Parts for your 2016 Subaru Xv-Strut mounts

2016 Subaru XV strut mounts

Strut mounts are absolutely relevant on the 2016 Subaru XV. Technical references including the Subaru Service Manual for the GP/GP7 Impreza/XV platform (front suspension section), the Subaru FAST parts catalogue (front “strut top insulator/bearing” listing), and common workshop guides such as Haynes confirm the XV runs a MacPherson strut front end with a dedicated upper strut mount and bearing. The rear is a separate shock-and-spring, double-wishbone layout, so “strut mounts” apply to the front only.

On the front of a 2016 XV, the strut mount does two big jobs: it anchors the strut to the body while isolating noise and vibration, and it houses a bearing that lets the strut turn smoothly with the steering. Good mounts keep the steering light and precise, damp out road harshness, and help the tyres maintain a consistent contact patch. When they’re tired, drivers may notice clunks over bumps, a notchy feel when turning the wheel, vague on-centre behaviour, or feathered tyre wear.

For servicing, a quick visual and tactile check of the mounts at each service interval is smart. Look for perished or cracked rubber, torn dust boots, or signs of the centre stud “walking” in the tower. Spin the strut while the spring is compressed and listen for grittiness or binding in the bearing. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, many mounts last well past 100,000 km, but vehicles that see corrugations, heavy loads or roof gear can wear them sooner.

• Replace mounts in axle pairs when fitting new front struts or if there’s noise, binding, or visible damage.
• Always perform a wheel alignment after replacement, camber and toe can shift as the new mount sits higher and tighter.
• Use new self-locking nuts and follow the Subaru torque specs from the service manual, avoid rattle-gunning the top nut.
• While you’re in there, inspect the spring seats, bump stops and dust boots, and replace any tired bits to keep the new mounts happy.

Owners running lift kits or added front mass (bars, winches) should consider quality OE-equivalent or heavy-duty mounts to handle the extra load. Kept in good nick, fresh strut mounts make the XV feel tight, quiet and predictable on everything from city streets to gravel backroads.

Popular questions

Do all four corners of a 2016 Subaru XV use strut mounts?
No. The front suspension is MacPherson strut and uses strut mounts with integrated bearings. The rear is a double-wishbone setup with separate shocks and springs, so it uses upper shock mounts rather than strut mounts.

What are the tell-tale signs my XV’s front strut mounts are worn?
Common signs include clunks or creaks over bumps, a notchy or spring-back feel when turning the wheel, steering that won’t self-centre cleanly, and uneven or feathered tyre wear. You might also hear a rotational groan at low-speed parking manoeuvres if the top bearing is dry.

Should I replace strut mounts when changing front struts?
It’s strongly recommended. The labour overlaps, and fresh mounts protect the new struts, restore steering smoothness, and help the alignment hold. Follow Subaru’s torque specs and get a wheel alignment straight after the job.