Parts for your 2017 Lexus Is-Struts

2017 Lexus IS — Are Struts Used?

Short answer: struts aren’t used on the 2017 Lexus IS. Technical documentation lists a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear, both using shock absorbers (dampers) rather than MacPherson struts. Key sources include the Lexus IS (XE30) New Car Features manual on Toyota/Lexus Tech Info (TIS), the 2017 IS Factory Repair Manual (Suspension section), and Lexus’ 2017 IS technical press materials, all of which specify double-wishbone up front and multi-link at the rear.

Why no struts? A MacPherson strut doubles as a structural member that locates the wheel. The IS uses an upper and lower control arm at the front (double wishbone), allowing finer camber control through the suspension travel and more precise steering feel—ideal for a sports sedan brief. At the rear, the multi-link arrangement separates wheel control duties across several arms for better ride/handling balance. Dampers here don’t carry structural loads like a true strut, they simply control spring motion.

What does that mean for servicing? When owners or parts sites say “struts” for a 2017 IS, they generally mean the shock absorber assemblies. Maintenance should focus on:

• Front shock absorber and top mount/insulator (coil-over style, but not a structural strut)
• Rear shock absorbers and mounts
• Control arm bushes and ball joints (front double wishbone), and rear multi-link bushes
• Sway bar (stabiliser) links and bushes
• Wheel alignment after any arm or damper replacement

Inspection every 20,000 km (or at each service) is sensible: look for oil seepage from dampers, cupped or feathered tyres, clunks over bumps, excess bounce, dive or float. On Aussie and NZ roads, many dampers are past their best between 80,000–120,000 km, sooner if the car tows or lives on rough surfaces. Always torque control arm bolts at normal ride height to avoid twisting new bushes.

Some 2017 IS grades run Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). That’s still a damper, not a strut—just electronically controlled. If AVS is fitted, make sure replacements are AVS-compatible and the wiring and connectors are routed correctly, clear any suspension-related fault codes after the job. For safety, use a proper spring compressor when swapping front assemblies, or opt for quality pre-assembled units.

Popular questions about 2017 Lexus IS “struts”

Does the 2017 Lexus IS have struts?
No. It uses a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear with shock absorbers. People sometimes call the front coil-over damper a “strut”, but it isn’t a structural MacPherson strut.

What should be replaced if someone says “struts” on a 2017 IS?
They’re talking about the shock absorber assemblies. For the front, that’s the damper, spring, and top mount/insulator. At the rear, it’s the damper and mount. It’s smart to check sway bar links, control arm bushes and ball joints at the same time, and get a wheel alignment.

How often should dampers be replaced on a 2017 IS?
There’s no fixed kilometre rule, but many need attention around 80,000–120,000 km. Go by symptoms: leaking oil, knocking, floaty ride, poor high-speed stability, or uneven tyre wear. AVS-equipped cars should use AVS-specific dampers.