Parts for your 2012 Toyota Mark x-Struts

2012 Toyota Mark X: Struts not fitted — here’s what that means

Technical sources for the GRX130-series 2012 Toyota Mark X show it does not use MacPherson struts. Instead, it runs a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear, each with separate shock absorbers and coil springs. This is documented in Toyota’s New Car Features (NCF) for GRX130, the Toyota Repair Manual (Chassis) for GRX130, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC), which lists distinct “shock absorber assembly” components (front and rear) along with upper and lower control arms and a separate steering knuckle — all hallmarks of a non-strut layout.

Why no struts on a 2012 Toyota Mark X? Toyota specified a double-wishbone front end to better control camber through the stroke, sharpen turn-in, and deliver a more premium ride and handling balance befitting a rear-wheel-drive V6 sedan. With upper and lower arms managing the wheel’s path, the damper doesn’t need to act as a structural member as it would in a strut design. Down the back, the multi-link setup further refines ride comfort and tyre contact, improving stability on rough Kiwi and Aussie roads alike.

What to service instead of “struts” on a 2012 Mark X:

• Shock absorbers (front and rear): look for oil weep, knocking, or floaty body control over corrugations or speed bumps.
• Top mounts and insulators: perished rubber can cause creaks and harshness.
• Control arm bushes and ball joints (front double wishbone, rear multi-link): worn items lead to shimmy, tramlining, and uneven tyre wear.
• Sway bar links and bushes: common source of front-end clunks over low-speed bumps.

Practical servicing tips for Aussie/NZ owners: inspect the shocks and suspension bushes at least every 20,000 km or annually. Many cars will benefit from fresh shocks somewhere between 100,000–150,000 km, sooner if they’ve tackled rough backroads or heavy city commute duty. Replace in axle pairs, torque arm bushes at normal ride height, and always book a wheel alignment after shock or arm replacement to protect your tyres. If a supplier lists “2012toyotamarkxstruts”, they’re usually referring to complete shock-and-spring assemblies or coilovers, confirm compatibility by part numbers for GRX130 and make sure the kit is designed for the Mark X’s double-wishbone front and multi-link rear.

Bottom line: the 2012 Toyota Mark X doesn’t run struts — it runs shocks within a more sophisticated arm-based suspension. Ordering “struts” by name may steer a buyer wrong, ordering shocks and the correct arms, mounts, and links will keep this V6 sedan riding and handling as intended.

Popular questions about 2012 Toyota Mark X “struts”

Does the 2012 Toyota Mark X have struts or shocks?

It has shocks, not MacPherson struts. The car uses a double-wishbone front end and a multi-link rear, so the dampers don’t serve as structural members. If a catalogue lists “struts” for this model, they’re likely referring to complete shock-and-spring assemblies or coilovers.

What should be replaced when someone says “front struts” on a Mark X?

Ask for front shock absorbers, top mounts/insulators, and check the upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints. After replacement, get a proper alignment to maintain tyre life and steering feel.

Can coilovers be fitted to a 2012 Mark X, and are they considered struts?

Yes, coilovers made for the GRX130 Mark X can be fitted, but they don’t turn the car into a MacPherson-strut design. They replace the factory shocks and springs while the double-wishbone and multi-link geometry remains the same.