Parts for your 2016 Lexus Is-Struts

2016 Lexus IS struts — what’s actually fitted

Short answer: traditional MacPherson suspension struts aren’t used on the 2016 Lexus IS. According to Lexus New Car Features (2014–2016, Suspension), the Toyota/Lexus Repair Manual (RM) for the XE30 IS range, and Lexus global press materials for the third‑gen IS, the car runs a double‑wishbone front suspension and a multi‑link rear, each with separate coil springs and gas‑filled shock absorbers. That layout means the dampers aren’t structural “struts” that locate the wheel, control arms do the locating, while the shocks handle damping only.

Why no struts? The double‑wishbone front end was chosen for sharper steering feel, better camber control in hard cornering, and a lower bonnet line for aero and packaging. Versus a MacPherson strut, the wishbone geometry keeps the tyre’s contact patch happier under load, which suits the IS’s sporty brief. Out back, the multi‑link arrangement gives precise wheel control and ride compliance without needing a structural strut.

What owners should service instead of “struts” are the shock absorbers and associated hardware. On a 2016 IS, that means front shocks with separate upper mounts, lower bushes and ball joints in the control arms, and rear shocks integrated with coil springs but still not acting as structural struts. If the car has Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) on certain grades, the dampers include electronic control and must be replaced with AVS‑compatible units.

Typical service advice in Aus/NZ conditions: have the shocks, mounts and suspension bushes inspected every 40,000–60,000 km, and expect replacement anywhere from 80,000–120,000 km depending on road quality and driving style. Replace dampers in axle pairs, and book a wheel alignment straight after. For bushings and ball joints, choose quality OEM or reputable aftermarket parts and ensure all control‑arm bolts are torqued under vehicle load to avoid bushing pre‑load. If AVS is fitted, use the correct dampers and follow workshop procedures to avoid warning lights and preserve drive‑mode behaviour.

• Common wear clues: oily shock bodies, a floaty or bouncy ride, nose‑dive under braking, clunky knocks over bumps, steering shimmy, or uneven tyre wear.
• Nice upgrades: fresh sway‑bar links and top mounts with the new shocks, plus an alignment targeting a road‑friendly spec for even tyre wear and stable highway tracking.

FAQs

Does a 2016 Lexus IS have struts or shocks?
It uses double‑wishbone front and multi‑link rear suspension with separate shock absorbers. Technical sources (Lexus NCF and the XE30 Repair Manual) specify no MacPherson struts on this model.

What should be replaced instead of struts?
Replace the shock absorbers, upper mounts, sway‑bar links, and any worn control‑arm bushes or ball joints. Always do shocks in pairs and get an alignment after.

How can someone tell the shocks are worn?
Look for oil leaks on the damper body, bouncing after speed humps, extra body roll, nose‑dive, knocks over bumps, or cupped/uneven tyre wear. A suspension specialist can confirm with a road test and inspection.