Parts for your 2016 Toyota Rav4-Strut mounts

2016 Toyota RAV4 Strut Mounts

According to Toyota’s own technical publications for the XA40-series RAV4 (2013–2018) — including the Toyota Repair Manual and New Car Features guide — the 2016 RAV4 uses a MacPherson strut front suspension, which incorporates strut mounts (also called strut top mounts/top hats with an integrated bearing). The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue also lists a dedicated front strut mount assembly for this model. The rear suspension uses a separate coil spring and shock absorber, so there are no rear strut mounts on this vehicle.

On the 2016 RAV4, front strut mounts do two vital jobs. First, they secure the top of the strut to the body and help keep wheel alignment geometry steady under braking, cornering and over rough roads. Second, the mount’s rubber isolator and bearing tame vibration and allow the strut to rotate smoothly when steering, which keeps the wheel response light and precise while reducing noise and harshness in the cabin.

Because they cop plenty of load and road grime, the rubber and bearing wear over time. Telltale signs include clunks over bumps, a groan or notchiness when turning the steering, vague steering feel, or cupped/uneven tyre wear that alignment alone doesn’t fix. It’s good practice to have the mounts inspected at regular services — many workshops check them every 40,000–60,000 km — and to replace them whenever front struts are changed, as a pair, using new hardware.

• Inspection tips: look for perished/cracked rubber, excessive play, rust bleed, or binding when the strut is turned.
• Replacement notes: always use a quality spring compressor, fit new self-locking nuts, and torque fasteners with the vehicle at normal ride height.
• After-service: a wheel alignment is recommended, as the strut-to-knuckle interface influences camber and can nudge toe.

Driving on Canterbury chipseal, corrugations outback, or just daily city commutes, keeping the RAV4’s front strut mounts healthy helps preserve ride comfort, steering feel and tyre life. They’re a small part with a big say in how the vehicle behaves.

Popular questions about 2016 Toyota RAV4 strut mounts

Does the 2016 RAV4 have rear strut mounts?
No. The rear uses a separate shock and spring arrangement, so there are shock mounts but not strut mounts. Only the front suspension uses strut mounts with an integrated bearing.

How often should front strut mounts be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval. Have them inspected every 40,000–60,000 km. Many owners replace mounts when doing front struts, often somewhere around 100,000–150,000 km depending on roads and load.

Is a wheel alignment needed after strut mount replacement?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Disturbing the strut assembly can alter camber and toe. Even if marks are made during disassembly, an alignment ensures straight tracking and even tyre wear.