Parts for your 2017 Volkswagen Amarok-Strut mounts

2017 Volkswagen Amarok strut-mounts

For the 2017 Volkswagen Amarok, a traditional strut-mount (the type used with a MacPherson strut and a rotating bearing at the top) isn’t fitted or required. The Amarok runs a double-wishbone front suspension with a coil-over shock absorber, while the rear uses leaf springs. Steering loads are carried through the upper and lower ball joints, not through a strut tower, so there’s no strut-top bearing plate to service or replace.

This layout is confirmed by technical references: Volkswagen Self‑Study Programme 512 “The Amarok” (chassis and suspension overview), the Volkswagen Amarok Repair Manual (Elsa/ERWIN) for Suspension, Wheels, Steering for the 2017 model year, and Volkswagen’s ETKA parts catalogue (Group 4 – Front Axle). Major aftermarket catalogues (e.g., KYB and Monroe) list front shock absorbers and bushings for Amarok, but no strut-mount kits or strut-top bearings, reinforcing that a MacPherson-style strut-mount isn’t part of this vehicle’s design.

Why it isn’t used: a strut-mount’s main jobs on a MacPherson setup are to support vehicle weight at the top of the strut, isolate noise and vibration, and allow the strut to rotate for steering via an integrated bearing. Because the Amarok’s double-wishbone front end separates these duties, the shock absorber doesn’t rotate for steering and doesn’t need a bearing-type top mount. Instead, the shock uses a robust upper mounting bush/insulator and hardware, while steering geometry and load paths run through the control arms and ball joints.

What to maintain instead: when chasing front-end knocks, creaks or vibration on a 2017 Amarok, attention should go to the upper shock absorber bushes/insulators, front lower and upper control arm bushes, upper and lower ball joints, and anti-roll bar links and bushes. If the front shocks are worn or leaking, replace them in pairs and renew the associated mounting hardware and insulators. After any suspension work, a wheel alignment is wise to protect tyres and ensure proper handling. If the vehicle has a lift kit, note that “top-hat” spacers sometimes sit above the shock tower—these are not strut-mounts with bearings, the Amarok remains a double-wishbone design.

If a parts search turns up “strut-mounts” for an Amarok, it’s typically a catalogue mislabel for the shock’s upper mount/bush kit. Ask for front shock mounting bushes or an upper shock mount insulator to get the right gear for this ute.

• Does a 2017 Amarok have strut-mounts? No—double-wishbone front, not MacPherson.
• Typical wear points: shock upper bushes, control arm bushes, ball joints, sway bar links.
• Good practice: replace shocks in pairs, renew mounting hardware, then get an alignment.

Popular questions about 2017 Volkswagen Amarok strut-mounts

Does my 2017 Amarok have strut-mounts at the front?
No. The front end is double-wishbone with a coil-over shock, so there’s no MacPherson strut or rotating strut-top bearing. Instead, it uses a shock absorber upper mounting bush/insulator and hardware to locate the damper without carrying steering rotation.

What should I check if I hear a front-end clunk on my Amarok?
Look at the front shock upper bushes, upper and lower control arm bushes, upper/lower ball joints, and the anti-roll bar links and bushes. Worn front shocks can also knock—replace them in pairs and renew the mounting hardware. Follow up with a wheel alignment to keep the ute tracking straight and protect the tyres.

Will a lift kit add strut-mounts to my Amarok?
No. Some lift kits use top-hat spacers above the shock tower, but these aren’t bearing-style strut-mounts. The Amarok remains a double-wishbone setup, steering loads still go through the ball joints and control arms, not through a strut top.