Parts for your 2020 Volkswagen Amarok-Strut mounts

2020 Volkswagen Amarok strut-mounts: relevant or not?

Short answer: strut-mounts aren’t used on the 2020 Volkswagen Amarok. Volkswagen engineered the Amarok (2H) with an independent double-wishbone front suspension that pairs upper and lower control arms with a coil spring over a shock absorber, plus a separate steering knuckle. That architecture doesn’t use a MacPherson strut, so there’s no strut top bearing or “strut-mount” assembly in the classic sense.

Technical sources backing this up include the Volkswagen Amarok (2H) Repair Manual – Suspension, Wheels, Steering (ElsaPro), which specifies a double-wishbone front axle with coil spring over damper and a stabiliser bar, the Volkswagen Australia MY20 Amarok technical specifications, which list double wishbone front suspension, and Volkswagen parts information (ETKA) for the 2H front axle, which shows upper and lower control arms, shock absorbers and mounting hardware but no MacPherson strut or strut-top bearing unit.

Why no strut-mounts? In a MacPherson setup, the strut-mount supports vehicle load and contains a bearing that lets the whole strut rotate for steering. On the Amarok, steering pivoting happens at the upper and lower ball joints on the control arms and knuckle. The shock absorber’s top is held by a rubber/metal mount that doesn’t steer and doesn’t contain a bearing. For a ute expected to deal with heavy loads and rough tracks across Australia and New Zealand, the double-wishbone layout gives robust geometry control, good wheel travel and durability without relying on a strut tower and top bearing.

What to service instead of “strut-mounts”? For front-end ride and handling, the focus is on:

• Upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Front shock absorbers and their rubber upper mounts/bushes
• Stabiliser (sway) bar links and bushes
• Wheel bearings, alignment, and tyre condition

If you’re chasing clunks, knocks or vague steering on a 2020 Amarok, start with those items. Note that some aftermarket catalogues loosely call the front coilover a “strut”, but the Amarok still doesn’t use a steering strut-mount/bearing at the top—so you won’t find a traditional strut top to replace.

Popular questions about 2020 Volkswagen Amarok strut-mounts

Does a 2020 Volkswagen Amarok have strut-mounts?
No. The Amarok’s front end is double wishbone with a coil-over shock, not a MacPherson strut, so there’s no strut top bearing or classic strut-mount. Steering pivot is via the ball joints, and the shock’s top uses a rubber/metal mount that doesn’t rotate.

What usually causes front-end clunks if there’s no strut-mount?
Common culprits are worn control arm bushes, tired ball joints, flogged-out sway bar links/bushes or a deteriorated shock upper mount bush. A proper inspection under load, plus checking torque on through-bolts with the vehicle at ride height, usually pinpoints the issue.

When replacing front shocks on an Amarok, do you need a new top mount?
There’s no strut-mount bearing to renew, but it’s smart to inspect and often replace the shock’s upper rubber mount/bush, spring seat and isolators while the coilover is out. Use a quality spring compressor, refit hardware to spec, and book a wheel alignment after any suspension work.