Parts for your 2014 Toyota Hilux-Struts

Understanding Struts on the 2014 Toyota Hilux: What You Need to Know

The 2014 Toyota Hilux is a rugged and reliable ute well-known for its toughness and off-road capability. When it comes to its suspension setup, some might wonder if struts are part of the equation. It's important to note that the 2014 Hilux does not use struts in its suspension system. Instead, it relies on a more traditional setup designed to cope with demanding conditions.

So why are struts not used on the 2014 Toyota Hilux? Well, the answer lies in the type of suspension design the Hilux has. The front suspension in the 2014 Hilux uses a double wishbone setup paired with coil springs and separate shock absorbers. At the rear, there is a solid live axle with leaf springs and shocks. Struts usually combine a shock absorber and a coil spring into a single unit and are common in passenger cars with independent suspension systems. However, the Hilux's tough, off-road capable suspension design favours separate shocks and springs, which are better suited to carrying heavy loads and handling rough terrains.

With that cleared up, if you are after a rugged workhorse like the 2014 Hilux, you won't find struts to maintain or replace, but shock absorbers will be your go-to parts for servicing the suspension. Having said that, many people mix up struts and shocks, so let's look at what struts do in vehicles that have them, why they matter, and why some vehicles like the Hilux go a different route.

Struts serve a couple of key roles in a vehicle's suspension system. They provide structural support to the suspension and help absorb road shocks, improving ride comfort and vehicle stability. In many modern cars, struts act not only as shock absorbers but also as mounting points for the coil springs, which bear the vehicle's weight. This integration makes struts compact and lightweight, which helps maximise interior space and supports agile handling. Struts are commonly seen in passenger cars that prioritise ride comfort and handling, especially those with front-wheel drive and independent front suspension setups.

For a vehicle like the 2014 Toyota Hilux, which is designed with work and off-road performance in mind, the priorities are different. The double wishbone front suspension used with separate coil springs and shock absorbers provides greater durability and load handling. The rear's leaf spring and live axle arrangement is especially good at carrying heavy loads, towing, and tackling rough terrain. This setup tends to be simpler, stronger, and easier to service in tough conditions.

When it comes to struts replacement or maintenance on a vehicle that does have struts, several things need to be kept in mind. Firstly, struts are an important safety component. Worn or damaged struts can seriously affect the vehicle's handling, making the ride bumpy and unstable. This can increase braking distances and reduce steering precision, which is not ideal when driving on busy roads or tricky off-road tracks.

Servicing struts generally involves checking for leaks, damage, or unusual wear. Uneven tyre wear can be a sign that struts are worn out or that alignment is off. Strange noises like clunking or rattling over bumps may also hint that a strut is failing. It is recommended to inspect struts at each major service or sooner if you suspect an issue.

In vehicles with struts, replacing them is not a quick job. Since they are built into the suspension assembly, replacement often means removing the entire strut and compressing the coil spring safely. This usually requires specialised tools and knowledge, so it is best left to professional mechanics. Doing it yourself without the right equipment can be dangerous and cause injury.

For 2014 Toyota Hilux owners, although they do not have struts, they should still keep an eye on their shock absorbers. Similar to struts, shocks absorb bumps and help keep the vehicle's wheels in contact with the road. Properly functioning shocks mean better ride quality and safer handling, especially when the ute is loaded or driving on uneven surfaces.

Shock absorbers on the Hilux should be inspected regularly. Look for oil leaks around the shocks, dents, or corrosion. If the vehicle feels too bouncy, or if it nose dives under braking or sways during cornering, these are good indicators that shocks may need replacing. Good shocks protect the rest of the suspension components as well, which can save money down the line.

Ultimately, though the 2014 Toyota Hilux does not use struts in its suspension system, understanding what struts do on other vehicles offers some appreciation for why the Hilux uses its proven setup. It is a practical design choice aimed at maximum durability and load carrying, not necessarily sporty handling or compactness. Keeping your Hilux's shocks in good nick is essential to maintaining that legendary performance and reliability across all conditions.