Parts for your 2016 Lexus Is-Strut mounts

2016 Lexus IS strut mounts — what’s actually fitted?

Based on Lexus technical literature for the XE30-series IS (2014–2016) — including the Lexus/Toyota service information (TIS) Repair Manual and the New Car Features guide — the 2016 Lexus IS uses a double‑wishbone front suspension and a multi‑link rear. Because there’s no MacPherson strut at the front, conventional strut mounts (with a built‑in steering bearing) aren’t used on this model.

On cars with MacPherson struts, a strut mount carries vehicle weight, isolates vibration, and contains a bearing so the whole strut can rotate as you steer. The IS’s double‑wishbone layout does things differently: the upper and lower control arms locate the wheel and handle steering geometry, while the front shock absorber and spring act as a coilover that doesn’t rotate for steering. Up top, the IS uses a shock absorber upper insulator/bushing and hardware rather than a strut mount with a steering bearing.

What should owners look after instead? Focus on the components that do the isolation and location work in this chassis: the shock absorber upper insulators, front control arm bushes, ball joints, stabiliser (sway bar) links and bushes, and the rear multi‑link bushes. If there’s a clunk over bumps, a dull thud on take‑off/braking, or tyre wear on the inner edges, it’s worth inspecting those parts. Any oil misting on a shock body points to a tired damper. Rubber insulators or bushes that are cracked, perished, or split should be replaced to keep the ride quiet and the steering crisp.

• Listen for rattles over small bumps — often stabiliser links or worn upper insulators.
• Feel for vibration through the wheel on coarse chip — aged bushes/insulators can transmit more NVH.
• Check alignment after any suspension work, the IS is sensitive to camber/toe for even tyre wear.
• Use OE‑quality rubber or reputable aftermarket equivalents, torque fasteners at normal ride height.

If shopping online for “strut mounts” for a 2016 IS, parts listed are commonly mislabelled. They’re typically the front shock upper insulators or “top hats,” not MacPherson‑style mounts with bearings. Sticking with the Lexus parts catalogue terminology helps ensure the right bits land at the workshop first go.

FAQs

Does a 2016 Lexus IS have strut mounts?
No. The XE30 IS runs a double‑wishbone front end and a multi‑link rear, so it doesn’t use MacPherson struts or strut mounts with steering bearings. It uses shock absorber upper insulators/bushes instead.

What should be checked if it sounds like a bad strut mount?
Have the front shock upper insulators, stabiliser links/bushes, control arm bushes, and ball joints inspected. Also check the top nut on the shock, damper condition, and rear multi‑link bushes — all common sources of knocks and creaks.

Will coilovers add strut mounts to a 2016 IS?
Aftermarket coilovers may include alloy top plates or camber plates, but they don’t convert the car to a MacPherson layout. Expect more NVH and ensure parts are road‑legal locally, then book a precise alignment.