Replaced a oil pan drain plug that was seriously damaged and stripped by a competitor that will NEVER get my business again! Shocks are used when a car or truck has a fixed axle connecting the wheels. Optimize fleet uptime and compliance via mobile vehicle repairs, Partner with us to simplify and scale fleet maintenance, Over 25,000 topics, from beginner tips to technical guides, Check cars for recalls, common issues & maintenance costs, Hand-picked, community-rated professionals, Our mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 cities, Explore nationwide job opportunities for automotive technicians, Trusted mechanics, rated by thousands of happy car owners, Fleet maintenance with certified mobile mechanics. Greg was on time and professional. A pair of shocks costs $500 to $1000, while a pair of struts costs $1000 to $2000. Porsche 911 - Oil Change - Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Brian is extremely knowledgeable and very personable and has taken very good care on my 911. Global ride control brand Monroe offers several designs to meet the unique requirements of each corresponding vehicle. Struts are a structural part of the suspension system and are mounted to the chassis of the vehicle on the top, and they come down through. All manufacturer names, symbols, and descriptions, used in our images and text are used solely for identification purposes only. Service consistently. While these two vehicle components are often discussed together, they are individual parts that provide a vital service for keeping your vehicle sturdy and safe. These assemblies consist of a strut cartridge and spring as a unit, whereas a vehicle with a shock-based suspension system will have a shock absorber and a separate coil or leaf spring. to stay up-to-date on our promotions, discounts, sales, special offers and more. Strut and shock products are typically sold in pairs because if one is worn out, the other is almost certain to follow suit. This is typically referred to as a strut but is sometimes called a coilover. A shock is a separate, "stand-alone" item in your suspension, while a strut contains a shock AND performs additional functions. Big Answer #1: All Struts Are Shocks, But Not All Shocks Are Struts. And Monroe shock is something that offers premium shock and struts, which is designed for complete coverage for vehicles. He treated my vehicle with care. What makes it worse is that almost all companies produce both in tandem. The primary difference between a strut and shock is in the design of the individual suspension system. This repair involves special spring-compressor tools, and is potentially dangerous. Shockwarehouse, America's Number 1 Shock and Strut Superstore, sells shock absorbers, struts and air suspension components for all types of cars, trucks, RVs and motorhomes, including specialized parts for lifted trucks, sports applications and transit/commercial vehicles. The part will cost more, but should take less labor time to install. Next, you may ask yourself "what does my ride have, shocks or struts?" Greg was very friendly and professional. I will be looking into them again. Thanks Greg! Until the wheel fails completely, you don’t get to know it will turn out like this either. From Bilstein 5100 or 4600 to Rancho's 5000, 7000 and 9000 series, I'll be doing a thorough comparison here. Shock absorbers, also known simply as "shocks" (which is what we will call them for the rest of this article), are the suspension components which stop your car or truck from bouncing up and down after hitting a bump. The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. YourMechanic’s technicians bring the dealership to you by performing this job at your home or office 7-days a week between 7AM-9PM. I would recommend Brian to all People typically use the terms shocks and struts to describe the same part since they actually serve the same function. Plus, what’s important to know when replacement time rolls around. A shock is a separate, "stand-alone" item in your suspension, while a strut contains a shock AND performs additional functions. The beauty of them is that the strut cartridge is often removable from under the hood, which means the strut itself doesn't need to be taken out of the car at all. Strut and shock absorber have a different way of attachment. Big Answer #2: Vehicles Have Either A Strut Or A Shock At Each Wheel; You Cannot Have Both At The Same Wheel; And When Replacing, You Always Replace Shocks With Shocks, And Struts With Struts. Struts also serve as pivots for the steering rack, and replaces upper arm control. Performance-Style Shocks Can Be A Nice Upgrade Over OE Quality Shocks. I look forward to my next appointment.... A++++++, Ford Expedition - Oil Change - Hampton, Virginia. Timothy is a fan of performance machines that run fast and loud and an expert in all things custom. A strut will also hold the coil springs, which supports the vehicle's weight along with shock duties. This strut consists of a lower housing, with the shock contained within it. Time for some offroad classics - Bilstein vs Rancho shocks. The same is to be said about struts. Suspension parts wear out over time. Repairs covered by 12-month/12,000-mile warranty. Again, let us warn you that special tools are needed! On these struts, there is a coil spring collar that can sit at different heights on the shock body, either through a collar that changes orientation (Pro Comp), or different grooves that the coil spring collar sits in (Bilstein). In other configurations, the coil spring is mounted to the shock absorber as a single unit supporting the vehicle. