Parts for your 2015 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Strut mounts

2015 Toyota Vitz/Yaris Strut Mounts — What They Do and When to Replace

Yes, the 2015 Toyota Vitz/Yaris uses front strut mounts. Technical sources note the front suspension is a MacPherson strut design with a “front suspension support sub‑assembly” and integrated support bearing (Toyota Repair Manual for NCP/NSP/KSP130 series, Front Suspension – Front Shock Absorber with Coil Spring). Toyota New Car Features for the P13 platform also lists MacPherson struts up front and a torsion‑beam rear with separate shock absorbers, meaning no rear strut mounts—just shock top bushes. OEM parts catalogues list the front “support sub‑assy” and “support bearing” specifically for this model year.

On the Vitz/Yaris, the front strut mounts do two jobs: they secure the top of the strut to the body, and they isolate road noise and vibration with a rubber insulator. Built into the mount is a bearing that lets the strut rotate smoothly as the wheels steer. When that rubber perishes or the bearing gets rough, the driver notices clunks over bumps, groans when turning, or a heavier, notchy steering feel. Left too long, those issues can affect tyre wear and steering precision.

Servicing-wise, it’s smart to check the mounts whenever front shocks/struts are inspected or replaced. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions—heat, corrugations, speed humps—many workshops recommend replacing the mounts with the struts somewhere around 80,000–120,000 km, or earlier if there are symptoms. Inspect during regular services for cracked rubber, rust around the tower, and any play at the top of the strut.

Replacing a strut mount is a straight-up workshop job that needs a spring compressor. The strut comes out as a unit, the spring is compressed, then the old mount and bearing are swapped for new. Plan on 1–2 hours per side depending on equipment and corrosion. A wheel alignment should be done afterwards, as the strut position influences camber and toe.

They’ll generally advise using OE or high-quality aftermarket mounts and bearings, cheap units can introduce noise or fail early. It’s also good practice to do both sides together to keep steering feel consistent. If the car has developed a knock at low speeds, a twang when turning the wheel at parking speeds, or the top nut seems to shift under load, the mounts deserve attention.

• Typical signs: clunking over bumps, steering groan/notchiness, tyre feathering, visible cracks in the rubber.
• After replacement: perform a wheel alignment and recheck fastener torque after a short run-in.

Technical basis used: Toyota Repair Manual (Front Suspension – MacPherson strut with support/bearing for NCP/NSP/KSP130), Toyota New Car Features (P13 platform), and OEM parts catalog terminology for “Front Suspension Support Sub‑Assembly” and “Support Bearing”.

Popular questions

Does the 2015 Vitz/Yaris have rear strut mounts?
No. The rear is a torsion-beam with separate shock absorbers. That means it uses upper and lower shock bushes rather than true strut mounts with bearings. If there’s rear noise, the usual culprits are worn shock bushes or tired shocks, not strut mounts.

How long do front strut mounts last on a 2015 Vitz/Yaris?
Many last well past 100,000 km, but Aussie/NZ roads, heat, and load can shorten that. If the car develops clunks, steering noises, or uneven tyre wear, have them checked. Replacing mounts when fitting new struts is cost‑effective and helps keep the steering silky.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing strut mounts?
Yes. Any time the front strut assembly is removed, alignment can shift. A proper four‑wheel alignment restores straight-line tracking, steering feel, and tyre life.