technical references including the Ford Workshop Manual for the VM/Mk7 Transit (2006–2013), the Haynes Ford Transit Diesel manual (2006–2013), and major suspension catalogues from KYB and Monroe listing top mounts and bearings for this model, the 2012 Ford Transit uses MacPherson struts at the front and therefore has front strut mounts with integrated bearings. The rear uses leaf springs with separate dampers, so there are no rear strut mounts on this vehicle.

On a 2012 Transit, the front strut mounts bolt the top of the strut to the body and house a bearing that lets the strut turn smoothly as the steering is moved. They isolate vibration and road harshness from the cabin, maintain steering feel, and help keep wheel alignment stable under load. When healthy, they reduce clunks, creaks and kickback, making a loaded van feel planted over corrugations and city speed bumps alike.

Because many Transits in Australia and New Zealand run heavy payloads and see plenty of rough chipseal and driveways, the top mounts and bearings can wear earlier than a lightly used passenger car. There isn’t a fixed service interval, but many workshops see deterioration anywhere from 100,000 to 200,000 kilometres. Inspect the mounts at each service or at least annually, especially if the van carries tools or tows regularly.

Tell‑tale signs it’s time to replace the strut mounts include:

• Clunks over bumps or a dull thud when turning into driveways
• Creaking or grating as the steering is turned at low speed (“memory steer”)
• Vague steering, tramlining, or uneven front tyre wear
• Cracked or perished rubber, or rusty/distorted top mount studs

Best practice is to replace mounts and bearings in pairs, fit new hardware, and follow Ford torque specs. Always have a wheel alignment done afterwards, as camber and toe can shift when the strut is disturbed. While in there, check strut top nuts, dust boots and bump stops, and never grease a sealed bearing. Use a quality spring compressor and, if the struts are original or leaking, consider doing struts and mounts together for a longer‑lasting, quieter front end.

Popular questions

Do all 2012 Transit models have strut mounts front and rear?
No. The 2012 Transit has strut mounts at the front only, because it uses MacPherson struts there. The rear suspension is leaf‑spring with separate shock absorbers, so there are no rear strut mounts to replace. If you’re chasing rear noises, look at shock bushes, leaf spring bushes and shackles instead.

How can someone tell if the noise is the strut mount or the strut itself?
A worn mount/bearing often creaks or grinds while turning the steering at a standstill, and can cause notchy “memory steer.” A failed strut tends to bounce, feel underdamped and may leak oil. In practice, both can wear together, a technician can feel play at the top of the strut while an assistant turns the wheel and road‑test for damping control.

Is a wheel alignment required after replacing Transit strut mounts?
Yes. Disturbing the strut can alter camber and toe, and even small changes will scrub tyres and dull steering feel. A post‑repair four‑wheel alignment gets the Transit tracking straight and protects new tyres.