Parts for your 2012 Isuzu D-max-Strut mounts

2012 Isuzu D‑MAX strut-mounts: are they actually used?

Short answer: no, the 2012 Isuzu D‑MAX doesn’t use traditional strut-mounts. Technical sources including the Isuzu D‑MAX (TFR/TFS, 2012-) workshop/service information and major suspension catalogues (KYB, Monroe, Bilstein) list the front suspension as independent double wishbone with a coil spring and separate shock absorber (a coilover-style damper), not a MacPherson strut. The rear is a leaf‑spring live axle. Because there’s no MacPherson strut up front, there’s no rotating, load‑bearing strut mount with an integrated bearing as you’d find in many passenger cars.

On the D‑MAX, the steering pivot happens at the upper and lower ball joints on the control arms. The damper doesn’t locate the hub and it doesn’t rotate with steering input, so a bearing‑type strut mount isn’t required. Instead, the shock uses an upper mounting plate/bush assembly (often just called the “top mount” or “top hat”), which isolates noise and vibration but isn’t a true strut-mount. Some aftermarket suppliers casually call these “strut tops”, which can be confusing, but they’re fundamentally different to a MacPherson strut mount.

If there’s a knock, squeak or vague feel from the front of a 2012 D‑MAX, the usual suspects are wear in the shock absorber upper bushes, sway‑bar links/bushes, upper or lower control arm bushes, or ball joints—not a failed strut-mount. After lift kits or coilover conversions, you might see replacement top plates supplied with the shocks, again, these aren’t strut-mounts with bearings.

What to look at during servicing or when chasing noises and tyre wear:

• Inspect front shock upper mounts/bushes for cracks, perishing or elongation every 20,000–40,000 km, especially if it tows or works off‑road.
• Check sway‑bar links and D‑bushes, control arm bushes and ball joints for play, replace as required.
• When refitting shocks, seat the top mount correctly and tighten hardware to the factory torque spec from the service manual.
• Get a wheel alignment after any suspension work to protect tyres and steering feel.

For owners fitting aftermarket coilovers, choose kits that include quality top plates and bushes suited to Australian and New Zealand conditions. If the ute sees corrugations or heavy loads, shorten inspection intervals—rubber components cop a hard life and fresh bushes can transform ride and steering behaviour.

Popular questions about 2012 Isuzu D‑MAX strut-mounts

Do 2012 D‑MAX utes have strut-mounts?
They don’t use MacPherson strut-mounts with bearings. The front is double wishbone IFS with a shock and coil spring, so it uses a simple shock top mount/bush rather than a rotating strut-mount. This layout is outlined in Isuzu workshop material for the 2012 model and reflected in major suspension catalogues.

What should be replaced if there’s a front‑end clunk on a 2012 D‑MAX?
Start with the shock absorber upper bushes/mount, sway‑bar links and bushes, then check upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints. Tie‑rod ends and body mounts are also worth a look. These parts commonly cause noises and vague steering on this platform.

If I install aftermarket coilovers, do I need new “strut tops”?
Most quality kits include new top plates and bushes designed for the D‑MAX’s double wishbone setup. They’re often called strut tops, but they aren’t MacPherson strut-mounts. Use the supplied hardware, torque everything to spec, and book an alignment straight after.