Parts for your 2017 Toyota Hilux-Strut mounts

2017 Toyota Hilux strut-mounts — are they used?

Short answer: a 2017 Toyota Hilux doesn’t use strut-mounts in the MacPherson sense, so the part isn’t relevant to this ute. Up front, the Hilux (AN120/AN130 series) runs a double-wishbone suspension with a coil spring over a shock absorber, and the rear uses a live axle with leaf springs and separate shocks. In this layout, the shock absorber doesn’t act as a steering member and doesn’t require a strut top bearing like a true MacPherson strut does.

Technical backing for that call comes from Toyota service literature and catalogues. The Toyota Repair Manual for Hilux (AN120/130) describes the “Front Shock Absorber with Coil Spring” within a double-wishbone assembly, and shows no strut bearing or turntable-style mount. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) lists an upper shock insulator/top mount for the front shock assembly, not a strut-mount with an integrated bearing. Major aftermarket fitment guides for the 2015–on Hilux also list front shock top insulators or mounting kits, again without a rotating strut bearing component.

Why that matters: on a MacPherson car, the strut is the main load path and it turns with the steering, so a strut-mount with a bearing is critical. On the Hilux, the upright is located by upper and lower control arms, the coilover shock is simply clamped between the lower arm and the chassis tower. Because the shock doesn’t rotate, there’s no need for a strut bearing. Instead, there’s a robust rubber/metal top insulator and bush hardware to isolate noise and vibration.

If there’s a clunk, creak or knock from the front end over corrugations, it’s more likely to be a worn shock, perished top insulator, or play in control arm bushes or ball joints than a failed “strut-mount”. During servicing or any lift/coilover upgrade on a 2017 Hilux, it’s smart to inspect the front shock upper insulator and hardware for cracks, delamination, or crushed bushes, and replace them along with the shocks if wear’s present. Correct torque on the top hat and lower shock bolts, plus a post-job wheel alignment, will keep the ute tracking straight and quiet on Aussie and Kiwi roads and trails.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota Repair Manual (Hilux AN120/AN130) – Front Suspension section, Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (Hilux GUN12x/13x) – front shock absorber and insulator listings, mainstream aftermarket fitment catalogues identifying front shock top insulators (no strut bearing) for 2015–on Hilux.

• Does a 2017 Toyota Hilux have strut-mounts?
  No. It uses double-wishbone front suspension with a coilover shock and a rubber/metal top insulator, not a MacPherson strut with a rotating strut-mount and bearing.
• What should be replaced instead when doing front suspension work?
  Inspect and, if needed, replace the front shock absorber, coil spring seat/isolator, the upper shock insulator/top hat and mounting hardware, plus check upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints.
• How can a driver spot a worn front top insulator on a Hilux?
  Listen for knocks over sharp bumps, creaks while turning into driveways, or see visible cracking/crushing of the top mount rubber. Uneven tyre wear or vague steering usually points more to alignment or control arm bush wear than the top insulator.