Parts for your 2018 Toyota Wish-Strut mounts

2018 Toyota Wish strut mounts — what they do and when to replace them

Based on Toyota’s technical literature for the ZGE2# series (New Car Features, Repair Manual, and the Electronic Parts Catalogue), the Toyota Wish runs a MacPherson strut front suspension with a “front suspension support sub‑assembly” — commonly called the strut mount. So yes, strut mounts are fitted to the front of 2018‑plated Wish models (late-registered second‑gen cars). The rear uses a torsion beam (2WD) or double wishbone (4WD) without a strut‑type top mount.

On the Wish, the strut mount’s job is to hold the top of the strut and spring in the body, isolate vibration, and — on the steering axle — house a bearing so the strut can turn smoothly with the wheels. Good mounts keep things quiet and tidy, worn ones let in clunks, creaks, and vibration, and can make the steering feel notchy or slow to self‑centre.

Common signs a front strut mount is calling it quits include:

• Clunking or knocking over bumps, especially at low speed
• Spring “twang” when turning the wheel at a standstill
• Steering that binds, feels gritty, or doesn’t return to centre cleanly
• Uneven tyre wear or vague front‑end feel

There’s no fixed replacement interval, but a practical approach for Aussie and Kiwi roads is to inspect at every major service or around 40–60,000 km, and definitely whenever front struts are replaced. Look for perished or cracked rubber, loose studs, rusty top hats, or rough top bearing movement. If one side is gone, it’s smart to do both.

When fitting new mounts to a 2018 Toyota Wish, go for OE or reputable aftermarket units that include the bearing. Replace the dust boots and bump stops if they’re tired. Correct torque on the top nut and mount fasteners is critical, and a wheel alignment afterward will keep tyres happy and steering true.

Fresh strut mounts can make a noticeable difference: quieter cabin, cleaner steering feel, and more consistent tyre contact. If the Wish does a lot of city kerbs, rural corrugations, or carries the whanau and gear, keeping the mounts in top nick is cheap insurance for the rest of the front end.

Popular questions

Does a 2018 Toyota Wish have strut mounts front and rear?
Yes at the front — the Wish uses MacPherson struts, so it has dedicated front strut mounts with an integrated bearing. The rear is a torsion beam on most 2WD models and a double wishbone on some 4WDs, so it doesn’t use a strut‑type top mount, the shock and spring mount differently at the rear.

How long do strut mounts last on a Toyota Wish?
Many last 100,000–150,000 km, but conditions matter. Plenty of speed humps, corrugations, or loads can age the rubber and bearing faster. Have them checked at major services, replace if there’s noise, steering notchiness, or when fitting new struts.

Can worn strut mounts cause vibration or clunks?
They can. A tired mount allows movement and transfers impact into the body, causing knocks over bumps and light steering shudder. A rough top bearing can also make the steering feel gritty and slow to self‑centre.