Parts for your 2013 Volkswagen Amarok-Strut mounts

2013 Volkswagen Amarok strut mounts — are they used?

Short answer: a 2013 Volkswagen Amarok doesn’t use strut mounts. That’s because the Amarok’s front end isn’t a MacPherson strut setup, it runs a double wishbone front suspension with a coil-over shock absorber and separate steering knuckle, and leaf springs with separate dampers at the rear. Technical references that outline this include Volkswagen’s Self‑Study Programme 512 covering the Amarok chassis, and the Amarok Workshop Manual (ElsaWin) sections on Front Suspension, both of which describe a double wishbone front with coil-over dampers rather than a load‑bearing strut assembly.

On a MacPherson strut car, the “strut mount” (or top mount) is a key structural and steering component that sits at the top of the strut tower. The Amarok’s design doesn’t need that. Instead, the front coil-over shock uses an upper shock mount/bush and hardware that isolates noise and vibration, while the upper and lower control arms and ball joints manage wheel location and alignment. So if someone’s searching for “strut mounts” for this ute, what they really want are front shock absorber upper mounts/bushes or associated hardware, not a traditional strut top mount.

What to service on a 2013 Amarok instead of strut mounts:

• Front shock absorber upper mounts/bushes and washers (inspect for perishing, cracking or knocking)
• Upper and lower control arm bushes, and upper/lower ball joints
• Front sway bar (stabiliser) links and bushes
• Rear shock absorber bushes and mounts (leaf-sprung rear end)
• Wheel alignment after any suspension work

Common symptoms that point to tired mounts or bushes include clunks over corrugations, vague steering feel, cupped tyre wear, or front-end vibration. For touring or tradie use on Aussie and Kiwi roads, it’s smart to check these items every 20–40,000 km or at each major service, especially if the vehicle sees gravel or carries loads. If the Amarok has been lifted, be aware some kits use top spacers on the coil-over assembly, they’re sometimes called “strut spacers” in marketing, but they’re not a strut top mount. Ensure spacer hardware and shock mounts are torqued correctly with the vehicle at ride height to avoid preloading bushes.

• Does a 2013 Amarok have strut mounts?
  No. The Amarok uses a double wishbone front suspension with a coil-over shock, so there’s no MacPherson strut or strut top mount. It has upper shock mounts/bushes and control arm bushes instead.
• What should be replaced instead of strut mounts on an Amarok?
  Look at the front shock absorber upper mounts/bushes, control arm bushes, ball joints, and sway bar links/bushes. At the rear, check the shock mounts and leaf spring hardware. Replace anything that’s cracked, perished or loose, and realign afterwards.
• Why do some listings show “strut mounts” for Amarok?
  It’s usually generic catalogue wording or refers to spacer kits for the coil-over. The Amarok’s front unit isn’t a structural strut, so traditional strut top mounts don’t apply. Always match parts to VIN and suspension type.