Parts for your 2020 Volvo Xc60-Strut mounts

Are strut mounts used on the 2020 Volvo XC60?

For the 2020 Volvo XC60, “strut mounts” aren’t the relevant part because this model doesn’t use a MacPherson strut front suspension. Instead, it’s built on Volvo’s SPA architecture with a double wishbone front end and an integral link (multi-link) rear. That setup is detailed in Volvo’s technical communications for the SPA platform and the XC60 model line (Volvo Cars Global Newsroom/Technical Facts), as well as commonly reflected in workshop data (e.g., Volvo VIDA service info and independent specification guides). In a MacPherson layout, a strut mount includes a bearing to allow the whole strut to rotate with steering. The XC60’s double wishbone design separates steering and spring/damper functions, so there’s no need for a strut-top bearing unit.

What the XC60 does have are upper mounts for the shock absorbers (damper top mounts/isolators) at both ends. These mounts cushion noise and vibration and hold the damper in place, but they don’t carry steering loads or rotate like a traditional strut mount. That’s the key reason “strut mounts” (as a specific MacPherson component) aren’t used on the 2020 XC60.

If a customer is chasing noises up front—think clunks over bumps, light knocking at low speed, or a dull thud on speed humps—it’s more likely related to: front damper top mounts/isolators, control arm bushes or ball joints in the double wishbone assembly, sway bar (stabiliser) links and bushes, or, less commonly, the damper itself. At the rear, similar knocks can come from the multi-link bushes, rear damper top mounts, or sway bar hardware.

Service advice for Aussie and Kiwi roads: at each service or every 20,000 km, get the technician to check the front and rear damper top mounts for perishing, cracking, or excessive play, and re-torque the associated fasteners to spec. If there’s a persistent rattle over sharp bumps, have them inspect the sway bar links and wishbone bushes first. If tyre wear is getting choppy or you’re feeling skittishness over corrugations, ask for a suspension health check and a wheel alignment. Where top mounts are fatigued, replacing them in pairs with quality parts will restore ride comfort and cabin quiet without the cost of replacing the whole damper if it still tests fine.

• Technical references: Volvo Cars Global Newsroom technical briefs for SPA/XC60 (double wishbone front, integral link rear), Volvo VIDA workshop information listing suspension types for 2018–2020 XC60, independent service spec data reflecting the same architecture.

FAQs

Does the 2020 Volvo XC60 have strut mounts?

No. The 2020 XC60 uses a double wishbone front suspension rather than a MacPherson strut, so it doesn’t use a traditional strut mount with a steering bearing. It uses damper (shock) top mounts/isolators instead.

What should be checked instead of strut mounts on a 2020 XC60?

Have the workshop inspect the front and rear damper top mounts, front control arm bushes and ball joints, sway bar links/bushes, and rear multi-link bushes. These are the usual suspects for knocks or vibration in this model.

How often should the XC60’s damper top mounts be replaced?

There’s no fixed interval. Replace when there’s cracking, separation, or play, or when diagnosing knock/thump noises that trace to the mount. On rougher Aussie/NZ roads, many owners see inspection findings around 80,000–120,000 km. Always replace in axle pairs and follow Volvo torque specs.