Parts for your 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer-Struts

2017 Mitsubishi Lancer struts — what they do and when to replace them

Technical sources confirm the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer uses MacPherson struts on the front axle and separate shock absorbers on the rear. The Mitsubishi Motors 2017 Lancer Service Manual (Chassis/Suspension) specifies a front MacPherson strut layout and a rear multi-link setup with shocks and coil springs. Major catalogues from Monroe and KYB also list complete front strut assemblies for this model year, reinforcing that struts are fitted at the front and are relevant for servicing.

On this Lancer, the front struts do double duty: they support the vehicle’s weight and act as the main damping component to control bounce, brake dive, and steering stability. Because MacPherson struts are a structural part of the suspension, they directly influence alignment, tyre wear, and how confidently the car points into a corner or pulls up under brakes. When they’re tired, the car can feel floaty, crashy over bumps, or vague at the wheel.

For owners planning routine servicing, front struts are worth a closer look from around 80,000–100,000 km, sooner if the car lives on rough roads. There’s no fixed replacement interval, but signs it’s time include oil seepage on the strut body, clunks over sharp bumps, nose-diving under brakes, tramlining, uneven or scalloped tyre wear, and excessive bounce after a speed hump. A quick road test and a visual inspection on a hoist will usually tell the story.

When replacement is due, doing both fronts together keeps the Lancer balanced side-to-side. It’s smart to replace related wear items at the same time: top mounts/bearings, bump stops and dust boots, and check sway bar links. A wheel alignment is essential afterwards, as strut changes can affect camber and toe. Quality OEM-equivalent components and correct torque at ride height help the new gear last and keep steering feel crisp.

Regular checks slot nicely into scheduled services: look for leaks, torn boots, and play in mounts, note any unusual tyre wear patterns, and listen for knocks on test drives. Keeping front struts healthy pays back in shorter stopping distances, better grip in the wet, and a calmer, more planted Lancer on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

• Inspect front struts every service from ~80,000 km.
• Replace in pairs, align wheels afterwards.
• Renew mounts, boots, and bump stops with the struts.

Popular questions about 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer struts

Does the 2017 Lancer have rear struts?
No. The rear is a multi-link arrangement with separate shock absorbers and coil springs. Only the front axle uses MacPherson struts, so rear ride issues are typically down to shocks, bushings, or alignment rather than rear struts.

How often should the front struts be replaced?
There’s no set interval, but many Lancers will need front struts somewhere between 100,000 and 160,000 km depending on road conditions and load. Inspect from 80,000 km and replace if they’re leaking, noisy, causing uneven tyre wear, or failing a bounce/handling check.

Do struts require a wheel alignment after replacement?
Yes. Because the strut forms part of the steering geometry, changing it can shift camber and toe. A proper alignment after installation protects tyres, restores straight-line tracking, and ensures the Lancer steers and brakes as it should.