Parts for your 2013 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Strut mounts

2013 Toyota Vitz/Yaris strut mounts — what they do and when to replace them

Based on Toyota’s technical documentation for the XP130 series (Vitz/Yaris, 2011–2013), including the New Car Features manual (front suspension: MacPherson strut) and the Toyota Repair Manual sections on “Front Shock Absorber Assembly” and “Front Suspension Support Sub-Assembly,” this model uses strut mounts at the front. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for NCP130/NCP131 also lists the front suspension support (strut mount) and bearing as service parts. Aftermarket fitment data from major suppliers such as KYB and Monroe likewise catalogues dedicated front strut mounts for the 2013 Yaris/Vitz. Rear suspension is a torsion beam with separate shock absorbers, so rear strut mounts don’t apply.

On a 2013 Toyota Vitz/Yaris, the front strut mounts sit at the top of the MacPherson struts, tying the strut into the body while isolating vibration. They carry vehicle load, allow the strut to rotate smoothly with steering (via an integrated bearing on most variants), and damp out road harshness so the cabin stays quiet and composed. When they’re fresh, the steering feels light and precise, tyre wear stays even, and there’s less thump over bumps.

Because the mounts cop Aussie and Kiwi roads, age, heat, and moisture, the rubber and bearing can fatigue. Telltales include a dull clunk over speed humps, a groan or notchiness when turning the wheel at parking speeds, vague on‑centre steering, or a slight pull after hitting bumps. If left too long, a collapsed mount can chew out tyres or stress the new strut.

Best practice when servicing the front end is to inspect the strut mounts any time the front struts or springs are out. Most workshops recommend replacing them with the struts due to shared labour and to avoid refitting worn hardware. It’s a modest extra cost that saves a second tear‑down. After refit, a wheel alignment is a wise move to keep the Yaris tracking true and protect the tyres.

• Replace in pairs left/right to keep steering feel consistent.
• Listen for clunks, creaks, or binding while turning at low speed.
• Check mount rubber for cracks and the bearing for smooth rotation during any front suspension service.
• Torque the top nut and strut tower fasteners to spec, recheck after a few hundred kilometres if possible.

Look after the front strut mounts on a 2013 Toyota Vitz/Yaris and the little hatch keeps its tidy ride, sharp steering, and quiet cabin on both city commutes and long Kiwi/Aussie road trips.

Does a 2013 Toyota Vitz/Yaris have strut mounts front and rear?

It has strut mounts at the front only. The front uses a MacPherson strut with a top mount and bearing. The rear is a torsion beam with separate shock absorbers and rubber upper/lower bushes, not struts, so no rear strut mounts.

How long do front strut mounts last, and what are the signs they’re worn?

It varies with roads and driving, but many last 100,000–160,000 km. Signs include clunks over bumps, creaking or notchiness when turning at low speed, vague steering, or uneven front tyre wear. If you’re changing front struts, inspect or replace the mounts while you’re there.

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

Strongly recommended. The extra parts cost is small compared with the labour to strip the strut again later. Fresh mounts and bearings help the new struts work properly, sharpen steering feel, and reduce NVH. Finish with a wheel alignment.