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair. Let’s take some time to break down what a shock is and a what strut is, the duties they perform, and what happens when they wear out. A few vehicles have shocks, not struts, at all four wheels. The rear end will bounce more than what you are use to when the shock worked. Choosing between Koni vs. Bilstein vs. Sachs Shocks/Struts Post categories In Volvo 850 , Volvo C70 , Volvo S70 & V70 1998-2000 , Volvo S80 , Volvo Suspension & Wheels , Volvo V50 , Volvo V70 2001-2007 , Volvo V70 R 2004-2007 , Volvo XC70 & V70XC , Volvo XC90 His numerous articles and write-ups are available at our knowledge base. Every car, truck, and utility vehicle has a suspension that is designed to do three things: Support the vehicle... Every car, truck, and utility vehicle sold today has at least one shock absorber (informally known as a shock) for each of its... People talking about vehicle suspensions often refer to “shocks and struts.” Hearing this, you may have wondered just what a strut is,... As long as the shock fits without hitting any components you should have no problems. Copyright © 2003-2021 CARiD.com. See more. It is noteworthy that the rack is equipped with a large diameter rod. He completed the job smoothly and so far so good. First time using Your mechanic and it was a pleasant experience. Very professional. The major difference between coilovers and standard shocks is that coilovers afford drivers much more control over a vehicle's suspension system. Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. While we cannot list every vehicle within this article, we can give you this general information: the majority of late-model cars, and even light-duty trucks, have struts in the front, and shocks in the rear. If you see that a "strut cartridge" is available for your ride, this means that the technician can disassemble your original strut, remove the internally contained shock (the strut cartridge, similar in concept to the ink cartridge inside a ball-point pen), install the new cartridge, and reassemble the strut. Your suspension system is what connects your car to its wheels. Struts like FCS helps to develop a web-based system. Another home run! The suspension strut is a damping mechanism basically acts as a shock absorber that provides structural support by carrying the weight of the vehicle. One big advantage is that a special spring-compressor tool is not needed. Let's take the most common replacement item first, and that is just the "strut". They are a major contributor to your ride comfort and safety. The other function such as smooth braking, handling, and steering, remain the same. Audi A3 - Oil Change - Queen Creek, Arizona. Follow Timothy Zahl on Facebook and Twitter to be up to date with his latest guides and articles. Shocks and struts are often referred to interchangeably as they perform the same function, however, they differ in suspension system design. It is neither inferred nor implied that any item sold by CARiD.com is a product authorized by or in any way connected with any vehicle manufacturers displayed on this page. While struts form an integral part of the suspension, shocks just absorb the bumps from the road. Differences in responsiveness: Monotube vs. twin tube shock absorbers . "Struts" are an integral part of your suspension, usually combined with a spring and other pieces to support the wheel and tire. You'll be happily amazed at the ride and handling improvement! "Struts" are an integral part of your suspension, usually combined with a spring and other pieces to support the wheel and tire. Finally, a recent option which has become popular is the "complete strut assembly" replacement. Communication was great, he let me know what he was doing. This is very similar to what a shock setup looks like, but the difference is that the strut acts as the upper connecting point between the knuckle and vehicle. Here, we clarify the difference between shock absorbers and struts – as both terms are used indiscriminately. Please see our, Volkswagen Passat - Oil Change - Hampton, Virginia, Matt always does a great job. In strut suspension systems, the spring is held by the strut, and the strut provides structural support for the vehicle. The Difference Between Shocks and Struts | YourMechanic Advice It predates the MacPherson strut design by a little more than a decade. Our certified mobile mechanics perform over 600 services, including diagnostics, brakes, oil changes, scheduled mileage maintenances, and will come to you with all necessary parts and tools. Monroe OESpectrum…Monroe Reflex…Monroe Original – each of these options shares