Parts for your 2020 Suzuki Splash-Struts

2020 Suzuki Splash struts: what they do and when to replace them

Referencing factory and aftermarket technical sources — including the Suzuki Splash/Opel Agila B workshop manuals, Suzuki service literature, and data sets used by Autodata and Haynes — the Splash platform runs MacPherson struts on the front axle and a torsion-beam rear with separate shock absorbers. That means “struts” are absolutely relevant to the front of any Splash still on the road in 2020, while the rear uses standard shocks rather than struts.

Up front, the strut is the load-bearing damper assembly that also locates the steering knuckle. It’s doing two tough jobs at once: smoothing out the bumps and keeping wheel alignment steady so the tyres track true. On Aussie and Kiwi roads — from coarse-chip highways to patchy city streets — healthy struts make the Splash feel planted, brake more cleanly, and steer with a calmer, more confident bite.

Service-wise, it’s smart to have the front struts inspected at least every 12 months or 20,000 kilometres. Look for oil weeping, dented tubes, torn dust boots, tired top mounts, or play in the strut bearing. If one side’s gone soft or noisy, replace struts in pairs to keep the car balanced. Many techs prefer complete loaded strut assemblies (with spring, mount, and bearing pre-fitted) to save time and dodge the risks of spring compression, but bare struts are fine if the existing hardware is still up to spec.

After any strut work, a proper wheel alignment is a must — camber and toe can shift enough to chew through tyres and dull the steering. Expect service life to vary with conditions and load, but 80,000–150,000 kilometres is typical, frequent gravel, big potholes, or heavy urban speed-hump duty can knock that down. Use quality, vehicle-specific parts and fresh top mounts, bearings, bump stops, and dust boots when you’re in there. It also pays to check sway bar links at the same time, if they’re clunking, swap them while everything’s apart.

Common signs the Splash’s front struts are ready for attention include:

• Knocking or creaking over bumps, front-end float, or nose-diving under brakes
• Oily residue on the strut body, scalloped or uneven tyre wear, steering shimmy
• Ride height looking uneven, or the car feeling “bouncy” after speed humps

DIYers should always use a proper spring compressor, support the knuckle to protect the CV joints, and torque everything to the workshop manual specs. If that all sounds like a bit of a mission, a qualified tech will sort it without drama and have the Splash feeling tight and tidy again.

Popular questions about 2020 Suzuki Splash struts

Does the Splash have rear struts?
The Splash uses front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion-beam with separate shock absorbers. So yes to front struts, no to rear struts — the rear units are shocks only. If you’re chasing a rear-end clunk, start with the shocks, mounts, and sway bar links.

How often should front struts be replaced?
There’s no fixed time limit. Struts are replaced when they’re worn or damaged. As a guide, many last 80,000–150,000 km depending on road quality and load. If you notice oil weep, knocking, floaty handling, or uneven tyre wear, it’s time for a check and likely a replacement in pairs.

Do you need an alignment after strut replacement?
Yes. Changing struts can alter camber and toe. A post-repair wheel alignment protects your tyres and restores crisp steering feel. Skipping this step can cost more in rubber than the alignment itself.