Parts for your 2018 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Strut mounts

2018 Toyota Vitz/Yaris strut mounts — what they do and when to replace

Technical sources confirm the 2018 Toyota Vitz/Yaris (XP130 series) uses MacPherson struts at the front, which require strut mounts. The Toyota repair manual for the XP130 platform specifies a “Front Suspension — MacPherson Strut Type” with an upper support. Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue (for NSP/NCP/KSP130 variants) lists a front shock absorber support/strut bearing assembly. Major OE and aftermarket catalogues (e.g., KYB and Monroe) also list front strut mounts for this model. The rear uses a torsion beam with separate dampers, so there are no rear strut mounts of the MacPherson type.

On the 2018 Toyota Vitz/Yaris, the strut mount sits at the top of each front strut, bolted to the body under the bonnet. It isolates vibration, locates the strut securely, and, where a separate bearing is integrated, lets the strut rotate smoothly as the steering turns. When mounts age, the Yaris can feel harsh over bumps, develop clunks or creaks, and even show steering “memory” or wander. Keeping the mounts in good nick preserves ride comfort, steering feel, and tyre life.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the front strut mounts every service or at least each 20,000 km. Look for perished rubber, cracked housings, seized or gritty bearings, and any signs the studs are pulling through. With the car on the ground, have someone turn the steering while listening at the strut tower for grinding or chirping. Uneven or feathered tyre wear and a reluctant self-centre after corners can also point to tired mounts.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, but in Australian and New Zealand conditions many owners see 80,000–150,000 km. When replacement is due, do both fronts together. Pair new mounts with fresh bearings (if separate), dust boots, and bump stops, and consider renewing top nuts. Quality OEM or OE-supplier parts are worth it for NVH and longevity. Use a proper spring compressor and observe torque specs, finalise fastener torques at normal ride height. A wheel alignment straight after the job is non-negotiable, as mount stack height and locating angles affect camber and caster.

• Common symptoms: clunking over speed bumps, steering knock or groan, notchy or heavy steering, tramlining, and abnormal front tyre wear.
• Good practice while you’re there: inspect front shocks, coil springs, sway bar links, and lower control arm bushes for wear.
• Workshop safety: never loosen the strut top nut without a spring compressor, compressed springs store serious energy.

Popular questions about 2018 Toyota Vitz/Yaris strut mounts

Does the 2018 Toyota Vitz/Yaris have strut mounts front and rear?

Yes at the front, no at the rear. The front suspension is MacPherson strut, so it uses a strut mount/top mount with an integrated or separate bearing. The rear is a torsion beam with separate shock absorbers, so there’s no rear MacPherson-style strut mount, just upper and lower shock bushes.

What are the tell-tale signs a strut mount is failing on a 2018 Vitz/Yaris?

Listen and feel for clunks over potholes, creaks when turning the wheel at low speed, notchy or slow-to-centre steering, and uneven front tyre wear. You may also notice a jittery ride or a metallic thunk on take-off and braking as the mount shifts.

Do strut mounts need a wheel alignment after replacement?

Absolutely. Even when nothing else changes, fresh mounts can alter stack height and the strut’s locating angle, nudging camber and caster. Plan on an alignment straight after the job to keep steering true and protect those tyres.