Parts for your 2010 Lexus Is-Gas struts

2010 Lexus IS — Are gas struts used, and what should owners know?

For the 2010 Lexus IS sedan range (IS 250, IS 350 and IS F), gas struts aren’t an OEM fitment for either the bonnet or the boot. Factory documentation lists a bonnet support rod rather than lift supports, and the boot is counterbalanced with torsion bars built into the hinge assembly. This is confirmed across Lexus Technical Information System (TIS) Repair Manual sections for the Hood and Luggage Compartment Door, the Body Repair Manual, and the Lexus Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) diagrams for the XE20 platform. The IS C (convertible) also does not use simple gas struts for the lid, its power hardtop relies on a dedicated mechanism with linkages and actuators instead.

Why no gas struts? Lexus engineered the second‑gen IS with a robust, space‑efficient setup: a prop rod for the bonnet and torsion bars for the boot. That choice reduces weight and complexity, avoids the long‑term pressure loss that gas struts can suffer, and keeps sealing/packaging tight in the IS’s compact engine bay and boot aperture. It’s also cost‑effective and has proven reliability in high‑heat environments common in Australia and New Zealand.

Owners who want the easy one‑handed lift and soft close feel of gas struts can look at reputable aftermarket bonnet lift kits designed for the 2006–2013 IS chassis, but these are upgrades, not factory parts. Good kits use vehicle‑specific brackets and stainless hardware and are designed to clear the bonnet and guards without rubbing.

• Bonnet: OEM is a manual prop rod, no factory gas struts on 2010 IS sedans.
• Boot: OEM uses torsion bars within the hinge assembly, no factory gas struts.
• Convertible (IS C): Uses a powered roof/boot mechanism, not conventional gas lift supports.

If retrofitting, they’ll want to pick corrosion‑resistant struts with appropriate extension force for alloy or steel bonnets, follow torque specs provided by the kit maker, and recheck fasteners after a week of driving. It’s also wise to confirm that any added brackets don’t foul the bonnet liner or washer hoses. During regular servicing, a quick wipe and inspection for any play at mounting points will keep aftermarket struts working sweet as. If a fitted strut starts to weep oil, hisses, or fails to hold the bonnet at full height, replacement as a pair is the safest bet.

FAQs

Does a 2010 Lexus IS have gas struts from factory?

No. The OEM setup is a bonnet prop rod and boot torsion bars on 2010 IS sedans, verified in Lexus TIS repair procedures and EPC diagrams for the XE20 platform.

Can gas struts be retrofitted to the bonnet?

Yes. Several aftermarket kits exist for the 2006–2013 IS. Choose a kit that’s model‑specific, uses solid brackets, and won’t interfere with the bonnet liner. Install carefully and recheck fixings after initial drives.

What maintenance is needed if aftermarket gas struts are installed?

Keep the shafts clean, avoid silicone or petroleum sprays on the seals, and inspect mounts during each service. Replace struts in pairs if lift height drops or if oil seepage appears.