Parts for your 2019 Lexus Is-Struts

Understanding Struts on the 2019 Lexus IS: What They Do and When to Service Them

The 2019 Lexus IS is a popular luxury sports sedan that offers a smooth, comfortable ride and sharp handling. Like many modern vehicles, it relies on a sophisticated suspension system to deliver that driving experience. When talking about suspension components, struts are often a big part of the conversation. So do struts play a role in the 2019 Lexus IS? The short answer is yes - the 2019 Lexus IS does use struts, specifically in its front suspension setup. Let's dive into why they matter and what owners should know about maintaining or replacing them.

Struts might sound like a fancy or complicated piece of car jargon, but they're quite straightforward in their function. In essence, a strut is a key part of the suspension system that combines shock absorption and structural support in one component. Unlike a standard shock absorber that just dampens road bumps, a strut also supports the weight of the vehicle and helps keep the tyres aligned properly.

On the 2019 Lexus IS, the front suspension typically uses MacPherson struts. This setup is common in many modern cars because it's compact and efficient. Each strut combines a coil spring and shock absorber into one unit, mounted directly between the wheel hub and the vehicle body. This design helps keep the front end stable during cornering and absorbs impacts from uneven road surfaces.

At the rear, the Lexus IS uses a multi-link setup that generally relies on separate shock absorbers and springs rather than struts. This rear arrangement supports sporty handling characteristics and improves ride comfort. So, while the rear doesn't use struts in the traditional sense, the front struts play an essential role in the car's overall suspension performance.

Understanding the purpose of these front struts is key for any Lexus IS owner who wants to keep their car driving smoothly. The coil spring portion of the strut supports the vehicle's weight and maintains ride height. Meanwhile, the shock absorber inside controls the spring's rebound and compression, preventing excessive bouncing. Together, this keeps the tyres planted firmly on the road, enhancing grip, handling, and ride comfort.

When it comes to maintenance, struts are considered wear components. Over time, the shock absorber's internal seals can deteriorate, and the gas or hydraulic fluid can leak out. This causes the strut to lose its damping ability, leading to a rougher ride, increased body roll in corners, and potentially uneven tyre wear. Struts can also become noisy if the internal components start to fail or if the coil spring wears out or breaks.

So how does an owner know if the front struts on a 2019 Lexus IS need attention? Some common signs to watch out for include:

• Increased bouncing after hitting a bump or pothole
• Nose diving when braking
• Feelings of instability when cornering or during sudden manoeuvres
• Uneven tyre wear, especially on the front tyres
• Visible leaking fluid on or around the strut body
• Unusual clunking or knocking noises coming from the front suspension

If any of these symptoms crop up, it's a good idea to get the car inspected by a qualified technician. They can perform a detailed assessment which might include a bounce test or visual inspection to check the struts' condition.

Replacement of struts is not an everyday task but one that should be considered after around 80,000 to 100,000 kilometres, depending on driving conditions and how rough the roads usually are. Some drivers might find they need new struts earlier, especially if they often tackle rough terrain or pothole-ridden streets.

Replacing struts is a job best left to professionals because it requires special tools and techniques. Proper installation is essential to maintain correct suspension geometry and vehicle safety. It also ensures that the vehicle's ride height and alignment are correct, which affects tyre life and handling.

During servicing, technicians often recommend replacing the strut mounts and bearings along with the struts themselves. These components wear out too and can contribute to suspension noise and less precise handling.

Regular suspension checks during servicing intervals can help spot issues early before they become more costly or affect safety. While the Lexus IS drives beautifully as standard, keeping an eye on the struts and the overall suspension system ensures it stays that way for years to come.

At the end of the day, struts are a critical part of what makes the 2019 Lexus IS such a refined sedan. They help balance comfort and control, smoothing out rough roads while giving drivers confidence around corners. Treating them well by monitoring for wear, listening for unusual noises, and getting professional inspections as part of routine servicing means the Lexus IS's legendary ride quality will keep impressing mile after mile.