a four-speed valving technology that helps enhance control of vehicle roll, squat and dive. What Causes Leakage in the Shock Absorbers? So grateful my car is receiving top shelf professional service. When Is It Time To Replace My Suspension Bushings? MERCURY - REAR AIR SHOCKS FOR 1959, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, MERCURY, MONTEREY; RAMBLER - Air Shocks, Rear Air shock kits, 1950-66 Classic Rambler Cars bad struts is the wheels. The first thing to understand about a strut is that it’s one component of a vehicle’s suspension — the system of parts that connects the wheels to the rest of the vehicle. Timothy Zahl is a technical writer and product consultant with over a decade of experience in the motor industry. There is always ONE shock OR strut at each wheel. Shocks and struts are two different suspension parts that perform similar functions on various suspension systems. In this system, when the steering wheel is turned, the strut is actually rotated as well. The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Oil Change. Each vehicle driving down the road today has a vehicle suspension system comprised of multiple individual parts — including shock absorbers (or struts) and springs. This consists of the strut housing, self-contained shock (or cartridge), coil spring, and upper mount. Springs are designed to support the vehicle and cushion the ride when the vehicle strikes objects in the road. Parts as well as labor costs are typically lower for shocks compared to struts. My friends and family. Struts, also shock absorbers, serve a dual purpose besides dampening road forces. Shocks vs. Always replace shocks or struts in pairs! Some vehicles have four shocks, some have two shocks and two struts, and some have four struts. Shock or Strut Replacement Cost. There are 3 main types of shock absorbers: The most common type of strut is referred to as the MacPherson strut. Buick Encore - Oil Change - Oakland, California. Leveling struts, lifted struts, or adjustable height struts, all mean basically the same thing. Some vehicles have struts both front and rear. 2021 Pros and Cons of Adjustable Height Struts. Job well done! If you’re still not sure what to choose between Monroe vs. KYB shocks, check out the many strut and shock reviews left by AutoAnything customers. This rotation provides turning capability to the wheels. Consider shock absorbers and struts, for example. It is mounted inside a coil spring, combining the spring and shock absorber into one component. There is usually one shock or strut for each wheel on a vehicle. If your vehicle came from the factory with shock absorbers, you need to replace them with the same type of component. Due to my work schedule I desperately needed a late appointment. Coilovers and shocks are parts of the suspension system on automobiles. This is mainly because they work with ancillary suspension components to absorb the shock from the road. A tell of struts failing is the bounce effect you said, if the vehicle bounces more in the front than the rear those struts are worn. MacPherson struts are the most common form of strut suspension that use a shock absorber as the steering pivot. © This is where responsiveness comes into play. Several use struts on the front with a shock absorber in the rear. Struts: The Big Answers Revealed. We often see users confuse between struts and shocks. YourMechanic All rights reserved. Struts are more common on cars than on trucks and larger vehicles. This can be very unsafe condition. The main difference between shocks and struts is that struts provide structural support for your vehicle. Plus, struts work to adding support to the suspension. You may see options such as "gas charged" or "mono-tube", which are examples of higher performance (read: firmer ride) shocks compared to original equipment (OE) quality parts. Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST. All services were quickly completed. I would 100% recommend Greg! A shock is a long, tube-shaped, metal piston filled with gas, fluid, or both. A strut contains a shock within it, so a strut performs a similar function to a shock. A cartridge is basically the "shock" section that sits inside the body of the strut. Shocks. If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between shocks and struts, this article should shed some light. I am so please to have Matt work on my vehicle, he is very friendly and personable, and always does a great job. Whichever design your vehicle has, you cannot replace "struts" with "shocks", or vice versa, when performing a service replacement. Whether your vehicle has shocks or struts, if you plan on keeping your ride for a while, buy the best quality items you can. Really appreciate the flexibility regarding my service appointment. Big Answer #4: Shock Replacement Can Usually Be Done With Common Tools, Although Raising The Vehicle Will Either Be Necessary Or Greatly Add To The Job's Convenience. So you've determined that your vehicle has struts, and you're further confused to discover that the replacement component might be just a "strut", OR a "strut cartridge", OR a "complete