Parts for your 2012 Lexus Is-Strut mounts

2012 Lexus IS strut mounts – are they actually used?

Short answer: no, the 2012 Lexus IS (XE20 series: IS 250/350, including AWD and F Sport variants) doesn’t use MacPherson struts, so traditional strut mounts aren’t fitted. Lexus’ own technical literature backs this up. The New Car Features manual for the IS (GSE2#) details a double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear. The official Repair Manual on Toyota/Lexus TIS covers a “Front Shock Absorber with Coil Spring” rather than a strut assembly, and the Electronic Parts Catalogue (Group 48 – Front Spring & Shock Absorber) lists a “Support Sub‑Assembly, Front Shock Absorber” and spring insulators, not a strut top bearing/mount. That confirms there’s no conventional strut mount on this model.

Why no strut mount? On a MacPherson layout, the strut is a structural member and turns with steering, so it needs a dedicated strut top bearing/mount. The 2012 IS uses double wishbones up front, so the steering axis runs through the ball joints and knuckle. The shock/spring assembly doesn’t rotate, it’s simply bolted in with an upper support and rubber insulators. Same story down the back: the multi‑link rear has separate shock mounts, not struts.

If there’s a clunk or knock up front, owners should be thinking about the front shock absorber upper support/insulator, dust boots and bump stops, or wear in the upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints—rather than a “strut mount.” When changing front shocks, it’s smart to renew the upper support, upper and lower spring insulators, boot and bump stop. Typical inspection clues are perished rubber, sagging ride height, metallic tapping over sharp bumps, or steering shimmy that aligns with worn control arm bushes rather than a top bearing. There’s no fixed replacement interval, but many cars see these rubber pieces age out around 100–150,000 km, sooner if driven on rough roads. Use a proper spring compressor if reusing coils, torque everything at ride height, and book an alignment after any suspension work. Quality OEM or reputable aftermarket support kits are the go for a quiet, tight result.

• Front: Double wishbone with shock absorber upper support and spring insulators (no strut top bearing)
• Rear: Multi‑link with separate shock mounts
• Common service items: shock upper support, spring insulators, boots, bump stops, control arm bushes

Popular questions about 2012 Lexus IS strut mounts

Does a 2012 Lexus IS have strut mounts?
No. The 2012 IS uses double wishbone front suspension and a multi‑link rear, so there are no MacPherson struts and no traditional strut top mounts/bearings. Instead, it has a front shock absorber upper support and rubber insulators that secure the coilover to the body without needing a steering bearing.

What should be replaced when changing front shocks on a 2012 IS?
Along with the shock itself, it’s wise to renew the upper support, upper and lower spring insulators, dust boot and bump stop. Inspect upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints while you’re in there. Finish with a wheel alignment to keep tyre wear and handling on point.

What symptoms mimic a bad strut mount on this car?
Clunks over bumps, popping or creaks on driveway angles, or vague steering are usually from a tired shock upper support/insulator or worn control arm bushes and ball joints. Because there’s no strut bearing in this model, rotational grinds at the top mount aren’t typical, any steering noise often traces back to the arms or sway bar links.