Parts for your 2016 Volkswagen Amarok-Strut mounts

2016 Volkswagen Amarok strut mounts — are they used?

Short answer: no. The 2016 Volkswagen Amarok doesn’t use strut mounts in the MacPherson sense. Volkswagen’s own technical literature specifies a double-wishbone front suspension with a coilover shock absorber, not a MacPherson strut. In this layout, the shock and spring don’t carry steering loads and don’t rotate with the hub, so there’s no need for a rotating strut top bearing/mount.

Technical sources back this up. Volkswagen Self‑Study Programme 457 “The Amarok” (Chassis) explains the front end is an independent, double-wishbone design with the steering pivot at the upper and lower ball joints, not through a strut. Likewise, the Volkswagen Repair Manual (ElsaWin) for Amarok (2011→) shows a coilover damper with an upper rubber mounting/insulator only—there’s no strut top bearing assembly because the damper isn’t a structural strut and doesn’t rotate. Many OE and aftermarket fitment catalogues in AU/NZ also list front shock absorbers for Amarok without a separate “strut-mount kit,” further indicating there’s no conventional strut mount on this ute.

What does the Amarok have instead? A simple upper shock absorber mount (a bonded rubber isolator and hardware) that locates the coilover to the body and isolates noise and vibration. If there’s a knock over sharp bumps, it’s more likely a tired upper shock bush, sway bar link, or a control arm bush, not a failed strut mount with a bearing.

For servicing, owners and workshops should focus on what actually wears in this setup:

• Upper shock absorber mounting bush/insulator and hardware
• Front lower and upper control arm bushes and ball joints
• Sway bar links and bushes
• Front shocks and springs (coilover assemblies)

If the upper shock mount bush is perished or cracked, replace it with the shock out of the vehicle and torque the hardware with the suspension at ride height to avoid preloading the bush. No strut-top bearing alignment or clocking is required because the damper doesn’t steer. After any front-end work, a wheel alignment is still a good shout to keep tyre wear even and the Amarok tracking straight.

Popular questions about 2016 Volkswagen Amarok strut mounts

Does my 2016 Amarok actually have strut mounts?

No. The Amarok uses a double‑wishbone front end with a coilover shock, so there’s no MacPherson-style strut or rotating top mount. The top of the shock uses a rubber isolator/mount, which isn’t a steering bearing. This design is documented in Volkswagen SSP 457 and the Amarok Repair Manual (ElsaWin).

What should I replace if I’m chasing a “strut mount” noise?

Look at the upper shock absorber mount (rubber isolator), sway bar links/bushes, and control arm bushes/ball joints. Clunks over bumps often trace back to a worn link or bush. Creaks when turning at low speed are more likely from ball joints or bushes than the shock top, as the shock doesn’t rotate with steering.

Do I need a strut mount kit when changing front shocks?

Generally, no strut-mount bearing kit is required on an Amarok. Reuse serviceable hardware or fit a new upper shock mount/insulator and associated washers/nuts as needed. Always tighten with the suspension at normal ride height and get a wheel alignment after the job.