Parts for your 2012 Toyota Mark x-Strut mounts

2012 Toyota Mark X strut-mounts — are they used on this model?

Short answer: no. Technical sources list the 2012 Toyota Mark X (GRX130/GRX133) with a double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear, which means it doesn’t use MacPherson struts or the typical strut-mounts with a built-in steering bearing. This architecture is documented in Toyota’s Mark X Repair Manual (Front Suspension section) and New Car Features (Chassis) for the X130 series, and is echoed by major suspension catalogues from KYB and Monroe that specify shock absorber mounts/insulators for the Mark X rather than strut top mounts with bearings.

Why no strut-mounts? In a MacPherson strut layout, the strut itself locates the wheel and the top mount carries both vertical load and steering rotation via a bearing. The Mark X’s double wishbone setup uses upper and lower control arms to manage wheel location and steering pivot through ball joints, so the damper doesn’t rotate with steering and isn’t a structural “strut.” As a result, it uses simpler rubberised shock absorber upper mounts/insulators front and rear, not strut-mounts with bearings.

Owners chasing “2012 Toyota Mark X strut-mounts” are usually after these parts instead:

• Front shock absorber upper mount/insulator and cushions
• Rear shock absorber upper mount/insulator and cushions
• Related wear items: dust boots, bump stops, and sometimes upper/lower control arm bushings or ball joints if there’s play

Service advice for the Mark X’s shock mounts is straightforward. Inspect the upper mounts whenever replacing shocks, or every 80–100,000 km if the car sees rough roads. Tell-tales include a dull knock over sharp bumps, perished or cracked rubber “top hat” insulators, visible gap at the mount, or a twang/creak as the suspension loads and unloads. Because there’s no steering bearing in the mount, you won’t get the classic strut-mount groan when turning the wheel at a standstill.

When fitting new shocks, it’s smart practice to renew mounts, dust boots and bump stops at the same time. Replace mounts in axle pairs to keep ride and NVH balanced left to right. Use a quality spring compressor, mark spring orientation, and torque the hardware at normal ride height to avoid bushing preload. An alignment check is recommended after any suspension work, while camber/caster are set by the arms, ride-height changes from fresh dampers can nudge toe.

Technical references consulted: Toyota Mark X (GRX130) Repair Manual – Front/Rear Suspension, Toyota New Car Features – X130 Chassis, KYB and Monroe suspension catalogues for GRX130 indicating shock absorber mounts/insulators rather than strut top bearings.

Popular questions about 2012 Toyota Mark X strut-mounts

Does the 2012 Toyota Mark X have strut-mounts?
It doesn’t use MacPherson strut-mounts. The Mark X runs double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, so it uses shock absorber upper mounts/insulators rather than strut top mounts with bearings.

What should be replaced if there’s a front-end knock on a Mark X?
Start with the front shock upper mounts/insulators, dust boots and bump stops, then check sway bar links, control arm bushes and ball joints. Replace worn items in pairs and recheck alignment.

Do you need an alignment after changing shock mounts on a Mark X?
It’s a good idea. While the mounts themselves don’t set geometry, any suspension work can shift toe slightly. A quick alignment protects tyres and keeps the steering feel crisp.