Parts for your 2018 Ford Everest-Strut mounts

2018 Ford Everest and strut mounts — what’s actually fitted

Short answer: a traditional “strut mount” isn’t used on the 2018 Ford Everest. The Everest (UA series) runs an independent double-wishbone front end with a coil-over shock absorber, not a MacPherson strut. Ford’s workshop literature for the UA Everest (Front Suspension, 204‑01/204‑02) specifies an upper and lower control arm locating the hub, with the damper and spring purely managing ride and damping. Because the shock isn’t a structural strut and doesn’t carry steering loads, there’s no strut-top bearing or classic strut mount assembly.

Instead, the front shock/spring unit bolts to the body via a rubber/isolator “top hat” style mount, and the steering axis runs through the upper and lower ball joints. That’s why parts catalogues for true strut vehicles list a bearing-type mount, while on the Everest you’ll see references to a front shock upper mount or insulator rather than a strut mount. This matches how double-wishbone systems are described in general suspension engineering texts and Ford service training: the control arms handle wheel location, the shock doesn’t rotate for steering and doesn’t need a strut bearing.

If you’re chasing a top-end clunk, vibration, or vague front-end feel on an Everest and were searching for “strut mounts,” these are the usual suspects to check instead:

• Front shock absorber upper insulator/bush and top plate (“top hat”)
• Upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Stabiliser (sway) bar links and bushes
• Shock absorbers for leaks or loss of damping

When the upper insulator rubber perishes or the shock wears, you’ll often hear knocks over corrugations or feel extra NVH through the body. Replacement is straightforward with the right spring compressor, but follow the Ford workshop manual torque specs and indexing notes for the top mount components. An alignment is a good idea if any control arm hardware is loosened or replaced, swapping just the shock and its upper insulator generally won’t alter geometry, but most workshops will still check toe and camber afterwards to keep tyre wear even.

For anyone puzzled by online listings that say “Everest strut mount,” treat those as generic wording. On a 2018 Ford Everest, you’ll be ordering the shock absorber upper mount/insulator rather than a strut-top bearing assembly.

FAQs

Does a 2018 Ford Everest have strut mounts?
Not in the traditional sense. It uses a double-wishbone front suspension with a coil-over shock. There’s no MacPherson strut or strut-top bearing, instead, the shock mounts via a rubber upper insulator.

What should I replace if I hear a clunk from the front top end?
Common fixes include replacing the front shock absorber and its upper insulator (“top hat”), plus checking sway bar links/bushes and the control arm bushes and ball joints. If the shock shows oil or has gone soft, replace it as a pair across the axle.

Do I need a wheel alignment after changing the front shocks or upper insulators?
If you haven’t disturbed the control arms, alignment usually won’t shift, but it’s smart to have it checked. Any time control arm bolts are loosened or arms are replaced, a full alignment is recommended to protect tyre life and handling.