Parts for your 2020 Toyota Hilux-Strut mounts

2020 Toyota Hilux strut mounts — what they do and when to replace them

Technical references show the 2020 Toyota Hilux (AN120/AN130) uses a front double wishbone suspension with a coil spring over a shock absorber. The assembly is secured to the body via an upper support/insulator that most workshops call a “strut mount” or “top mount.” Sources: Toyota Repair Manual (Hilux AN120/130, 2019–2020, Suspension – Front Shock Absorber with Coil Spring), Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for 2020 Hilux (front upper support/insulator components), and industry data sheets (double wishbone front, leaf-spring rear). So yes — a strut mount is relevant on the front of a 2020 Hilux, though it’s a non-rotating top mount (no steering bearing) rather than a MacPherson-style bearing mount.

On this Hilux, the front strut mount’s job is to locate the top of the coilover, isolate vibration and road noise, and handle the vertical loads that come from corrugations, towing, bull bars and winches. Unlike a MacPherson strut, the mount doesn’t rotate for steering, instead it uses a robust rubber insulator and hardware to keep things quiet and planted while the upper and lower control arms do the geometry work.

Owners looking after their 2020 Toyota Hilux should treat the strut mounts as service items that wear with kilometres and rough use. Typical inspection intervals are every service or at least every 20,000–40,000 km, sooner if the ute sees mining sites, beach runs or outback touring. Many workshops replace the front mounts whenever fitting new front shocks/coilovers or a lift, because a fresh top mount helps avoid squeaks, clunks and premature shock failure.

• Common symptoms of tired mounts:
  • Clunk or knock over speed humps or rutted tracks
  • Squeak/creak from the top of the front suspension
  • Vaguer steering feel or shimmy after bumps
  • Visible cracks, crushed rubber or displaced top hat
• Good practice when replacing:
  • Do both front mounts as a pair to keep the ute balanced
  • Use quality OE or reputable aftermarket mounts matched to any lift or GVM upgrade
  • Follow factory torque specs, fit new nuts where specified, and get a wheel alignment straight after
  • Re-torque and re-check after 500–1,000 km, especially after off-road trips

Service life varies wildly with load and terrain — many see 80,000–150,000 km on mixed NZ and Aussie roads, but heavy accessories, corrugations and salt exposure can shorten that. Because the rear is leaf-sprung with separate shocks, there’s no rear strut mount on this model, just shock bushes/eyes.

Bottom line: if the 2020 Hilux has front-end noises, is getting new front dampers, or is being lifted or levelled, fresh strut mounts are a smart, low-cost bit of preventative maintenance that keeps the ute tight, quiet and compliant.

Popular questions about 2020 Toyota Hilux strut mounts

Do 2020 Hilux utes actually have strut mounts?

Yes. Up front they run a coilover with an upper support/insulator commonly called a strut mount. It’s not a MacPherson strut with a steering bearing, it’s a non-rotating top mount that locates the shock and damps vibration. The rear has no strut mounts because it uses leaf springs with separate shocks.

How long do Hilux strut mounts last in Australia and New Zealand?

On sealed-road utes they often last 80,000–150,000 km or more. Frequent corrugations, heavy accessories (bar, winch) and salty conditions can shorten life. Check them every service, and definitely inspect or replace when fitting new front shocks or a lift.

Should strut mounts be replaced when installing a lift or new front shocks?

Highly recommended. New mounts help prevent creaks and knocks, protect the new dampers, and keep alignment stable. Replace both sides, use mounts suited to the spring rate/lift, torque to spec, and get a proper alignment afterwards.