Parts for your 2009 Lexus Is-Gas struts

Gas struts on a 2009 Lexus IS — what’s actually fitted

For the 2009 Lexus IS sedan range (IS 250, IS 350 and IS F, chassis code XE20), gas struts are not fitted to the bonnet or the boot. This isn’t guesswork — the Lexus/Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for the XE20 platform lists a “hood support rod” for the bonnet and torsion springs for the boot lid, with no gas lift supports specified for either end. The 2009 Lexus IS Owner’s Manual also describes propping the bonnet open with a support rod, not a strut. These technical references make it clear that gas struts aren’t a factory part on the 2009 IS sedan’s bonnet or boot.

Why no gas struts? Lexus engineered the XE20 sedan with a simple steel bonnet prop and a torsion-bar boot hinge system. Both are compact, cost-effective, and very reliable over long service lives. Torsion bars provide consistent counterbalance for the boot without the extra seals, nitrogen charge, or end fittings that gas struts rely on.

• Packaging and weight: The IS sedan’s hinge geometry and under-bonnet layout suit a slim prop rod better than bulky cylinders.
• Reliability and cost: Torsion bars and prop rods rarely fail and have no gas to leak, keeping ownership costs down.
• Safety/feel: The torsion setup gives a predictable boot feel, while the prop rod positively locks the bonnet in place when raised.

Important exception: the 2009 IS C (convertible) uses gas-pressurised dampers as part of its deck-lid and roof mechanism. If the vehicle is an IS 250C or IS 350C, then gas struts/dampers are relevant to the rear deck and should be inspected and replaced in pairs if they lose pressure or the lid drops or moves sluggishly.

For owners of the 2009 IS sedan looking for an easier one-hand bonnet lift, aftermarket conversion kits do exist. Just note they’re not OEM, and installation may involve custom brackets and careful routing to avoid fouling the bonnet or guards.

• Does the 2009 Lexus IS have gas struts on the bonnet or boot?
  From factory, the 2009 IS sedan uses a bonnet prop rod and boot torsion bars — no gas struts are fitted. That’s supported by the Lexus/Toyota EPC and the Owner’s Manual procedures for opening and supporting the bonnet.
• Can gas struts be retrofitted to the 2009 IS bonnet?
  Yes, aftermarket kits are available. They’re a convenience upgrade rather than a factory part. Quality varies, so look for stainless hardware, proper end fittings, and a kit designed for the XE20. After fitting, check bonnet alignment and clearance through the full arc.
• Do IS C convertibles use gas struts, and how are they maintained?
  The IS C uses gas dampers for the deck lid/roof system. If the lid drops, hesitates, or the roof cycle strains, the dampers may be weak. Inspect for oil weep and reduced force, replace in pairs with the correct rate, and follow the convertible-top service procedure to maintain alignment.