Parts for your 2018 Volkswagen Amarok-Struts

2018 Volkswagen Amarok — Struts or Shocks?

After checking recognised technical sources, struts are not used on the 2018 Volkswagen Amarok. The Amarok runs a front independent double-wishbone setup with a coil spring over a shock absorber (a coilover shock), and a rear live axle with leaf springs and separate telescopic shock absorbers. That design means the vehicle has shock absorbers, not MacPherson struts.

Technical references for the Amarok’s suspension layout include Volkswagen’s Amarok Workshop Manual (Suspension, Wheels, Steering sections in ELSA/erWin), VW Self‑Study Programmes for the Amarok platform, and professional data services such as Autodata for the 2018 model. All specify: front double wishbone with coil spring and damper, and rear rigid axle with semi‑elliptic leaf springs and telescopic dampers—no MacPherson struts are listed.

Why no struts? A MacPherson strut acts as a structural member that locates the wheel and carries corner loads up into a strut tower—ideal for lighter passenger cars with monocoque bodies. The Amarok is a hardworking ute designed for payload, towing, and off‑road durability. Its double‑wishbone front end spreads corner loads through upper and lower control arms while the shock simply controls motion, and the rear leaf‑spring axle handles heavy loads. This architecture is tougher for rough tracks and hauling, which is why Volkswagen didn’t go with struts here.

Owners looking to service what many shops casually call the “struts” should instead focus on the Amarok’s shock absorbers and associated hardware. Check front and rear shocks, front top mounts, control arm bushes and ball joints, rear leaf‑spring bushes and shackles, and always finish with a wheel alignment. A practical servicing rhythm is to inspect every 20,000 kilometres (or at each service) and expect shock replacement somewhere between 80,000–120,000 kilometres depending on towing, loads, and corrugated road use.

• Common signs the shocks need attention: nose‑dive under braking, floaty or bouncy ride, cupped or uneven tyre wear, oil mist on the damper body, or clunks over bumps.

When replacing, do them in axle pairs, choose valving to suit use (touring, off‑road, or heavy‑duty), and torque fasteners with the suspension at ride height to protect bushes. A proper alignment afterwards will keep steering sharp and tyres happy.

FAQs

Does the 2018 Volkswagen Amarok have struts?
No. It uses shock absorbers—front coilover shocks with double wishbones and rear telescopic shocks with a leaf‑spring live axle. There are no MacPherson struts on this model year.

What should be serviced instead of struts on a 2018 Amarok?
Inspect and replace the front and rear shock absorbers as needed, plus front control arm bushes and ball joints, top mounts, rear leaf‑spring bushes and shackles. Finish with a wheel alignment and check tyre wear.

Can MacPherson struts be retrofitted to an Amarok?
Practically, no. Converting to MacPherson struts would require major structural redesign of the chassis and suspension pickup points. Aftermarket “strut” kits for the Amarok are typically coilover shocks for the existing double‑wishbone layout.