Parts for your 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Struts

2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Front Struts: What They Do and When to Replace Them

Yes, the 2017-build Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross uses front MacPherson struts. This is confirmed in technical references such as the Mitsubishi Motors global press material released with the 2017 launch (noting a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear), the Eclipse Cross service manual (Front Suspension section), and AU/NZ market technical databases like Autodata/HaynesPro. The rear suspension uses separate shocks with a multi-link layout, so “struts” are relevant to the front end only.

On the Eclipse Cross, the front struts do double duty: they damp bumps and control body movement like a shock absorber, and they also support the vehicle’s weight while locating the wheel hub in the right place for steering geometry. That’s why healthy struts are key to confident turn-in, tidy braking, and stable ride comfort. When struts fade, the SUV can feel floaty over undulations, dive more under brakes, and wander on coarse-chip roads common across Australia and New Zealand.

Owners should have the front struts, top mounts, and dust boots checked at regular services, or at least every 20,000 km. Replacement intervals vary with use, but many see best results changing them somewhere between 80,000 and 120,000 km, sooner if the vehicle works hard on rough rural roads, carries loads, or tows regularly. Always replace struts in pairs to keep the front end balanced.

• Tell-tale signs it’s time: knocking over bumps, oily residue on the strut body, increased nose-dive, longer stopping distances, steering that feels notchy when turning (often the top bearing), and uneven or feathered tyre wear.

When fitting new struts, it’s smart to renew the strut mounts/bearings, bump stops and boots at the same time. Because the front strut bolts help set camber, a proper wheel alignment is essential after replacement. The coil spring is under high tension, so safe removal needs the right compressor and procedures from the service manual—this is not a job to wing.

Choice-wise, quality OEM or reputable aftermarket struts tuned for AU/NZ roads will keep ride and handling consistent. After installation, the vehicle should be road-tested over speed humps and coarse surfaces to confirm quiet operation and good control. Keeping tyre pressures correct and avoiding hard kerb hits will help the new struts last the distance.

Popular questions about 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross struts

Does the 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross have struts or shocks?

It has MacPherson struts at the front and conventional shock absorbers in a multi-link arrangement at the rear. So if someone’s talking about “front shocks” on this model, they’re really referring to the front strut assemblies.

How often should front struts be replaced?

There’s no fixed expiry, but inspection at every service is wise. Many drivers find replacement between 80,000 and 120,000 km keeps handling sharp, with earlier changes if the car sees rough roads or heavy loads.

Do I need a wheel alignment after changing the front struts?

Yes. The strut-to-knuckle connection influences camber, and disturbing it can shift alignment. A proper post-fit alignment restores steering feel, straight-line stability, and even tyre wear.