Parts for your 2013 Toyota Wish-Struts

2013 Toyota Wish struts: what they do and when to replace them

Struts are absolutely used on the 2013 Toyota Wish. Technical references including the Toyota Wish Repair Manual for the ZGE20/ZGE25 series (2009–2017) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue list a MacPherson strut front suspension. Aftermarket fitment catalogues from major damper manufacturers also specify front strut assemblies for the Wish across these model codes. At the rear the 2WD Wish runs a torsion beam with separate shock absorbers and coils, so “struts” refers to the front end only.

On the Wish, the front MacPherson strut does double duty: it’s both the shock absorber and a key structural part that locates the wheel. That’s why a tired strut can make the car feel floaty, tramline over rough chip, chew out the edges of the tyres and add a clunk over speed humps. Fresh, healthy struts keep the contact patch planted, the steering consistent and braking distances tidy — especially on wet Kiwi or Aussie roads.

As part of routine servicing, front struts deserve a look every 20,000 km. A quick check under the guards for oil seepage, dented bodies, cracked dust boots or perished top mounts goes a long way. Many owners find replacement somewhere between 80,000 and 140,000 km depending on road conditions and load — cars that cart the whanau and gear, or see corrugated rural lanes, will understandably need attention earlier.

When replacement time comes, best practice is to:

• Replace in pairs left and right to keep the front axle balanced.
• Fit new strut mounts and bearings/top hats with the struts to avoid carry-over noises.
• Use quality units matched to OE valving from reputable brands.
• Get a four-wheel alignment straight after the job to protect the tyres and restore steering feel.
• Have a pro handle the coil springs — they’re under serious tension and not a backyard gamble.

Symptoms that suggest the Wish’s front struts are due include nose-diving under brakes, a pogo-stick rebound after speed bumps, steering kickback, and uneven or scalloped tyre wear. Any metallic knock over potholes can point to worn mounts or internal strut wear. If the vehicle feels fine but is clocking up the kilometres, preventative replacement before a big roadie can be a smart move, giving the cabin a calmer ride and the driver sharper control.

For owners keen on longevity, keeping the front end clean, torque-checking the key fasteners after initial bedding-in, and sticking to sensible loads helps the new struts last the distance.

Q: Does the 2013 Toyota Wish have rear struts as well?

No. Technical documentation for the ZGE20/ZGE25 Wish specifies a rear torsion-beam layout with separate coil springs and shock absorbers, not rear MacPherson struts. That means only the front uses struts, while the rear uses conventional dampers.

When planning suspension work, parts terminology matters: order front struts and top mounts for the front, and rear shocks and associated hardware for the back.

Q: How often should the front struts be replaced on a 2013 Wish?

There’s no hard expiry, but inspection every 20,000 km is sensible, with many vehicles benefiting from replacement around 80,000–140,000 km depending on road quality and load. Oil leaks, poor control, and uneven tyre wear are stronger cues than kilometres alone.

After fitting new struts, a wheel alignment is essential to protect tyres and restore crisp steering.

Q: What else should be changed when replacing the front struts?

It’s good practice to replace the strut mounts and bearings, bump stops and dust boots, and any corroded fasteners. These relatively low-cost parts prevent squeaks and knocks and help the new struts do their best work.

If the Wish has high kilometres, also check front sway-bar links and lower control arm bushings while the front end is apart.