Parts for your 2016 Toyota Wish-Strut mounts

2016 Toyota Wish strut mounts: what they do and when to replace

Based on Toyota’s technical literature for the ZGE20/ZGE25 series (2009–2017) and standard MacPherson-strut front suspension design used on Corolla-derived platforms, the 2016 Toyota Wish is fitted with front strut mounts (often called the front suspension support and support bearing). The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue and workshop procedures describe an upper support and bearing above the front strut, while the rear uses a torsion-beam axle with separate shocks and springs, so there are no rear strut mounts on this model.

On the 2016 Toyota Wish, the front strut mount sits at the very top of the MacPherson strut assembly, bolted to the body under the bonnet. It cushions road harshness, carries vehicle weight through the spring seat, and houses a bearing that lets the strut rotate smoothly as the steering turns. When it’s healthy, steering feels light and direct, and the cabin stays quieter over bumps.

As the kilometres stack up, the mount’s rubber and internal bearing can wear. Typical tell-tales include a dull clunk over speed humps, a creak when turning the wheel at parking speeds, vague steering return-to-centre, and feathering on the front tyres. Because the mount functions as part of the steering axis, even small amounts of play can make the Wish feel unsettled on coarse-chip roads.

Good practice during servicing is to inspect the front strut tops any time the front shocks or springs are out, or every 40–60,000 km if the Wish sees rough roads. A tech should look for cracked rubber, torn dust seals, binding or notchiness in the support bearing, and signs of water ingress. If the struts are being replaced, it’s smart money to fit new mounts and bearings at the same time, in pairs, to keep ride height and steering feel even left-to-right.

When installing, align any arrows or “Out/FR” marks to the body as per the workshop manual, torque the fasteners with the suspension at normal ride height, and finish with a wheel alignment. Fresh mounts help protect new shocks, reduce NVH, and keep the Wish tracking straight, which also saves tyres over the long haul.

• Front: uses strut mounts with support bearings
• Rear: no strut mounts (separate shock and spring on torsion beam)

Technical basis: Toyota repair manual procedures for ZGE2# MacPherson front suspension, Toyota EPC front “suspension support” and “support bearing” listings, and mainstream shock/strut catalogues that specify front top mounts for the ZGE2# Wish.

Popular questions

How long do front strut mounts last on a 2016 Toyota Wish?

In typical Aussie and Kiwi conditions, front strut mounts often last 100,000–160,000 km, but life varies with road quality and load. If the front shocks are due, it’s sensible to renew the mounts and bearings at the same time to avoid double labour and keep steering silky.

What are the signs a Wish’s strut mount or bearing is worn?

Listen for clunks over potholes, creaks at low-speed steering, and watch for tramlining or a reluctant steering return-to-centre. Uneven front tyre wear and a slight ride-height change on one side can also point to a tired mount.

Does the rear of a 2016 Wish use strut mounts?

No. The rear is a torsion-beam setup with separate coil springs and shock absorbers, so there are shock top bushes but no rear strut mounts. Focus maintenance attention on the front mounts and rear shock bushes instead.