Parts for your 2016 Toyota Rav4-Strut mounts

2016 Toyota RAV4 strut mounts — what they do, when to replace, and how to keep them quiet

Yes, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 uses strut mounts at the front. Technical sources back this up: Toyota’s Repair Manual and New Car Features publications for the fourth‑gen RAV4 (XA40, incl. 2013–2018) describe a MacPherson strut front suspension that uses an upper support (strut mount) with an integrated bearing to allow the strut to rotate as you steer. Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue lists a front “suspension support sub‑assembly” and separate bearing, and major aftermarket catalogues (e.g., KYB, Monroe) list front strut mount kits for this model. The rear of the 2016 RAV4 uses a multi‑link/double‑wishbone layout with a separate shock and spring, so there’s no rear strut mount there—just conventional shock mounts.

On the front of a 2016 RAV4, the strut mounts sit at the top of the MacPherson strut, isolating road noise and vibration while carrying the vehicle’s corner weight. The bearing in the mount lets the strut turn smoothly with the steering. When they’re healthy, steering feels light and consistent, road rumble is kept in check, and tyre wear stays even.

Over time, rubber and bearings cop a hiding from Aussie and Kiwi roads, UV, and kilometres. Tell‑tales of tired mounts include clunks over bumps, notchy or “memory” steer near centre, a spring twang when turning, vague front‑end feel, and feathered or uneven front tyre wear.

Servicing tips for a 2016 RAV4:

• Inspect strut mounts any time the front struts are out, or every 40,000–60,000 km during steering/suspension checks.
• Replace mounts whenever you replace front struts. It’s cost‑effective and avoids pulling it apart twice.
• Use quality mounts with the correct integrated bearing, mixing old bearings with new mounts is a false economy.
• Tighten the centre nut and top nuts to Toyota’s specified torque and orientation in the repair manual, don’t rattle‑gun the bearing to death.
• Get a wheel alignment afterwards. New mounts can subtly change ride height and caster/camber.
• If you hear a creak after fitting, double‑check the spring is correctly seated and the bearing cap isn’t bound.

Driving a 2016 RAV4 with shot strut mounts won’t just be annoying—it can scrub tyres and stress other steering bits. Fresh mounts make the steering feel crisp again and keep the daily drive nice and quiet.

Popular questions about 2016 Toyota RAV4 strut mounts

Do 2016 RAV4s have rear strut mounts?

No. The rear uses a multi‑link/double‑wishbone setup with a separate shock and spring, so there’s no rear strut mount—just conventional upper and lower shock mounts. Only the front suspension uses strut mounts with bearings.

How long do front strut mounts last on a 2016 RAV4?

There’s no fixed interval. Many last well past 100,000 km, but climate, road conditions, and load make a difference. Inspect them every 40,000–60,000 km, and plan to replace them when changing front struts or if you notice noise, binding, or uneven tyre wear.

Can worn strut mounts cause steering issues?

Absolutely. A failing mount or bearing can cause notchy steering, a spring “boing” when turning, clunks over bumps, and vague on‑centre feel. Left unchecked, it can accelerate tyre wear and make the RAV4 wander on the motorway.