Parts for your 2013 Volkswagen Amarok-Struts

Are struts used on the 2013 Volkswagen Amarok?

Short answer: no, the 2013 Volkswagen Amarok doesn’t use MacPherson struts. Across factory and aftermarket technical references, the Amarok is specified with independent double wishbone suspension up front using coil-over telescopic shock absorbers, and a solid rear axle with multi-leaf springs and separate telescopic dampers. That layout means there are no structural “struts” at either end of the ute.

This is backed by Volkswagen’s factory workshop information (ELSA/ErWin) and Self‑Study Program material for the Amarok platform, which describe double wishbones with a stabiliser bar and serviceable shock absorbers at the front, plus leaf springs with separate dampers at the rear. Parts catalogues such as ETKA list front shock absorbers and springs as distinct items rather than a MacPherson strut assembly. Independent data sources like Autodata/HaynesPro and major damper manufacturers’ catalogues (e.g., Monroe, KYB) also catalogue the Amarok by shocks, not struts.

Why struts aren’t used on this model comes down to what the Amarok is built to do. A MacPherson strut doubles as a suspension member and is common on lighter passenger cars. The Amarok, however, is engineered for payload, towing and off‑road use. The double wishbone front end gives better control of camber through the travel range and copes well with higher ride heights and longer suspension strokes. At the rear, leaf springs carry heavy loads efficiently, with separate dampers making servicing straightforward and robust for rough roads and corrugations across Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

If someone’s told the owner their Amarok “needs front struts,” they almost certainly mean the front shock absorbers (dampers) or the coil‑over assemblies. For servicing, the sensible approach on these utes is:

• Inspect shocks for oil seepage, dented bodies, perished bushes, and reduced rebound control.
• Replace in axle pairs and consider new top mounts, boots and bump stops at the same time.
• Get a wheel alignment after front shock or control arm work.
• Watch for tell‑tales like nose‑dive under braking, choppy ride on corrugations, uneven tyre wear, or a “floaty” feel when towing.

Bottom line: the Amarok doesn’t run struts, but keeping its shocks, control arm bushes and leaf‑spring hardware in good nick will keep the ute riding tight and tracking straight for many more kilometres.

• Do 2013 Amaroks have front struts? No. They use double wishbones with coil‑over shock absorbers, not MacPherson struts.
• If a workshop says “replace the struts”, what parts are they talking about? They’re referring to the front shock absorbers (dampers) and related hardware like top mounts and dust boots.
• How can you tell if the Amarok’s shocks need replacing? Look for oil leakage, clunks over bumps, poor control on corrugations, nose‑dive under brakes, or uneven tyre wear. A bounce test can also reveal tired dampers.