Parts for your 2018 Toyota Mark x-Struts

2018 Toyota Mark X: Struts or not?

For the 2018 Toyota Mark X (GRX130), struts aren’t the go. Technical documentation lists a double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear, meaning the car uses shock absorbers with coils rather than MacPherson strut assemblies. This layout is confirmed in the Toyota Mark X GRX130 Repair Manual (Suspension section), the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for GRX130, and the 2018 Japanese-market Mark X specifications brochure, which detail components like upper and lower control arms, a separate shock absorber, and a steering knuckle that’s located by arms rather than by a strut.

Why not struts? The double wishbone front brings precise camber control through the stroke, better tyre contact in hard cornering, and a premium ride-handling balance that suits a rear-drive sports sedan. With the upright located by upper and lower arms, the damper isn’t a structural member, so there’s no “strut tower” carrying steering and suspension loads. The rear multi-link follows the same philosophy: multiple arms set toe and camber, while the damper’s job is purely to control motion.

Owners sometimes call any coil-over damper a “strut”, but on the Mark X the front and rear dampers don’t locate the hub, so they’re shocks, not struts. When the ride feels a bit floaty or there are clunks over bumps, the usual suspects are:

• Front and rear shock absorbers (leaks, fade, or poor rebound)
• Control arm bushes and ball joints (play, cracking, or noise)
• Stabiliser bar links and bushes (rattles, looseness)
• Top mounts/insulators for the shocks (knocks, binding)
• Wheel alignment settings drifting out (uneven tyre wear, pull)

For everyday use across Australia and New Zealand, it’s sensible to inspect shocks, bushes, and links at each service, with a closer look every 20,000 km. Many shocks are past their best by 80,000–120,000 km, especially if the car sees rough roads. Tell-tales include nose-dive under brakes, a bouncy rebound after speed humps, weeping fluid on the damper body, steering shimmy, or cupped tyre wear.

After any suspension work—shocks, arms, or bushes—get a proper four-wheel alignment. If fitting aftermarket coilovers, note that the geometry remains double wishbone/multi-link, it still isn’t a MacPherson strut setup. Keep ride height sensible to maintain roll centre and bump-steer behaviour, and check local compliance requirements before going low.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota Mark X GRX130 Repair Manual (Suspension), Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (GRX130), and 2018 Toyota Mark X model specifications, all describing front double wishbone and rear multi-link architecture with separate shock absorbers rather than MacPherson struts.

Popular questions about 2018 Toyota Mark X “struts”

Does the 2018 Toyota Mark X have struts?

No. The GRX130 Mark X runs a double wishbone front and multi-link rear, so it uses shock absorbers with coils rather than MacPherson strut assemblies.

This design gives better camber control and steering feel, which suits the car’s rear-drive balance.

What should be replaced instead of struts when the ride gets rough?

Look to the front and rear shock absorbers, control arm bushes and ball joints, stabiliser links and bushes, and the shock top mounts/insulators.

Pair this with a fresh alignment and a tyre check to restore grip and stability.

Can coilovers be fitted, and does that make it a strut setup?

Coilovers can be fitted, but the suspension geometry remains double wishbone/multi-link, so it still isn’t a MacPherson strut system.

Choose quality gear, keep ride height reasonable, and ensure compliance with local regulations for road use.