Parts for your 2020 Mazda Bt-50-Struts

2020 Mazda BT-50 Struts: Are They Fitted, and What Should Be Serviced Instead?

Short answer: the 2020 Mazda BT-50 doesn’t use struts. Up front it runs an independent double-wishbone setup with coil springs and separate shock absorbers, and out back it uses a live axle with leaf springs and shock absorbers. In other words, there are shocks and springs, but no MacPherson strut assemblies.

This isn’t just workshop slang, it’s a technical distinction. A MacPherson strut is a structural, load‑bearing damper that replaces an upper control arm and forms part of the steering axis. The BT-50’s front end has both upper and lower control arms, so the damper isn’t the key structural member—hence, it’s a shock, not a strut. The rear leaf-spring live axle also pairs with conventional shocks, not struts.

Technical sources that describe this layout include Mazda’s BT-50 (TF, 2020) specifications and owner/workshop literature, which list “independent double wishbone, coil spring” front suspension and “rigid axle, leaf spring” rear suspension, Isuzu’s D‑Max (the BT‑50’s platform partner) service information showing the same geometry, and standard definitions of MacPherson struts from automotive engineering references and major suspension catalogues that list shock absorbers—not struts—for the 2020 BT‑50.

Why no struts on this ute? The double-wishbone/leaf combo suits payload, towing and rough-road durability. It allows precise control of camber and caster under load up front, and the leaf-sprung rear handles heavy trays and towballs without the packaging compromises of a front strut tower design.

If the search was for “BT-50 struts,” what owners typically need are shock absorbers. Here’s what to look after during servicing:

• Shock absorbers: replace when leaking, dented, or if ride gets bouncy, nose-dives under brakes, or tyres cup. Many owners see noticeable improvement around 80–120,000 km depending on use.
• Front control arm bushes and ball joints: inspect for cracking, play or noise over bumps.
• Leaf spring packs, shackles and bushes: check for sag, cracked leaves, or perished bushes—especially on utes that tow or carry loads.
• Alignment and tyre condition: uneven wear often points to tired shocks or worn bushes.

For touring or tradie work, quality aftermarket shocks (monotube or heavy-duty twin-tube) and, if needed, matched springs can sharpen control and keep tyres wearing evenly. Stick to reputable brands, keep ride height changes legal, and get a proper wheel alignment after any suspension work.

Referenced technical sources: Mazda BT‑50 (TF, 2020) specifications and workshop/owner’s manuals, Isuzu D‑Max (2020–) service literature for the shared chassis, common suspension catalogues listing “shock absorbers” (not “struts”) for this model, and engineering texts defining MacPherson strut function versus double-wishbone geometry.

FAQs

Does the 2020 Mazda BT-50 have struts?
No—up front it uses double wishbones with coil springs and separate shock absorbers, and the rear uses leaf springs with shocks. There are no MacPherson strut assemblies on this model.

What should be serviced instead of struts on a 2020 BT-50?
Focus on shock absorbers, control arm bushes and ball joints up front, and the leaf springs, shackles, bushes and rear shocks. An alignment and tyre check after suspension work is a smart move.

Will “strut” kits advertised online fit the 2020 BT-50?
Many kits labelled as “struts” are actually shock-and-spring (coilover) assemblies for double-wishbone fronts. Ensure the kit is specified for the BT‑50 (TF, 2020–) and lists shocks/coilovers, not MacPherson struts.