Parts for your 2020 Isuzu D-max-Strut mounts

2020 Isuzu D‑MAX strut mounts — are they used or relevant?

Short answer: strut mounts aren’t a thing on the 2020 Isuzu D‑MAX (RG series, launched 08/2020). Technical documentation for the RG D‑MAX specifies an independent double‑wishbone front end with a coil spring over a separate shock absorber, plus a live‑axle rear with leaf springs and separate shocks. Because the front suspension doesn’t use a MacPherson strut, there’s no rotating strut top bearing or conventional “strut mount” fitted from factory.

Why that matters: in a MacPherson setup the strut both locates the wheel and turns with steering, so it needs a dedicated strut mount and bearing at the top. The D‑MAX’s double‑wishbone geometry locates the wheel with upper and lower control arms. The coilover shock simply dampens and supports the spring and does not steer, so it bolts to the chassis with rubber insulators/bushes at the top and bottom rather than a strut mount/bearing assembly.

What to service instead: think shock absorber upper and lower bushes/insulators, sway bar links and bushes, control‑arm bushes, and ball joints. On the rear, check the shock bushes and the leaf spring shackle and eye bushes. If there’s clunking over corrugations, a dull knock at parking speeds, or perished rubber, the shock bushes are likely suspects. Tyre shoulder wear or vague steering typically points more to control‑arm bushes or alignment rather than any “strut mount” issue. You won’t hear that tell‑tale crunchy strut‑bearing noise when turning the wheel, because there isn’t one.

• Inspection tip: have the upper shock bushes and hardware checked at each service or at least every 20,000 km, especially if the ute works hard, tows, or sees off‑road corrugations.
• Replacement tip: tighten shock and control‑arm bushes at normal ride height to avoid pre‑loading the rubber, and replace side‑to‑side in pairs. Get a wheel alignment after any front‑end work.
• Ordering tip: some aftermarket suppliers casually call the upper shock insulator a “strut top”. For the 08/2020‑on D‑MAX, you’re chasing a front shock absorber upper mount/bush kit, not a strut mount with a bearing.

Technical sources referenced: Isuzu D‑MAX (RG) Workshop Manual — Suspension General Description, Isuzu Australia model specifications (MY21‑on) listing double‑wishbone IFS, major aftermarket catalogues (e.g., KYB, Monroe) that, for 08/2020‑on D‑MAX/BT‑50, list front shock absorbers and bush kits but do not list a strut top bearing/mount assembly. These collectively confirm the absence of a MacPherson strut and therefore no strut mount on the 2020 D‑MAX.

Popular questions

Does a 2020 Isuzu D‑MAX have strut mounts?
No. It runs a double‑wishbone front end with a coilover shock that doesn’t steer, so there’s no strut top bearing or traditional strut mount. The top of the shock uses rubber insulators/bushes instead.

What should be serviced instead of strut mounts on a 2020 D‑MAX?
Focus on front shock upper/lower bushes, sway bar links and bushes, control‑arm bushes, and ball joints. On the rear, check shock bushes and leaf spring bushes. Inspect every service or ~20,000 km, sooner if you’re off‑road or towing.

Can aftermarket coilovers add a “strut mount” to a D‑MAX?
Aftermarket coilovers may include a top hat or mounting plate, but it’s still not a steering strut mount with a bearing. The suspension remains double‑wishbone. Ensure parts are ADR‑compliant, have them installed correctly, torque at ride height, and book an alignment.