Parts for your 2020 Subaru Xv-Strut mounts

2020 Subaru XV Strut Mounts

Strut mounts are relevant to the 2020 Subaru XV. Technical sources confirm the XV (Crosstrek) uses a MacPherson strut front suspension with a separate double wishbone rear. The Subaru Australia 2020 XV specification sheet lists “Front: MacPherson strut type, Rear: Double wishbone,” and the Subaru Service Manual for Crosstrek/XV (2018–2020, Suspension section) depicts a front strut top mount with an integrated bearing. That means the XV definitely has front strut mounts, the rear uses damper top bushes rather than a MacPherson-style strut mount.

On the 2020 Subaru XV, the front strut mounts sit at the top of each front strut, bolting the assembly to the body and letting the strut rotate smoothly as the wheels steer. They carry vehicle load, cushion road harshness and isolate noise and vibration. Each mount also houses a bearing so the spring and strut can turn freely with the steering. When these mounts wear, the XV can start to feel a bit off — clunks on bumps, creaks while turning, a vague or notchy steering feel (sometimes called “memory steer”), and even feathered tyre wear can show up.

Best practice on this model is to replace the front strut mounts whenever front struts or coil springs are being changed, or if there are telltale symptoms. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, especially with corrugations or occasional gravel travel, many owners see mounts last anywhere from 80,000 to 150,000 km. A quick check at service time helps: look for perished rubber, cracked housings, rusty or loose top studs, and listen for knocks over speed humps.

• Common symptoms on an XV: clunking or popping over bumps, creaking when turning the wheel, steering that doesn’t self-centre cleanly, and uneven tyre wear.
• Service tips: replace mounts in pairs, use new self-locking nuts, torque to spec, and book a wheel alignment straight after. If a mount’s bearing feels gritty or binds when rotated by hand, it’s due.
• Prevention: keep tyre pressures right, inspect after big hits off-road, and address worn front struts promptly to avoid overworking the mounts.

Because the rear of the XV is double wishbone, there isn’t a traditional rear “strut mount” to worry about — the rear dampers use simpler top bushes. Focus attention on the front mounts, and the XV will steer quietly and track straight, just as Subaru intended.

Popular questions about 2020 Subaru XV strut mounts

Does the XV have strut mounts front and rear?

The 2020 XV has strut mounts at the front only. The rear is a double wishbone layout with separate dampers and top bushes rather than a MacPherson-style mount. So if there’s a knock from the front towers, think strut mounts, if it’s from the rear, you’re likely chasing damper bushes or control arm components.

How long do front strut mounts typically last on a 2020 XV?

Expect roughly 80,000–150,000 kilometres depending on driving and road quality. City commuting on smooth roads is kinder, frequent gravel or potholes shortens life. If you’re replacing front struts or springs, it’s smart money to fit new mounts at the same time.

Can worn strut mounts affect alignment or tyre wear?

Yes. Excess play or a binding top bearing can alter camber/caster dynamically and contribute to feathering or uneven wear. Any time front strut mounts are replaced on an XV, a proper four-wheel alignment should follow.