Parts for your 2013 Toyota Bb-Strut mounts

2013 Toyota bB strut mounts — what they do and when to replace

Technical sources confirm the 2013 Toyota bB uses front MacPherson struts, which by design require strut mounts. The Toyota Repair Manual for the QNC20/QNC21 bB (Front Suspension – Front Shock Absorber Assembly) details a “Front Suspension Support Sub‑Assembly” with an integrated bearing, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for QNC20/QNC21 (Group: Front Spring & Shock Absorber) lists the support sub‑assembly/insulator at the top of the strut. That means strut mounts are fitted to the front of the 2013 Toyota bB, while the rear uses a torsion beam with separate shocks and no strut mounts.

On the 2013 Toyota bB, the strut mounts sit at the top of each front strut under the bonnet, tying the strut to the body. They insulate vibration, allow the strut to pivot with steering via a bearing, and keep alignment stable. When they’re fresh, the bB steers smoothly and quietly, tyres wear evenly, and the cabin stays calm over corrugations and speed humps.

Because the mount is a mix of rubber and a thrust bearing, it’s a wear item. Age, heat, and rough roads across Australia and New Zealand can harden the rubber and pit the bearing. Typical service practice is to inspect them at each front-end service and strongly consider replacement whenever new front struts or springs are fitted. Many workshops treat them as a “while you’re there” item around the 100,000–150,000 km mark, earlier if the vehicle sees lots of city kerbs, potholes, or rural tracks.

Signs the bB’s strut mounts are tired often show up as:

• Clunks or knocks over bumps
• Creaks when turning the steering at low speed
• “Memory steer” or notchy steering feel
• Uneven or feathered front tyre wear
• Front-end wandering or vague on‑centre feel
• Visible rubber cracking around the top plate

When replacing, fit quality left/right mounts as a pair, renew any single‑use (self‑locking) nuts, and check the strut bearing turns smoothly before install. Spring orientation and isolators should be refitted exactly as per the manual. After any mount or strut work, a four‑wheel alignment is essential to keep the bB tracking straight and protect tyres. A brief re‑torque and road check after a few hundred kilometres is smart practice. Note that only the front needs strut mount attention, the rear shock tops are simple bushings and are serviced separately.

Popular questions about 2013 Toyota bB strut mounts

How can someone tell if the strut mounts on a 2013 Toyota bB are worn?

Clunks over speed bumps are a common early clue.

Creaks when turning the wheel in a car park point to bearing wear.

Notchy steering feel or “memory steer” suggests the mount isn’t rotating freely.

Uneven or feathered tyre wear at the front can appear.

A vague or wandering front end on the motorway may develop.

Visual cracks or perishing around the mount rubber under the bonnet are telling.

During service, a mechanic may feel play at the strut top when the wheel is unloaded.

Slight ride‑height inconsistencies side to side can occur with collapsed rubber.

A chirp or groan noise at low speed over driveway entries can be present.

Steering wheel return to centre may be slower than normal.

Wheel alignment readings that won’t hold can also be a symptom.

Any combination of these signs warrants closer inspection.

Should the strut mounts be replaced when fitting new front struts on a bB?

Most workshops recommend replacing strut mounts with new struts.

The labour overlaps heavily, saving time and repeat visits.

Fresh mounts protect the new struts from excess noise and harshness.

New bearings restore smooth steering feel at low speeds.

Rubber hardening with age won’t match the new damper if left old.

Pairing them helps the alignment stay consistent under load.

It reduces the risk of post‑repair clunks from old hardware.

Quality kits often include new nuts and isolators for a complete job.

It’s especially wise beyond 100,000 km or on rough road cars.

Only the front needs mounts, the rear shocks use bushings.

Always finish with a proper wheel alignment after fitment.

Short answer: yes, do them together for best results.

Does the rear of a 2013 Toyota bB have strut mounts?

No, the rear doesn’t use MacPherson struts.

The bB’s rear is a torsion beam with separate shocks and springs.

That design uses simple upper and lower shock bushings, not strut mounts.

Rear noise is more likely from worn shock bushings or shocks themselves.

Rear top mounts in listings usually refer to bush kits, not strut mounts.

Inspection involves checking bush cracks and shock leaks.

Rear bush kits are generally quicker and cheaper to replace.

They don’t affect steering feel like front mounts do.

Still, they can contribute to thumps and tyre cupping if worn.

Service both sides in pairs for even behaviour.

Choose quality rubber or polyurethane to suit ride preference.

Front strut mounts remain the key rotation point on this model.