Parts for your 2020 Lexus Is-Strut mounts

Are strut mounts used on the 2020 Lexus IS?

Short answer: no, proper “strut mounts” aren’t a thing on the 2020 Lexus IS. That generation of IS (including IS 300/350 and F Sport) runs a double wishbone front suspension and a multi‑link rear, not MacPherson struts. In a MacPherson setup, the strut top mount carries vehicle weight, locates the suspension, and incorporates a bearing so the assembly can steer — that’s the classic strut mount. On the IS, steering pivoting happens at the ball joints within the control arms, so there’s no strut top bearing plate to speak of.

This isn’t just hearsay. Lexus’ own technical material and press specs for the XE30-series IS state a front double‑wishbone layout and a rear multi‑link design, and the Toyota/Lexus Repair Manual (TIS) describes the front as “Double Wishbone Type” and the rear as “Multi‑link Type.” In the parts catalogue you’ll see items like “shock absorber mounting insulator/cushion” and “support sub‑assembly,” not a strut mount with a steering bearing. Some aftermarket sites loosely label any damper top as a “strut mount,” but on the IS it’s a shock top mount/insulator rather than a true strut mount.

What does that mean for servicing? Owners and workshops should focus on the components this chassis actually uses:

• Front: upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints, shock absorbers with their top insulators/cushions, stabiliser (sway) bar links and bushes.
• Rear: multi‑link arm bushes and ball joints, shock absorbers and top mounts/insulators, stabiliser links and bushes.

If there’s a clunk over sharp bumps, a thunk on driveway entries, or a vague front end feel, it’s far more likely to be a tired shock top insulator, worn control arm bush, or a loose stabiliser link than a “strut mount.” Tyre feathering, uneven shoulder wear, and mid‑corner patter can point to bush wear or dampers that have gone soft. After any suspension work, a proper four‑wheel alignment is a must to keep tyre wear tidy and steering feel crisp.

Recommended maintenance intervals in Australia and New Zealand conditions vary with kms and road quality, but a good rule of thumb is to inspect all bushes, ball joints, shock absorbers, and top mounts/insulators every 40,000–60,000 km, or sooner if there are noises, leaks, or steering shimmy. Genuine or quality aftermarket parts will keep the IS riding flat and quiet without introducing harshness.

Does a 2020 Lexus IS have strut mounts?

No. The 2020 IS uses a double wishbone front and multi‑link rear suspension, so there’s no MacPherson strut or strut top bearing. Instead, it has shock absorber top mounts/insulators that don’t rotate for steering.

What should be serviced instead of strut mounts on a 2020 IS?

Focus on shock absorbers and their top insulators, front upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints, rear multi‑link arm bushes/ball joints, and stabiliser bar links and bushes. Check and align the vehicle after any suspension work.

What symptoms suggest worn shock mounts or control arm bushes on a 2020 IS?

Listen for clunks over bumps, feel for steering nibble or looseness, and watch for uneven tyre wear. Oil mist on a damper body hints at a leaking shock, while cracked or torn bushes can cause knocks and instability under braking.