Parts for your 2013 Isuzu D-max-Strut mounts

2013 Isuzu D‑Max strut mounts — are they used?

Short answer: strut mounts aren’t a thing on the 2013 Isuzu D‑Max. This model runs an independent double‑wishbone front end with a coil‑over shock absorber, not a MacPherson strut. Because there’s no strut, there’s no strut‑top bearing or “strut mount” assembly to service or replace. Instead, the front shock attaches to the chassis with simple rubber bushes and hardware, while the steering knuckle pivots on upper and lower ball joints.

Technical sources that describe this setup:

• Isuzu D‑MAX (TFR/TFS) Workshop Manual, Suspension section (2012–2016): specifies front independent double wishbone with coil spring and shock absorber, steering knuckle on upper and lower ball joints, no MacPherson strut.
• Isuzu Genuine Parts Electronic Parts Catalogue (TFR/TFS): lists a front shock absorber assembly and upper rubber insulators/bush hardware, no strut mount or strut bearing part.
• KYB and Monroe Australia catalogues for D‑Max 6/2012‑on: front listing is a shock absorber, top mount/bearing shown as not applicable.

What the front end actually has instead:

• Coil‑over front shock with rubber upper bush/insulator and mounting hardware
• Upper and lower control arms
• Steering knuckle supported by ball joints
• Stabiliser (sway) bar, links and bushes

Why there’s no strut mount: in a MacPherson system the strut is a structural member that locates the hub and turns with the steering, so it needs a rotating strut‑top bearing. The D‑Max’s shock doesn’t locate the hub or steer, it simply dampens spring movement. It doesn’t rotate, so a strut mount/bearing isn’t required.

Servicing tips for owners chasing front‑end noises or wear: look to the shock’s upper and lower bushes, stabiliser links/bushes, and the upper/lower control‑arm bushes and ball joints. If someone mentions “strut top” spacers for a lift, they’re talking about a top‑plate spacer above the coil‑over. That’s not a strut mount, it’s just a height spacer. Spacers can reduce droop travel and affect alignment, so in AU/NZ it’s worth checking legal limits and getting a proper alignment or opting for a matched spring and shock upgrade.

Bottom line: there’s no dedicated strut mount to replace on a 2013 D‑Max. Focus maintenance on the shock bushes and the usual front‑end wear items.

Popular questions

Does a 2013 Isuzu D‑Max have strut mounts?
No. It uses a double‑wishbone front suspension with a coil‑over shock, so there’s no MacPherson strut or rotating strut‑top bearing. The shock mounts via rubber bushes and hardware.

What should be checked if there’s a front‑end clunk?
Check the front shock upper and lower bushes, stabiliser links and bushes, and the control‑arm bushes and ball joints. Also make sure the top hardware on the front shock is correctly torqued.

Can I use strut‑top spacers to lift a 2013 D‑Max?
You can fit top‑plate spacers above the coil‑over, but they’re not “strut mounts”. They can cut droop travel and may affect alignment and compliance. In Australia and New Zealand, confirm legal limits and consider a matched spring/shock lift for better results.