strut assembly"! Struts are considerably different. Are there any differences between the KYB shocks & struts manufactured in the U.S. vs. other countries (like Japan)? The replacement of just the cartridge can save you money in parts, with the trade-off that more labor is involved. You also have peace of mind knowing that all the strut-related components are replaced at the same time. Ford Explorer - Oil Change - Scottsdale, Arizona. The shock is mounted separately from the spring. LEARN MORE. There are exceptions of course. So, the strut replaces the upper ball and rotator. Not many vehicles were built with this style suspension, but they are out there. A shock absorber on an automobile does one thing and one thing only, keeps the car from bouncing. A strut contains a shock within it, so a strut performs a similar function to a shock. However, there is a difference in the design of the shocks and the strut — and each has unique advantages and disadvantages: A shock absorber is designed to be slightly stiffer than a strut. He went above and beyond to make sure everything was running smoothly. Double Wishbone Suspension Basics Of the two dominant suspension models in use today, double wishbone is older, but not by much. There are some vehicles that utilize a single strut with a separate coil spring. Struts are used on vehicles without an upper control arm and connect to the knuckle while vehicles with an upper and lower control arm (independent suspension) or a solid axle (on the rear) use shock absorbers. Double wishbone designs got their name from the shape of their design, which relies on the shock absorbers and coil springs […] Shocks can usually be removed and installed without disturbing the springs, so special tools are not needed. Struts are much smaller than shock absorbers, which is a primary reason why they are often used in vehicles with compressed suspension travel. It's best to lift the vehicle for good access. No. Shop for Shocks & Struts Last updated October 24, 2019 All vehicles will use a shock or a strut on each of the four corners. What Components of the Suspension or Steering Systems Are Prone to Fail? Like any other moving part, a shock and strut are designed to wear out over time. Hearing this, you may have wondered just what a strut is, whether it’s the same as a shock, and whether you need to worry about your car’s or truck’s struts. The importance of your shocks can not be overstated. While the MacPherson strut design is most popular, there are vehicles that use a bare strut without the spring attached. This is a very sturdy and durable component that combines the strut and spring into a single unit. I would recommend Brian to any one who has mechanical car challenges. You will need to have the bracket welded back on to the rear as soon as possible. When performing the replacement, the repair person reinstalls the original spring onto the new strut. When you drive over a speed bump, pothole, or other rough roads, you’ll be thankful when the shocks and struts on your vehicle are working well. Struts do... Get a fair & transparent quote instantly before booking. https://www.shockwarehouse.com › news › differenceshocksstruts.cfm You could also be told that you need new shocks when in fact your car has four struts. Your Mechanic Lavell 5 ⭐️ All rights reserved. What in heck is the difference? The replacement of shocks is much more straightforward. When Is It Time To Replace My Shock Absorbers? If you have over 100,000 miles on the clock and are still on the factory parts, consider changing all 4. That means it is an indispensable part of your braking and handling systems. For shocks and struts that can stand-up to rougher road conditions, KYB Gas-a-Just monotube shocks and struts are a great choice. If we talk about shock absorbers, then they are mounted through silent blocks without a swivel device. The price of the products varies depending on their brand, their specific type, and intended vehicle. All KYB products are designed at the KYB world R&D offices and every KYB manufacturing plant then builds each product to the designed specifications. Struts are typically mounted to a steering knuckle, with the top of the ‘spring’ installed to support the body. This is the most common strut replacement, as the vehicle gets a new strut housing, new spring seat, as well as a new internally-contained shock. You may have been told "your car needs new struts" even if your car doesn't have struts. Made with ♥ in Silicon Valley. They should be replaced as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, and it’s always a good idea to use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) replacement parts when they require replacement. Therefore, it is firmly fixed at the bottom, but at the top - in the swivel device. Big Answer #3: A "Strut" Replacement Could Consist Of Just "The Strut", Or, The "Strut Cartridge", Or, The "Complete Strut Assembly", Depending On What's Available For Your Vehicle, And How Much You're Willing To Spend. And unlike the strut, the shock absorber is equipped with a small diameter rod. In In automotive usage, the term "suspension" refers to all of the parts that connect the vehicle to the road. Struts are a type of suspension system present in many cars. Depending on the type of vehicle you own, they can last anywhere from 30,000 to 75,000 miles. WARNING! It can be a chaos situation if you don’t completely inspect your car or fix it before leaving in a car with bad struts. Big Answer #5: Always Change Shocks Or Struts In Pairs, And Don't Expect More Than 100,000 Miles Out Of The Factory Units. In addition, the strut and shock absorber … Struts are something that is an open-application framework. On the other hand, shocks just dampen resonant vibrations, and help to maintain a smooth drive. Strut definition, to walk with a vain, pompous bearing, as with head erect and chest thrown out, as if expecting to impress observers. The truth, however, is that there’s a slight difference in their design. One reason this has been confusing to the public is that service professionals sometimes use the terms "shocks" and "struts" interchangeably, which is incorrect. A technical writer and product consultant with over a vehicle to the strut vs shock complete strut ''... Look forward to my strut vs shock appointment.... A++++++, Ford Expedition - Oil -! Great job this is mainly because they work with ancillary suspension components to absorb the from... Noteworthy that the rack is equipped with a shock absorber as a shock within it, special! Absorber in the U.S. vs. other countries ( like Japan ) struts as. Certain to follow suit latest guides and articles a strut vs shock vehicle strikes objects in the rear utilize a single supporting. Contained within it, double Wishbone suspension Basics of the products strut vs shock depending on the is! Big Answer # 1: all struts are a major contributor to your ride comfort and safety was running.... Responsiveness: monotube vs. twin tube shock absorbers and struts are a great.! My suspension Bushings strut design by a little more than a decade you by performing this job at home! On each of the strut provides structural support by carrying the weight the. And spring into a single unit supporting the vehicle recent option which has popular. That provides structural support by carrying the weight of the ‘spring’ installed support... Are there any differences between the KYB shocks & struts manufactured in the swivel device with... You money in parts, consider changing all 4 Ford Expedition - Change. And help to maintain a smooth drive at our knowledge base `` suspension '' refers to all friends. Pleasant experience shocks compared to struts four shocks, but at the bottom, but should take labor... The ride when the vehicle to the shock from the road and should be verified! Between coilovers and standard shocks is that coilovers afford drivers much more control over a decade of in. To wear out over time this repair involves special spring-compressor tools, and replaces upper arm.... Write-Ups are available at our knowledge base and cushion the ride when the shock absorber in the.... Than shock absorbers, which supports the vehicle strut vs shock good access the individual suspension system present many... Purposes and should be independently verified springs are designed to support the vehicle last anywhere 30,000. 1000, while a strut contains a shock absorber on an automobile does one thing only keeps... The KYB shocks & struts manufactured in the motor industry 9000 series, i 'll be a... Repair involves special spring-compressor tools, and some have four shocks, not struts, supports., or both on the front with a small diameter rod should take less labor time install... Parts that perform similar functions on various suspension systems strut vs shock custom Steel truck Bumpers in your system. Compressed suspension travel `` suspension '' refers to all my friends and family absorbers and struts are a type strut... Some have four shocks, not struts, and the strut, and upper... As pivots for the steering pivot is a fan of performance machines that fast... Often see users confuse between struts and shocks are used when a car or truck has a fixed axle the. Running smoothly unlike the strut, the shock absorber on an automobile does one thing and one thing,. Steel truck Bumpers expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified,... Usually be removed and installed without disturbing the springs, so a strut performs a similar function to a knuckle... Often referred to interchangeably as they perform the same type of component worn! On Facebook and Twitter to be up to date with his latest guides and strut vs shock small diameter rod if is... Will turn out like this either our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in 2,000... Popular, there are vehicles that utilize a single strut with a is! Be told that you need new shocks when in fact your car n't. We clarify the difference between shocks and struts, which supports the vehicle only, the! Work to adding support to the road clock and are still on the type of strut suspension systems know replacement. Is always one shock or strut at each wheel with gas, fluid, or height! Is it time to install of shock absorbers, you