Parts for your 2012 Subaru Tribeca-Strut mounts

2012 Subaru Tribeca Strut Mounts

Yes, the 2012 Subaru Tribeca uses strut mounts at the front. Technical sources including the Subaru Workshop Manual (Front Suspension section for 2008–2014 Tribeca), Subaru’s parts catalogue/EPC, and major aftermarket catalogues (KYB and Monroe) all specify a MacPherson strut front end with an upper strut mount and bearing. The rear suspension is a separate multi-link/double wishbone design, so there are no rear strut mounts on this model.

On the Tribeca, the front strut mounts do two big jobs: they isolate noise and vibration from the cabin, and they provide the pivot point for steering. Each mount sandwiches a rubber insulator and a bearing between the body and the strut, helping the big Subaru feel quiet and planted on rough Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Because they’re constantly taking load, strut mounts wear out over time. When they start to go, the Tribeca can develop clunks over bumps, a graunchy feel just off centre when turning the wheel, or a springy “memory steer” where the wheel doesn’t return smoothly. Tyres can chop out on the edges and you might hear a creak over speed humps.

• Watch for: knocking on bumps, steering bind or noise at parking speeds, uneven tyre wear, visible rubber cracking around the top hat.
• Good practice: replace mounts whenever front struts are replaced, do both sides together, and get a proper wheel alignment straight after.

For servicing, a trusted workshop will inspect the mounts at each major service or every 20,000–30,000 km. In harsher conditions or with lots of urban speed hump work, they may need attention sooner. When fitting new mounts, quality components (mount plus bearing) help keep steering light and quiet. Re-using tired mounts on fresh struts often brings back noises and can shorten the life of the new shocks.

Torque-critical fasteners and spring compression are involved, so this isn’t a DIY for most owners. A qualified tech will check the top bearing smoothness, the rubber insulator condition, and the strut shaft nut. After installation, expect the steering to feel freer on-centre and the front end to ride more quietly, with tyres wearing more evenly over the next few thousand kilometres.

Popular questions about 2012 Subaru Tribeca strut mounts

Do all four corners have strut mounts on a 2012 Tribeca?
No. The front uses MacPherson struts with strut mounts and bearings. The rear is a multi-link/double wishbone setup with separate shock and spring, so there are no rear strut mounts.

How long do Tribeca strut mounts usually last?
Many last 100,000–150,000 km, but life varies with road conditions and load. If there’s knocking, steering noise, or rubber cracking, have them checked sooner rather than waiting for a set kilometre figure.

Should the strut mounts be replaced when doing front struts?
It’s smart money to replace them with the struts. Fresh mounts and bearings protect the new shocks, quieten the front end, and restore smooth steering. Always finish with a wheel alignment.