Parts for your 2013 Volkswagen Amarok-Strut mounts

Strut Mounts on the 2013 Volkswagen Amarok: What You Need to Know

The 2013 Volkswagen Amarok is a rugged ute designed to handle tough jobs and rough terrain with ease. When it comes to its suspension setup, many people wonder if it uses strut mounts, like those commonly found on many passenger vehicles. After digging into the technical details and workshop manuals for the 2013 Amarok, it turns out this model does not actually use strut mounts in its front suspension.

Instead of a strut-type suspension that integrates the shock absorber and coil spring into one unit, the Amarok employs a more traditional double wishbone (or A-arm) front suspension setup with separate shock absorbers and coil springs. This design does not require strut mounts, which are typically needed on MacPherson strut suspensions to secure the strut assembly to the vehicle's chassis and isolate vibrations and noise.

So why does the Amarok go without strut mounts? It basically comes down to suspension design choices and the kind of rugged use the vehicle is intended for. Double wishbone suspensions are common on utilitarian 4x4 vehicles because they offer better articulation, strength and durability for off-road conditions. This setup keeps the shock absorber and spring physically separate and mounted to the chassis and control arms with conventional mounts and bushings, instead of a strut assembly that pivots on a single mount.

By using a double wishbone layout, Volkswagen achieved a suspension system that is robust, easy to service, and very capable on the kind of rough Aussie tracks and heavy loads the Amarok is often subjected to. It also means fewer specialised components like strut mounts, which are crucial on vehicles with MacPherson struts but not used here.

For those who own a 2013 Amarok, this means there are no strut mounts to worry about replacing or maintaining. Instead, the focus is on the condition of the shocks, coil springs, control arm bushings, ball joints, and other standard suspension components. These parts share many responsibilities often handled by the strut mount in other cars, such as absorbing vibrations and ensuring smooth steering articulation.

But if someone is unfamiliar with strut mounts and does own a vehicle that has them, it's worth understanding what they do. Strut mounts are key components found in vehicles equipped with MacPherson strut suspensions. They act as the connecting point between the strut assembly and the body of the car. Providing both a mounting location and a vibration dampening function, strut mounts help isolate road noise and harshness from making their way into the cabin. They also accommodate the steering movement because the struts often turn with the wheels.

Over time, strut mounts can wear out and cause a range of issues. Worn or damaged mounts may lead to clunking noises, rougher rides, uneven tire wear or even steering problems. Because they play a vital role in vehicle dynamics and comfort, replacing worn strut mounts promptly is highly recommended if a vehicle has them fitted.

Regular suspension checks should be part of any vehicle service schedule, particularly for those who drive on uneven surfaces or carry heavy loads. For vehicles with strut mounts, this means inspecting the condition of the mounts for cracks, separation or excessive play. It's often suggested to replace strut mounts along with new struts or shocks to ensure optimal performance and ride quality.

Even though the 2013 Volkswagen Amarok doesn't use strut mounts, owners should keep an eye on the condition of all front suspension components to keep the ute driving smoothly. From shock absorbers to control arm bushings, each part plays its role in maintaining ride quality, handling and safety.

In short, while the 2013 Amarok skips the strut mount and uses a solid double wishbone setup for the front suspension, knowing what strut mounts do on other vehicles highlights the thoughtful engineering choices behind the Amarok's design. For Amarok owners, routine suspension servicing focusing on shocks, springs and bushings will keep the vehicle performing well for miles to come.