Parts for your 2012 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Strut mounts

2012 Toyota Vitz/Yaris strut-mounts

Based on Toyota’s own technical literature, strut-mounts are indeed used on the 2012 Toyota Vitz/Yaris (P13# series). The Toyota New Car Features for this generation describes a MacPherson strut front suspension, and the Toyota Repair Manual’s Front Suspension section shows a “Front Suspension Support Sub-Assembly” (the strut mount with bearing) at the top of each front strut. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue also lists the support sub-assembly and upper insulator for the P13# front end. The rear of this model uses a torsion beam with separate shock absorbers, so there are no rear strut-mounts—only simple shock mounts.

For the 2012 Toyota Vitz/Yaris, the front strut-mounts do a surprisingly big job. They support the top of the front strut, let the strut rotate smoothly when steering thanks to an integrated bearing, and soak up noise and vibration before it reaches the cabin. When they’re healthy, steering feel is light and consistent, turn-in is crisp, and road noise stays civilised on rough Kiwi backroads or Aussie corrugations.

Typical signs that the mounts are getting tired include knocking over speed bumps, creaks when turning the wheel at parking speeds, vague steering, or a notchiness where the wheel doesn’t return to centre cleanly. You might also spot feathered tyre wear or see cracked rubber around the top hat under the bonnet.

They don’t have a strict replacement interval, but it’s smart to have them checked at each service (every 10,000–15,000 kilometres) and to replace them whenever front shocks/struts are renewed. Many owners find they last 80,000–150,000 kilometres depending on road quality. Coastal cars benefit from periodic rinsing under the guards to keep salt off the hardware and bearing area.

When replacing, do both sides as a pair, use quality OE-equivalent mounts with the bearing included, and fit new self-locking nuts. A spring compressor is required, so it’s usually a job for a workshop unless well equipped. After any front strut or mount work, a wheel alignment is a must to keep the Vitz/Yaris tracking straight and protect the tyres. Expect roughly 1.0–1.5 hours per side plus alignment time. In NZ, a badly worn strut-mount can attract a WOF fail, in Australia it can cause issues at a rego check. Keeping them in good nick preserves steering feel, ride comfort, and safety.

• Recommended checks: every service and any time a front-end noise appears
• Replace with: front shocks/struts or if noise/play is detected
• Always finish with: four-wheel alignment

Does the 2012 Toyota Vitz/Yaris have rear strut-mounts?
No. The rear uses a torsion beam with separate shock absorbers, so there are no rear strut-mounts—just simple upper and lower shock mounts. Only the front suspension uses strut-mounts with bearings.

How often should strut-mounts be replaced on a 2012 Vitz/Yaris?
There’s no fixed interval. Have them inspected each service and replace them when fitting new front shocks/struts or if there’s noise, binding, or visible rubber deterioration. Many last beyond 100,000 kilometres, but rough roads shorten their life.

Can worn strut-mounts affect alignment or tyre wear?
Yes. Excess play or a seized bearing can upset steering return-to-centre and alter dynamic geometry, leading to uneven or feathered tyre wear. After replacing mounts or struts, a proper alignment is essential.