Parts for your 2017 Toyota Hiace-Struts

Understanding the Role of Struts on the 2017 Toyota Hiace

The 2017 Toyota Hiace is well known for its reliability and robust design, especially when it comes to handling the demands of commercial use. When it comes to the vehicle's suspension system, it's important to clarify whether struts are part of the setup. According to technical sources and Toyota's official specifications, the 2017 Hiace does not use struts in the traditional sense. Instead, it is equipped with a different type of suspension system.

More specifically, the front suspension of the 2017 Toyota Hiace typically features a double wishbone setup with coil springs and conventional shock absorbers, while the rear suspension uses leaf springs. This means the Hiace relies on a shock absorber and spring combination rather than integrated struts, which combine the shock absorber and coil spring into a single unit.

The reason struts are not used in the 2017 Toyota Hiace primarily comes down to the vehicle's purpose and design. Struts are common in many passenger cars because they perform dual roles as both a suspension damper and a structural component. They help support the weight of the vehicle, provide mounting points for the coil spring, and enable the front wheels to steer and absorb impacts.

However, the Hiace, designed predominantly as a commercial van or people mover, prioritises load capacity, durability, and ease of maintenance over sporty handling. Using a double wishbone suspension with separate shock absorbers offers advantages for heavy-duty applications, such as better load distribution, easier shock replacement, and a suspension setup that can tolerate heavier weights without compromising ride quality.

The rear leaf spring suspension is a tried and tested setup for vans and trucks. Leaf springs are excellent at handling heavy loads and provide a stable and durable platform for carrying cargo or passengers. This setup does not require struts either, as the springs and shocks are separate.

While the Hiace doesn't use struts, understanding the purpose of struts generally is helpful for owners who might be familiar with other vehicles. Struts are a key suspension component in many cars. They combine the shock absorber and the coil spring into one unit. Apart from absorbing shocks from the road surface, struts also provide structural support that affects the vehicle's alignment and how the wheels move vertically.

Struts are essential in vehicles where compact design and handling precision are priorities. They are usually found in front suspensions, such as MacPherson strut setups, where they simplify the suspension system and reduce parts. But in heavy-duty vehicles like the Hiace, more rugged setups are preferred instead.

Now, for those Hiace owners who are used to servicing suspensions with struts, it is worth noting how important it is to regularly maintain whichever suspension components are fitted, whether shocks, coil springs, or leaf springs. Regular inspection and maintenance help ensure the vehicle remains safe and comfortable to drive.

For your 2017 Toyota Hiace, servicing the shocks and springs properly is crucial. Here are some handy tips to keep the suspension in top shape:

• Check for leaks on the shock absorbers. If you notice any oil leaking, it's a sign the shocks are worn out and should be replaced.
• Listen for any unusual noises like clunks or rattles over bumps. This could indicate loose or damaged suspension components that need attention.
• Inspect the coil springs (front) and leaf springs (rear) for cracks, corrosion, or damage, especially if the van is used heavily or on rough roads.
• Keep an eye on how the Hiace rides and handles. Excessive bouncing, swaying, or nose-diving when braking can suggest suspension wear.
• Ensure wheel alignment is checked periodically after any suspension service or if you notice uneven tyre wear, as poor alignment can negatively affect vehicle stability and fuel efficiency.

Replacing struts, if they were fitted, usually involves supporting the vehicle securely, removing the wheel, and carefully disconnecting the suspension components. However, in the Hiace's case, replacing shock absorbers and springs is usually straightforward because they are independent parts.

It also makes spare parts availability and servicing potentially easier and more cost-effective. Automotive workshops are very familiar with the Hiace's suspension setup, and parts like shocks and springs are widely stocked. Regular maintenance ensures the van remains reliable and comfortable even when tasked with heavy loads or long-distance driving.

Understanding the suspension setup of the 2017 Toyota Hiace helps owners appreciate why struts are not part of its design. Instead, the combination of double wishbone front suspension with coil springs and shocks, along with robust leaf springs at the rear, provides a tough yet comfortable ride well suited to the Hiace's role as a workhorse vehicle.