Parts for your 2016 Ford Territory-Strut mounts

2016 Ford Territory: Are strut mounts used, and what should owners know?

Based on factory literature and well-regarded manuals, the 2016 Ford Territory (SZ MkII) does not use MacPherson struts and therefore does not use traditional strut mounts with steering bearings. Technical references include the Ford Territory SZ/SZ MkII Workshop Manual (Section 204-01 Front Suspension), Ford Australia service training material for Falcon/Territory platform suspension, and the Gregory’s Ford Territory 2004–2016 Service and Repair Manual. These sources detail a front double wishbone (short-long arm) setup with a coil-over shock absorber and a separate steering knuckle, and a rear independent Control Blade multi-link arrangement—neither of which relies on a MacPherson strut or a strut-top bearing.

What does that mean in plain terms? A “strut mount” is a part specific to MacPherson strut systems, combining a rubber mount and a bearing so the whole strut can rotate as the wheels steer. The Territory’s front end steers via ball joints and tie-rod ends instead, so there’s no need for a strut-top bearing. Up top, the shocks use a simpler upper mount/insulator and plate, not a steering strut mount. The rear is similar: separate shocks with rubber mounts, not struts.

Some parts catalogues may list “strut mounts” for the Territory as a generic label. In practice, that usually refers to the shock absorber upper mount/insulator. If buying parts, it’s best to confirm by VIN whether you need a front shock upper mount/insulator rather than a strut-top bearing.

When chasing front-end noises or vague handling on a 2016 Territory, the usual service items aren’t strut mounts. Focus on:

• Front shock absorber upper mounts/insulators and the shocks themselves
• Front upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Stabiliser (sway) bar links and bushes
• Rear shock mounts and control blade/multi-link bushes

Tell-tales that these parts need attention include clunks over speed bumps, feathered tyre wear, or a light knock on steering input. After any suspension work, a wheel alignment is smart practice to keep it tracking straight and to protect tyres. If a workshop recommends “strut mounts” on a Territory, ask if they mean the shock top mounts—different part, different job.

FAQs

Does a 2016 Ford Territory have strut mounts?
No. The Territory SZ MkII uses a double wishbone front suspension and a separate shock, not a MacPherson strut. There’s no strut-top bearing. Instead, it has a shock absorber upper mount/insulator.

What should be checked instead of strut mounts for front-end knocks?
Start with the front shock upper mounts/insulators and the shocks, then look at sway bar links/bushes and the upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints. These are the common wear points that cause clunks or vibration.

Are there rear strut mounts on the Territory?
No. The rear is an independent Control Blade multi-link setup with separate shock absorbers. It uses rubber shock mounts, not strut mounts. If there’s a rear rattle, inspect the rear shock mounts and link/bush components.