Parts for your 2014 Volkswagen Amarok-Strut mounts

2014 Volkswagen Amarok strut-mounts — are they fitted?

Short answer: no, the 2014 Volkswagen Amarok doesn’t use MacPherson-style strut mounts. Technical documentation for the Amarok’s front end points to a double-wishbone suspension with a coil-over shock absorber, not a MacPherson strut. The Volkswagen factory workshop manual (ElsaWin) for the 2H Amarok outlines the double-wishbone layout with upper and lower control arms, the steering pivot happens at the ball joints, not through a rotating strut top. The VW ETKA parts catalogue likewise shows an upper shock absorber mounting bush rather than a strut top bearing assembly. Major damper suppliers’ catalogues (e.g., Bilstein, KYB) list front shocks and upper mounting bushes for Amarok, but not a strut-mount bearing.

Why that matters: in a MacPherson setup, the “strut mount” is a load-carrying top mount with an integrated bearing that lets the whole strut rotate for steering. The Amarok’s double-wishbone front end separates those jobs. The shock and spring manage vertical damping and springing, while the knuckle rotates on the ball joints for steering. Because the shock doesn’t rotate, there’s no need for a strut top bearing. Instead, the top of the shock is secured by a robust rubber/metal mount or bush that isolates noise and vibration without acting as a steering pivot.

So, if someone’s searching for “Amarok strut-mounts,” what they usually need is the front shock absorber upper mount/bush, or they’re chasing front-end issues elsewhere. Typical wear items up front on a 2014 Amarok include upper and lower control arm bushes, ball joints, sway bar links and the shock upper mounting bush itself.

• Common symptoms: front-end clunks over corrugations, knocked-out wheel alignment, vague steering, or tyre feathering.
• Service tips: when replacing front shocks, inspect and replace the upper mounting bush if cracked, perished or ovalled. Use new self-locking nuts where specified, torque to spec, and get a wheel alignment after any suspension work.
• DIY caution: the front spring is under serious preload. Use a quality spring compressor or leave coil-over assembly work to a pro.

Bottom line: the 2014 Amarok doesn’t run strut-mounts in the MacPherson sense. It uses a shock upper mount/bush. If there’s a front-end noise or harshness, check that mount along with control arm bushes and ball joints before ordering any “strut-mount” kits.

FAQs

Does a 2014 Amarok have strut-mounts?
No. The Amarok uses double-wishbone front suspension with a coil-over shock. There’s an upper shock mounting bush, not a MacPherson-style strut top bearing. Steering loads are handled by the upper and lower ball joints.

What should be replaced when changing front shocks on an Amarok?
Inspect and often replace the upper shock mount/bush, bump stops and dust boots. Check sway bar links, control arm bushes and ball joints at the same time. Always use new self-locking hardware where specified and book an alignment after refitting.

What causes front-end clunks if it’s not the strut-mount?
On Amarok, clunks commonly stem from worn control arm bushes, sway bar links, or a tired upper shock mount/bush. A loose top nut on the shock or a failing ball joint can also knock. A proper inspection on a hoist will pinpoint the culprit.