Parts for your 2020 Toyota Prius-Strut mounts

2020 Toyota Prius strut mounts

Based on Toyota’s technical literature, strut mounts are indeed used on the 2020 Toyota Prius. The Toyota Repair Manual (Techinfo) for the ZVW50/51/55 series specifies a MacPherson strut front suspension that includes a “front suspension support sub-assembly” (the strut mount with bearing). Toyota’s New Car Features manual for this generation also outlines MacPherson struts up front and a double-wishbone arrangement at the rear, meaning there are no strut mounts on the back, only separate shocks and springs. The Toyota genuine parts catalogue for the 2020 Prius lists the front strut mount assembly and associated bearing as serviceable items.

On this Prius, the front strut mounts sit at the top of each front strut, isolating vibration and road shock while allowing the strut to pivot smoothly as the wheels steer. They help keep steering feel precise and reduce harshness inside the cabin, which suits the Prius’ quiet hybrid character. The integrated bearing in the mount lets the strut rotate without binding, when that bearing dries out or the rubber insulator perishes, owners may notice a light knock over bumps, a creak when turning the wheel, or a notchy steering feel.

There’s no fixed replacement interval for strut mounts, but regular inspection during routine servicing is smart. Technicians typically check for torn rubber, rust staining, excessive play, and noises during low-speed steering on rough surfaces. Many workshops recommend replacing the mounts whenever front struts are renewed, or if symptoms are present, to avoid doing the job twice. Quality OE-spec mounts and new self-locking hardware should be used, the coil spring safely compressed, and fasteners torqued to spec. A wheel alignment afterwards is a must to keep tyre wear tidy and steering straight.

• Common signs they’re tired: clunks on bumps, creaks when turning, vague or wandering steering, uneven front tyre wear, and slow steering return to centre.
• Good practice: replace in axle pairs, inspect top insulators, dust boots and stabiliser links at the same time, and road test over low-speed bumps.

For city driving and Aussie/Kiwi road conditions, many owners see long life from their Prius strut mounts. Still, at higher kilometres or if the car has met a few potholes, fresh mounts can sharpen steering feel and restore that smooth, quiet ride they expect.

Popular questions

Do all 2020 Prius models have front strut mounts?
Yes. Toyota’s front suspension design for the 2020 Prius is a MacPherson strut, which uses a top strut mount with an integrated bearing. The rear uses a double-wishbone setup, so there are no rear strut mounts.

How long do Prius strut mounts usually last?
There’s no set lifespan. Many last well past 100,000 km, but harsh roads, heavy loads or a leaking strut can shorten their service life. They’re commonly replaced when doing front struts, or earlier if noises or steering roughness show up.

Do strut mounts need replacing with the struts?
It’s recommended. Even if a mount isn’t completely failed, a worn bearing or perished rubber can undermine the benefit of new struts. Replacing mounts and struts together, then doing an alignment, delivers the best result and saves labour down the track.