Parts for your 2018 Toyota Hilux-Strut mounts

2018 Toyota HiLux Strut Mounts

Based on Toyota’s technical literature — the Hilux (AN120/AN130) New Car Features manual, the Repair Manual front suspension section, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, which lists the component as the “Support, Front Shock Absorber, Upper” — the 2018 Toyota HiLux does use a top mount for the front coilover shock assembly. While it’s not a MacPherson strut with a steering bearing, workshops and parts catalogues commonly refer to this upper support as a “strut mount” or “strut top”.

On a 2018 HiLux, the strut mount’s job is to locate the top of the front coilover (spring and shock) in the body and to isolate noise, vibration, and harshness from the cabin. It cushions vertical impacts, helps control harsh knock-through on corrugations, and transfers suspension loads into the strut tower without metal-to-metal contact. Unlike a MacPherson setup, it doesn’t carry steering rotation, that happens at the ball joints in the double wishbone arms. Even so, a healthy mount is vital for ride quality and front-end feel.

Because mounts are made from rubber bonded to metal, they age with kilometres, heat, and heavy work. Tell-tales include clunks over sharp bumps, a dull thud when the front end tops out, squeaks or groans at low speed, and a slightly nervous or chattery ride on corrugations. Under the bonnet, look for perished or cracked rubber, rusty or loose studs, or a gap between the top plate and tower.

They’re not a fixed-interval service item, but they’re smart to assess any time the front shocks or springs are out — and especially on utes that tow, carry canopies or bull bars, or see a lot of off-road kilometres. Best practice is to replace mounts in pairs when fitting new front shocks or upgrading springs. Quality OE or reputable aftermarket mounts keep NVH in check, cheapies can undo the gains of fresh dampers. The job requires safely compressing the coil spring, so it’s one for a competent tech with the right gear. After any front suspension work, a wheel alignment is recommended to tidy up steering feel and tyre life. For lifted HiLuxes or heavy-duty applications, consider mounts designed to handle increased preload and articulation.

• Inspect at every front shock service or when noises develop.
• Replace in pairs, use new hardware where specified.
• Request an alignment after installation.

Popular questions about 2018 Toyota HiLux strut mounts

Do HiLux strut mounts have a steering bearing?
On the 2018 HiLux they don’t. The vehicle uses a double wishbone front end, so steering pivots at the ball joints, not in the mount. The mount is a rubber-insulated top support that manages NVH and load transfer.

How long do HiLux strut mounts last?
Many see well over 100,000 km in normal use, but heavy loads, corrugations, and off-road work can shorten their life. If there are clunks, squeaks, or visible rubber cracking, it’s time to replace them — ideally when fitting new front shocks.

Should strut mounts be replaced with new shocks?
It’s recommended. Fresh mounts help the new dampers perform at their best, reduce the chance of carry-over noises, and avoid doubling up on labour later.