Parts for your 2016 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Strut mounts

2016 Toyota Vitz/Yaris strut-mounts — what they do and when to replace them

Yes, strut-mounts are fitted to the 2016 Toyota Vitz/Yaris at the front. Technical sources including Toyota’s Repair Manual and New Car Features for the P13-series (NCP130/NSP130) specify a MacPherson strut front suspension with an upper support and bearing (commonly called the strut-mount). Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for these models lists a “Support sub-assembly, front suspension” and a separate thrust bearing as service parts. The rear of this vehicle uses a torsion-beam axle with separate coil springs and shock absorbers, so there are no rear strut-mounts on this model.

On the front end, the strut-mounts do a few big jobs. They isolate noise and vibration from the cabin, provide a pivot point with a bearing so the strut can turn smoothly with the steering, and keep the strut centred so alignment and tyre wear stay in check. When they’re tired, drivers often notice clunks over bumps, a rubbery creak on slow turns, or a steering wheel that doesn’t return to centre as it should.

As part of regular servicing on a 2016 Vitz/Yaris, it’s worth having the strut-mounts assessed around major suspension intervals or whenever front shocks/struts are replaced. Many workshops in Australia and New Zealand treat mounts and bearings as consumables alongside new struts due to our coarse-chip roads and speed humps accelerating wear.

• Best practice is to replace strut-mounts in pairs when fitting new front struts.
• Always include the thrust bearings, noisy or notchy bearings cause heavy or “sticky” steering.
• Request a post-repair wheel alignment to protect tyres and restore crisp steering.
• Listen for top-mount knocks over driveway entries and inspect for perished rubber or collapsed mount height.

A proper job needs a spring compressor and care with orientation marks, so it’s typically a workshop task. Genuine or high-quality aftermarket mounts are recommended, cheap units can introduce new noises or fail early. If the car does mostly urban commuting with the odd road trip, expect mounts to last a long while, but once past the 100,000–150,000 km mark it’s sensible to check them during any front-end work.

Done right, fresh strut-mounts make the Yaris/Vitz feel tighter, quieter, and more confident, especially over patchy suburban tarmac and corrugations.

• Does the 2016 Toyota Vitz/Yaris have strut-mounts front and rear?
  It has strut-mounts on the front MacPherson struts only. The rear is a torsion-beam with separate shocks and does not use strut-mounts.
• What are common signs the strut-mounts need replacing?
  Clunks over bumps, creaks when turning at parking speeds, steering that doesn’t self-centre, or uneven front tyre wear can all point to worn mounts or thrust bearings.
• Do I need a wheel alignment after changing strut-mounts?
  Yes, an alignment is recommended after any strut or mount work to keep steering straight and protect tyre life.