Parts for your 2013 Toyota Rav4-Strut mounts

2013 Toyota RAV4 strut mounts

Technical sources including the Toyota Repair Manual for the 2013 RAV4 (ZSA4#/ASA4# series) Front Suspension section, the Toyota New Car Features manual, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue confirm that the 2013 RAV4 uses MacPherson struts at the front with a “front suspension support sub‑assembly” (commonly called the strut mount or strut top). The rear is a double‑wishbone setup with separate spring and shock, so there are no rear strut mounts. That makes strut mounts relevant and fitted to the front of the 2013 Toyota RAV4.

On a 2013 RAV4, the front strut mounts secure the strut to the body under the bonnet, isolate vibration and road noise, and house a bearing that lets the strut rotate smoothly as the wheels steer. When healthy, they help keep steering light and accurate, reduce harshness on rough roads, and hold alignment steady. When worn, they can clunk over bumps, creak when turning, or cause “memory steer” where the wheel doesn’t self‑centre properly.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the front strut mounts around every 80–100,000 km, or any time the front struts are out. With the vehicle safely lifted, check for perished or cracked rubber, loose or separated bonding, and any play at the mount. Turn the steering lock‑to‑lock while someone feels the mount, any notchy movement or graunching suggests the bearing is binding.

• Common symptoms: front‑end knocks, steering that feels vague or heavy, a creak as you turn the wheel, uneven front tyre wear, or a thud after a kerb strike.
• Best practice: replace mounts in pairs when fitting new front struts. Use quality mounts with the bearing included, fit new top nuts, and torque everything to spec with the suspension at normal ride height.
• After replacement: book a wheel alignment to protect tyres and restore proper handling. A worn or sloppy mount can easily nudge camber/caster out, especially after a big pothole hit.

If a Warrant of Fitness (NZ) or roadworthy (AU) inspector notes excessive play or noise at the top mounts, replacement is due. Driving on badly worn mounts isn’t ideal, it can accelerate tyre wear and stress the struts. Getting on top of it keeps the RAV4 riding quietly and steering sweet as.

Popular questions

Does a 2013 RAV4 have strut mounts front and rear?
Yes at the front, no at the rear. The front suspension is MacPherson strut with a strut mount/bearing at the body. The rear uses a double‑wishbone design with separate shocks and springs, so there’s no rear strut mount.

When should the strut mounts be replaced, and do they need an alignment?
Replace them if the rubber is cracked or separated, the bearing is noisy or binding, or whenever fitting new front struts. After any front suspension work that involves the struts or mounts, a wheel alignment is recommended to keep tyres wearing evenly and the steering on point.

Is it safe to drive with worn strut mounts?
It’s usually drivable if only slightly worn, but not ideal. Bad mounts can cause clunks, vague steering, and quicker tyre wear. If there’s heavy noise, binding, or steering that won’t self‑centre, book the repair sooner rather than later.