Parts for your 2009 Lexus Is-Strut mounts

2009 Lexus IS strut-mounts — what’s actually on the car

Short answer: the 2009 Lexus IS (IS250, IS350 and IS F, XE20 series) doesn’t use MacPherson struts, so traditional strut-mounts aren’t a thing on this model. Technical sources back this up. The Lexus New Car Features (NCF) for the IS250/IS350 describes a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear, and the Toyota/Lexus Repair Manual and EPC for the GSE/USE20 platform list upper shock insulators/mounts rather than strut top bearings. In other words, there’s no steering-bearing “strut mount” up front because the damper isn’t the steering pivot.

Here’s why that matters. On a MacPherson strut car, the strut mount (with an integrated bearing) carries the vehicle’s weight and lets the whole strut turn with the steering. The 2009 IS uses double wishbones at the front, so wheel location and steering geometry are handled by the upper and lower control arms. The front shock absorber simply dampens movement and doesn’t rotate for steering, so it’s bolted to the body through a rubberised upper insulator/mount without a turntable bearing. Out back, the multi-link rear also uses separate shock mounts/insulators, not strut-mounts.

If someone’s searching “strut-mounts” for this car, what they usually need are the shock absorber upper mounts/insulators (sometimes called suspension support or spring seat in Toyota-speak). These rubber components can age and harden, causing knocks over bumps, vague front-end feel, or a thud on rebound. They’re serviceable parts: replace them when doing shocks, or if there’s visible cracking, sagging, or persistent clunks. Always torque the centre nut and top mount fasteners to spec and refit any dust boots and isolators so the new bits last.

Technical references consulted: Lexus New Car Features (IS250/IS350 XE20), Toyota/Lexus Repair Manual for GSE20/21/USE20 front and rear suspension, and Toyota/Lexus Electronic Parts Catalogue listing shock insulators and mounts (no front strut top bearings specified).

• Front suspension: double wishbone with coil-over shock and an upper rubber insulator/mount (no strut top bearing).
• Rear suspension: multi-link with separate shock mounts/insulators.
• Common service tip: renew upper shock mounts/insulators when replacing dampers to avoid repeat labour and freshen NVH.

FAQs

Does a 2009 Lexus IS have strut mounts?
No. It uses a double-wishbone front end and multi-link rear, so there are shock absorber mounts/insulators rather than MacPherson-style strut-mounts with a steering bearing. If a catalogue lists “strut mounts”, it’s typically referring to those shock mounts.

What should be replaced when doing shocks on a 2009 IS?
Plan on new upper shock mounts/insulators, rubber spring isolators, and dust boots/bump stops. Worn mounts can cause knocks, poor NVH and slightly vague steering feel. Using quality parts and torquing to spec saves headaches later.

How can someone tell the mounts/insulators are tired?
Look for perished or cracked rubber, a metallic clunk over sharp bumps, or a thunk on rebound. Uneven tyre noise and harsher ride can also point to hardened mounts. If the shocks are due, it’s smart to refresh the mounts at the same time.