Parts for your 2018 Lexus Is-Struts

2018 Lexus IS struts: are they actually used on this model?

Short answer: no, the 2018 Lexus IS doesn’t use MacPherson struts. Lexus specifies a double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear for the XE30-series IS (including 2018). In this layout the shock absorber (damper) and coil spring aren’t a structural “strut” that carries corner loads and locates the wheel, instead, upper and lower control arms locate the hub, and the damper simply controls motion.

Technical references that confirm this:

• Lexus New Car Features (NCF) manual for IS (XE30, 2014–2020): front suspension is double wishbone, rear is multi-link. No MacPherson strut architecture is used.
• Lexus/Toyota Repair Manual for 2018 IS models (GSE31/AVE30 variants): front suspension component breakdown shows upper and lower arms with a shock absorber and separate coil spring assembly, the damper is not a load-bearing strut.
• Lexus technical training and press materials for the XE30 IS highlight the double wishbone front for improved camber control and steering precision, with a multi-link rear for stability.

Why Lexus doesn’t use struts on the 2018 IS comes down to dynamics and packaging. A double wishbone front end keeps a more favourable camber curve through bumps and cornering, helping the tyres hang on better and sharpen steering feel—perfect for the IS’s sport-sedan brief. It also lets engineers tune geometry independently of spring/damper choices and can help with bonnet height and crash structure packaging. The rear multi-link complements this by maintaining toe and camber control for planted behaviour at speed.

What to service instead of “struts”? On an IS, technicians look to front and rear shock absorbers (standard or AVS adaptive units), coil springs, top mounts, control arm bushes, ball joints and stabiliser links. If the vehicle has Adaptive Variable Suspension, damper replacement should be done with care—correct connectors, torque settings and a post-job calibration/health check are recommended. After any shock or arm work, a four-wheel alignment is a must to protect tyres and keep the car feeling crisp. Typical tell-tales for tired dampers include a choppy ride on coarse chip, longer braking distances over bumps and the nose bobbing after speed humps. Most owners start checking around 80–120,000 km or sooner if the car sees rough roads.

FAQs

Does a 2018 Lexus IS have struts?
No. It runs a double wishbone front and multi-link rear setup. The front dampers are not structural struts. Parts catalogues sometimes use “strut” as shorthand, but on this car you’re really looking at shock absorbers and associated arms and mounts.

What suspension parts replace “struts” on a 2018 IS?
Front and rear shock absorbers (AVS or non-AVS), coil springs, top mounts, control arm bushes and ball joints, plus stabiliser links. When these wear, they cause the same symptoms people often blame on “struts”—float, knocks and uneven tyre wear.

Can coilovers turn a 2018 IS into a strut suspension?
No. Aftermarket coilovers for the IS are still dampers and springs that fit the double wishbone architecture. Converting the chassis to a MacPherson strut design would require major fabrication and isn’t a practical or advisable path.