Parts for your 2017 Lexus Is-Strut mounts

2017 Lexus IS strut-mounts: are they used, and what to service instead?

Short answer: strut-mounts aren’t used on the 2017 Lexus IS. Technical sources including the Lexus IS (XE30, 2017) Repair Manual – Suspension section, the Lexus New Car Features (NCF) for the XE30 platform, and the Toyota/Lexus Electronic Parts Catalogue (models GSE30/GSE31/AVE30) confirm the IS uses a double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear. That layout doesn’t use a MacPherson strut, so there’s no traditional strut-mount with a steering bearing.

What the IS has instead at the front is a shock absorber (damper) and coil spring with a top support/insulator, often listed in the EPC as a “Front Suspension Support Sub-Assembly,” plus upper and lower control arms that handle wheel location and steering geometry. Because the shock doesn’t rotate to steer, there’s no strut top bearing to wear out. At the rear, the multi-link setup uses either a separate spring and damper or a coil-over style damper depending on variant, again with upper and lower shock mounts/insulators rather than a strut-mount.

Why that matters: if someone’s searching for “strut-mounts” for a 2017 IS, they’re likely seeing a mislabeled aftermarket listing. The correct service focus is on the shock absorber mounts/insulators, control arm bushes, ball joints, stabiliser (sway bar) links and bushes, and the shocks themselves. For F Sport or cars with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), the damper top has an actuator—still not a strut bearing—so extra care with wiring and seal integrity is key.

• When to inspect: at regular servicing intervals (15,000–20,000 km), or sooner if there are clunks, creaks, or tyre cupping.
• What to look for: perished rubber insulators, leaking dampers, loose stabiliser links, worn control arm bushes/ball joints.
• Best practice: use quality OE or equivalent parts, support the lower arm during removal, use a proper spring compressor, and have the wheel alignment checked after suspension work.

Bottom line for this model: no strut-mounts to replace. Instead, keep the shock mounts/insulators and the IS’s control arm hardware in good nick for quiet, precise ride and handling.

Does a 2017 Lexus IS have strut-mounts?

No. The XE30-series IS runs double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, so it doesn’t use MacPherson struts or strut-mount bearings. It uses shock absorber mounts/insulators and control arms to locate and steer the wheel.

What should be replaced if there’s a front-end clunk on a 2017 IS?

Start with the front shock absorber upper support/insulator, stabiliser links and bushes, and the upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints. Also check the shock for leaks. These are the usual suspects on this platform.

Is the advice different for AVS-equipped (F Sport) cars?

The inspection points are the same, but take care with the AVS actuator on the damper top and its wiring. The upper support is still an insulator, not a strut bearing. Always follow the Lexus repair manual procedures for AVS components.