Parts for your 2017 Toyota Crown-Struts

2017 Toyota Crown: Struts or not?

For the 2017 Toyota Crown (S210 series), traditional MacPherson struts aren’t used. Technical sources including the Toyota Crown S210 Repair Manual (Suspension section), the Toyota New Car Features (NCF) manual for the S210 platform, and Toyota’s product specifications for the S210 Crown confirm a front double wishbone suspension and a rear multi-link layout. In both ends, the dampers (shock absorbers) are not structural members of the suspension geometry, so they’re not “struts” in the MacPherson sense. This applies across Royal, Athlete and related trims, with or without Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS).

Why no struts on a Crown? Toyota positioned the Crown as a premium sedan, prioritising ride quality, quietness and precise handling. A double wishbone front end gives engineers tighter control over camber and caster through the suspension’s travel, which helps tyre contact in corners and keeps steering feel consistent over Aussie and Kiwi backroads. The multi-link rear complements that by isolating bumps, improving stability under braking and allowing better tuning of compliance and noise, vibration and harshness.

• Improved camber control vs. a MacPherson strut for sharper turn-in and even tyre wear
• Lower bonnet line potential without tall strut towers intruding into the engine bay
• Refined NVH and ride comfort suited to long kilometres on mixed surfaces

What should owners service instead of “struts”? The Crown uses dampers and springs integrated within its double wishbone/multi-link arms. Over time—typically 80,000 to 160,000 kilometres depending on roads—dampers can soften or leak and rubber components can age. Telltales include extra bounce after speed humps, nose dive, rear squat, clunks over bumps and uneven tyre wear.

• Front and rear shock absorbers (replace in axle pairs)
• Upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Stabiliser (sway bar) links and bushes
• Top mounts/insulators for the dampers
• AVS components where fitted (sensors, wiring and damper actuators)

When replacing dampers, use quality parts matched to the S210 Crown, torque suspension arms at normal ride height, and finish with a proper four-wheel alignment to factory specs. Some catalogues loosely label damper assemblies as “struts”, but on this model they’re shock absorbers within double wishbone/multi-link hardware. Ordering and workshop instructions should follow the Crown S210 suspension design to avoid mix-ups.

• Does a 2017 Toyota Crown have struts?
  It doesn’t use MacPherson struts. Technical literature for the S210 Crown specifies a front double wishbone and rear multi-link setup, with non-structural dampers. That’s why parts listings will show shocks, arms and bushes rather than true strut cartridges.
• What suspension parts should be serviced instead of struts?
  Front and rear shock absorbers, control arm bushes and ball joints, sway bar links/bushes, top mounts, and—if equipped—AVS-related components. Always align the car after suspension work.
• Can coilovers be fitted to a 2017 Crown?
  Yes, there are coilover kits designed for the Crown’s double wishbone/multi-link layout. Choose kits made for the S210 chassis, get a professional install and alignment, and check local compliance requirements in Australia or certification rules in New Zealand.