Parts for your 2008 Lexus Is-Strut mounts

2008 Lexus IS strut-mounts — what’s actually on the car

Short answer: strut-mounts aren’t a thing on the 2008 Lexus IS (IS250/IS350/IS F, XE20). This model runs a front double‑wishbone setup and a rear multi‑link arrangement, not MacPherson struts. Because there’s no strut up front, there’s no traditional strut top mount to replace. This layout is detailed in Lexus’ New Car Features (XE20 chassis), the Lexus Repair Manual (Suspension & Axle, 2008 IS), and Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue, and it’s reflected in aftermarket data from KYB and Monroe, which list shock absorber upper supports/insulators rather than “strut mounts.”

What the IS does have are shock absorbers with upper supports (often called “shock mounts” or “insulators”). In a MacPherson system, the strut mount carries vehicle weight, locates the steering knuckle, and isolates noise. In the IS’s double‑wishbone front end, the wishbones handle location and geometry, while the shock absorber and spring manage damping and ride height. The upper support is still important for noise and vibration isolation, but it’s not a structural strut top in the MacPherson sense.

If someone’s searching for “2008‑lexus‑is/strut-mounts,” they’re likely after the front shock absorber upper support/insulator or the rear shock upper mount. Parts catalogues sometimes use “strut mount” generically, but for this car you’ll want the correct shock mount/insulator terminology to get the right bits.

• Typical symptoms of tired shock mounts/insulators: clunks over sharp bumps, a dull thud on take‑off or braking, or perished rubber you can see under the bonnet or in the boot.
• Service tips: inspect mounts, rubbers and bearings at each major service (around 20,000–30,000 km), replace mounts when fitting new dampers, and always do both sides on an axle together.
• Also check related wear items: front lower control arm bushes and ball joints, rear multi‑link bushes, bump stops and dust boots. Tyre feathering or cupping can hint at worn dampers or mounts.

For anyone keen on keeping the IS tight and quiet over rough Kiwi or Aussie roads, fresh shock mounts and quality dampers pay off. Use new hardware, follow the Lexus Repair Manual procedures, and torque fasteners at ride height to avoid bush preload. That way you’ll keep the ride comfy and the steering feel crisp without chasing noises later.

Popular questions

Does a 2008 Lexus IS have strut mounts?
No. The 2008 IS uses a double‑wishbone front and multi‑link rear, so there are no MacPherson struts and no true strut top mounts. Instead it has shock absorber upper supports/insulators that isolate noise and vibration but don’t serve as a structural strut top.

What should be replaced if there’s a clunk over bumps?
Start with an inspection of the front and rear shock mounts/insulators, bump stops and dust boots. If the rubber is cracked or the centre sleeve has play, replace the mounts. Also check front lower control arm bushes and ball joints, and rear multi‑link bushes. Many owners do mounts when fitting new dampers to avoid doubling up on labour.

When should the shock mounts be changed on an IS?
There’s no fixed interval, but inspecting every 20,000–30,000 km is sensible. In Aussie and NZ conditions, mounts commonly get replaced when dampers are renewed, often around 100,000–150,000 km, or sooner if there’s noise, harshness, or visible perishing.