Parts for your 2004 Lexus Is-Strut mounts

2004 Lexus IS strut-mounts — are they used on this model?

Short answer: no, proper “strut-mounts” aren’t used on the 2004 Lexus IS (XE10 – IS200/IS300). Technical references including the Lexus/Toyota Repair Manual (TIS) for JCE10/GXE10, the New Car Features manual for the XE10 platform, and major parts catalogues specify a double-wishbone suspension front and rear. With this layout, the vehicle doesn’t run a MacPherson strut, so it doesn’t need a strut-mount with a steering bearing at the top. Instead, it uses a shock absorber and coil spring assembly with an upper mounting insulator, while the wheel location and steering pivot are managed by the upper and lower control arms and ball joints.

Why that matters: a true strut-mount is a structural top mount for a MacPherson strut that carries vehicle load and allows the strut to rotate as the wheels steer. On the 2004 IS, the damper doesn’t serve as a structural steering member, it just handles damping and spring support. The double-wishbone arms control camber and caster, and the knuckle pivots on ball joints — so there’s no need for a strut-mount bearing at the top. That’s why you’ll see “front shock absorber mounting insulator” or “upper insulator” in the factory documentation, not a strut-mount/bearing unit.

If the goal is to cure top-end knocks, creaks, or vague steering on this car, attention should shift to the parts it actually uses:

• Front shock absorber upper insulators, seats, bump stops and dust boots
• Upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Stabiliser (sway bar) links and bushes

Good workshop practice for the 2004 IS is to inspect these items at regular services (around every 20,000 km or annually), replace in axle pairs where sensible, and torque suspension fasteners with the vehicle at normal ride height to avoid premature bush wear. If fitting new shocks or coilovers, ensure the correct top hardware is used for the XE10 double-wishbone design — some aftermarket catalogues loosely label “strut mounts,” but for this chassis they’re shock mounts/insulators. That keeps the ride quiet, steering sharp, and tyre wear tidy for Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Popular questions

Does a 2004 Lexus IS have strut-mounts?
No. The 2004 IS200/IS300 runs double-wishbone suspension, so it doesn’t use MacPherson strut-mounts. It has an upper shock absorber insulator instead. Lexus/Toyota service manuals and parts catalogues list these components accordingly.

What should be checked instead of strut-mounts on a 2004 IS?
Look at the front shock upper insulators, control arm bushes and ball joints, plus sway bar links/bushes. These are the usual suspects for top-end knocks, tramlining, or uneven tyre wear on the XE10 platform.

Will aftermarket coilovers change the need for a strut-mount?
Even with coilovers, the 2004 IS still uses the double-wishbone layout. Coilover kits include top hats/mounts suited to this design, not a rotating strut-mount with a bearing like a MacPherson setup. Always use mounts supplied or specified for the XE10.