Parts for your 2020 Mazda Bt-50-Struts

2020 Mazda BT-50 Struts: What You Need to Know

The 2020 Mazda BT-50 is a tough ute designed to handle rough terrain and heavy loads with ease. When it comes to suspension, there's often a bit of confusion around whether this vehicle uses struts or not. After checking technical sources and schematics of the BT-50's suspension system, it becomes clear that traditional struts are not fitted to this model.

Why is that? Simply put, the 2020 Mazda BT-50 uses a more conventional setup with coil springs and shock absorbers at the front, and leaf springs with shocks at the rear. This is a typical arrangement for many utes and light trucks, prioritising strength and load-carrying ability over the space-saving design of struts, which are commonly seen on passenger cars.

Struts combine the shock absorber and structural steering component in one and are often used in cars to save space and weight. However, in a vehicle like the BT-50, which needs to withstand tough driving conditions and carry heavy payloads, a separate shock and spring, along with a strong double wishbone front suspension, offers better durability and easier maintenance. So, the choice to not use struts on the BT-50 is all about maximising toughness and serviceability.

For the BT-50, shock absorbers and coil springs do the heavy lifting at the front, while the leaf springs and shocks manage the load at the rear. This means you won't find struts that act as both a suspension and steering component on this ute.

Even though struts are off the table for the BT-50, it's still important to keep an eye on the suspension parts that are fitted, especially shocks and springs, since they play a crucial role in ride comfort, handling, and safety.

Shock absorbers on the BT-50 work hard to control the bounce from the suspension springs. They slow down and dampen the movement of the springs, so the vehicle stays stable and manageable on both rough off-road tracks and smooth highways. If shocks wear out, drivers might notice excessive bouncing, nose-diving during braking, or a generally bouncy and unsettled ride. Regular servicing and checks help keep these components in top shape.

Coil springs at the front provide the necessary support and absorb the impacts from rough surfaces. Over time, these springs can weaken or sag, especially if the vehicle often carries heavy loads. Drivers should check for uneven ride height or unusual noises when driving over bumps, which might hint at worn suspension parts.

At the rear, leaf springs are the go-to solution for load carrying. Leaf springs distribute weight evenly and provide great toughness for hauling trailers or gear. They don't require much maintenance but keeping an eye out for cracked or broken leaves can avoid bigger problems down the track.

Replacement of shocks and springs should be done as soon as signs of wear show up. Many mechanics recommend checking these parts every 50,000 kilometres, or during routine service intervals to catch any early wear. Maintaining suspension components ensures the ute keeps performing well in tough conditions and helps avoid costly repairs later on.

Even though the BT-50 doesn't come with struts, the same care that applies to struts in other vehicles applies here to shocks and springs. Drivers who stick to good maintenance habits enjoy a better ride, safer handling, and longer-lasting suspension components overall.