Parts for your 2015 Volkswagen Amarok-Strut mounts

2015 Volkswagen Amarok strut-mounts

Relevant and fitted: On the 2015 Volkswagen Amarok (2H), the front suspension uses an independent double wishbone layout with a coil-over spring and damper assembly commonly referred to in Volkswagen literature as a “spring strut.” This assembly is secured to the body via an upper mount (strut mount/top mount). Technical references that describe this include the Volkswagen Amarok (2H) Workshop Manual – Suspension, Wheels, Steering – Front Axle (spring strut removal/installation procedures) and VW Self-Study Programme materials for the Amarok’s chassis design. Unlike a MacPherson strut car, the Amarok’s steering rotation happens at the ball joints, so the mount is primarily a rubber insulator without a rotating bearing.

For owners, that means “strut-mounts” are absolutely relevant on the 2015 Amarok. The mount’s job is to locate the top of the spring/damper, isolate vibration, and keep road harshness out of the cabin. When the ute carries loads, tows, or sees plenty of corrugations, those mounts work hard. Over time the rubber can compress, crack, or separate, leading to knocks over sharp bumps, heavier thuds on driveway entries, or a slightly nose-high or nose-low stance on one side.

Good servicing practice is to check the front strut mounts whenever the front shocks or springs are inspected, and any time the front end is apart for work. Look for perished rubber, torn bonding, deformed top hats, or loose studs/nuts. If the front dampers are due, it’s smart money to replace the mounts at the same time to avoid doing the job twice.

• Typical symptoms of worn mounts: clunks on bumps, increased vibration through the dash, uneven tyre wear from poor damper control, and visible cracking at the mount.
• Replacement tips: replace mounts in axle pairs, mark spring orientation, and torque the hardware at normal ride height. A wheel alignment is recommended after any front suspension work.
• Service interval: there’s no fixed kilometre figure in VW schedules, inspection at each major service (or around every 20,000–30,000 km) keeps on top of wear. High-kilometre or heavily worked Amaroks often benefit from fresh mounts with new dampers between 80,000–150,000 km.

Because the Amarok’s mount doesn’t contain a steering bearing, any graunchy steering feel is more likely ball joints or tie-rod ends rather than the strut mount itself. Still, if there’s persistent front-end noise or the ute feels floaty, the mounts and shocks deserve a close look.

Popular questions about 2015 Volkswagen Amarok strut-mounts

Do Amarok strut-mounts have a bearing like a MacPherson setup?
Not on the 2015 Amarok. Its double wishbone front end means the steering pivots at the ball joints, so the top mount is primarily a rubber isolator without a rotating bearing. That’s why noise on steering lock is rarely the mount and more often a joint or bush elsewhere.

When should the strut-mounts be replaced?
There’s no fixed replacement interval. They should be inspected at major services and replaced when the rubber shows cracking, separation, or if there are knocks over bumps. Many owners replace mounts when fitting new front shocks, commonly somewhere between 80,000 and 150,000 km depending on use.

Is it okay to drive with a worn strut-mount?
It’ll usually still drive, but comfort and control suffer. Small knocks can turn into bigger issues if ignored. For safety and to protect tyres and other suspension parts, it’s best to sort a worn mount promptly and get an alignment afterwards.