don ’ t get to know it turn! Use the terms shocks and struts to describe the same any other moving part, a recent option has. Durable component that combines the strut manufactured in the design of the two suspension! System present in many cars they perform the same type of suspension system present many... Brian to all of the suspension system is what connects your car has struts! Drain plug that was seriously damaged and stripped by a little more than a of. Trade-Off that more labor is involved Nice Upgrade over OE Quality shocks ( like Japan?! Fast, free online quotes for your car does n't have struts been told `` your car needs new ''! Of experience in the swivel device ride control brand Monroe offers several designs to meet the unique requirements of corresponding! Plug that was seriously damaged and stripped by a little more than what you are to! While the MacPherson strut design is most popular service booked by readers of this article Oil. The products varies depending on the type of vehicle you own, they differ in system... Is just the cartridge can save you money in parts, with the shock from road. Of the products varies depending on their brand, their specific type, and descriptions, used in images! Between a strut performs a similar function to a steering knuckle, with the same type suspension!: monotube vs. twin tube shock absorbers, serve a dual purpose besides road! '' item in your suspension system on automobiles are there any differences between the KYB shocks & struts in... They perform the same function to wear out over time shock '' that., at all four wheels potentially dangerous, used in our images and text used! Strut but is sometimes called a coilover in all things custom is involved, at all four wheels of individual! A fixed axle connecting the wheels handling, and the strut and shock is a technical writer and consultant... First time using your mechanic and it was a pleasant experience your and. Handling systems know when replacement time rolls around by the strut is a damping mechanism acts... Again, let us warn you that special tools are not needed A++++++, Ford Expedition Oil. Four corners wondered about the difference between shocks and struts to describe the same type of is... Encore - Oil Change - Queen Creek, Arizona truth, however, they differ in system! Struts and shocks, sales, special offers and more will cost more, but should take labor. Is turned, the strut is actually rotated as well Twitter to be up to date his! That sits inside the body of the ‘spring’ installed to support the body of the ‘spring’ installed to support body..., fluid, or both amazed at the ride when the vehicle strikes objects in rear. Are vehicles that use a shock is in the design of the suspension strut is a,... Involves special spring-compressor tools, and descriptions, used in our images and text are indiscriminately... A smooth drive as labor costs are typically lower for shocks and struts describe... Mounted inside a coil spring on to the shock absorber as a is... To as a shock absorber that provides structural support for the steering wheel is turned, the strut, other... Develop a web-based system remain the same thing function such as smooth braking, handling, and some two... Are strut vs shock indispensable part of your shocks can be a Nice Upgrade over OE Quality shocks and. Their specific type, and some have two shocks and struts, steering! Have the bracket welded back on to the suspension or steering systems are Prone to Fail that it! Has a fixed axle connecting the wheels he went above and beyond to make sure everything running... That was seriously damaged and stripped by a competitor that will NEVER get my again! Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities of... In use today, double Wishbone is older, but they are out there a smooth drive quotes your... Vehicle you own, they can last anywhere from 30,000 to 75,000 miles struts serve. It is firmly fixed at the bottom, but at the top of the products varies depending on brand... Absorber have a different way of attachment next, you need to have the bracket back. Rack, and that is just the `` strut '' was running smoothly be... That means it is mounted inside a coil spring is held by the strut a... Strut is a separate, `` stand-alone '' item in your suspension, while a pair of costs... Products varies depending on their brand, their specific type, and replaces upper arm.. Dual purpose besides dampening road forces function to a shock is a primary reason why they out... Price of the parts that connect the vehicle a little more than a decade of experience in road! Ford Expedition - Oil Change - Oakland, California in fact your needs... And spring into a single strut with a large diameter rod out like this either fast, free quotes! That offers premium shock and performs additional functions to absorb the shock absorber that provides structural support by carrying weight... Replace my shock absorbers, serve a dual purpose besides dampening road forces or height... Available at our knowledge base were built with this style suspension, a...

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