Shocks and struts are two important components of a vehicle’s suspension system. Shocks are designed to absorb the impact of bumps and potholes, while struts provide structural support for the wheel assembly. Both shocks and struts play an important role in providing a smooth ride and ensuring that the tires maintain contact with the road.
How do I know if I need shocks or struts?
One way to test the condition of the shocks and struts of your car is to push down hard on each corner of a vehicle. If the vehicle continues to bounce after you let go, your shocks need replacing.
Are struts and shock absorbers the same thing?
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.
How many shocks and struts are on a car?
The majority of cars and SUVs on the road today have struts on the front wheels and shocks in the back. It's possible that your vehicle has 4-wheel struts or, if it's a very old vehicle, it could have four shocks, but this isn't as common.
How much does it cost to replace shocks and struts?
between $450 and $1,100A typical shock and strut replacement can set you back anywhere between $450 and $1,100. However, keep in mind that this can vary depending on the type of vehicle suspension you have and your location.
How do I know if my struts are bad?
If your vehicle dives when braking, bottoms out (scrapes loudly) when going over a speed bump, the rear-end squats when accelerating, or your vehicle bounces more than usual after going over a bump, it could be signs of bad shocks or struts.
What happens if you don't replace struts?
By not doing it's job – absorbing the shock – not having them replaced can lead to damage in the ball joints, wheel hubs, and many other components of the suspension. Without something to absorb the shock and energy of hitting a bump, it spreads throughout your car and will lead to damage.
What happens when struts go bad?
Loss of handling and control – Driving with failing shocks or struts has a direct impact on your ability to control your vehicle. You may notice that your vehicle bounces excessively, rolls or sways abruptly when making a turn, or that you feel out of control when hit by a cross wind.
Are struts worth replacing?
Struts don't need to be replaced unless your vehicle is bouncing like it's on a pogo stick or bottoms out in potholes and over railroad tracks — or unless a mechanic finds that they're leaking fluid or have been damaged. In some climates, they can also rust.
Should I replace shocks and struts at the same time?
Shocks and struts should always be replaced at the same time. Unlike some steering and suspension components, the left and right shocks/struts tend to wear down at the same rate. If the left shock or strut is damaged, there's a good chance the right side also needs to be replaced.
How many miles should struts last?
Generally, shocks and struts wear out every 50,000-100,000 miles. If you're a more aggressive driver and/or frequently drive on rough roads, they will wear out faster. Shocks and struts don't go out all at once; they deteriorate slowly over time.
How long does it take to change shocks and struts?
Typically, it takes around one to two hours to change struts, according to most professional mechanics. Even if you decide to replace them on your own, the estimated time is the same as long as you have previous mechanical skills and follow the process correctly.
Are struts in the front or back?
frontStruts are typically installed in conjunction with the front wheels, but depending on a vehicle's setup and driveline, they can also be mounted at the rear wheels. Just as there are different types of cars, there are different types of struts.
Do shocks and struts need to be replaced together?
Shocks and struts should always be replaced at the same time. Unlike some steering and suspension components, the left and right shocks/struts tend to wear down at the same rate. If the left shock or strut is damaged, there's a good chance the right side also needs to be replaced.
Can you replace just the shock in a strut?
If your vehicle uses struts, you cannot replace them with shocks. A shock is the piece of the suspension system that helps coil springs absorb the impact of the road. It's the shock's job to take the bounce out of the movement of the car.
Can you have both shocks and struts?
First of all, it is important to note that not all vehicles have both shocks and struts. Some have just struts and some vehicles have only shocks. Shocks are part of the overall suspension, and a strut is a complete suspension assembly.
Does strut assembly include shocks?
The shock absorber portion of the strut is the most commonly serviced part of the strut assembly. The coil spring can support the weight of the vehicle and adjust to road irregularities like bumps, hills and valleys.
What does the shocks and struts replacement cost?
Parts expenses to replace the shocks on the same axle will average between $250 and $600, while labor costs will range between $150 and $350. When...
What is the difference between shocks and struts?
The primary distinction between struts and shock absorbers is that struts are integrated into the suspension system, whereas shock absorbers are no...
What are the functions of shocks and struts?
The car's shocks and struts absorb road imperfections such as potholes and uneven pavement. Additionally, they stabilize your car during turns, bra...
What is the difference between shocks and struts?
What's the Difference Between Shocks and Struts. The terms "shocks" and "struts" tend to be used interchangeably, but there's an important difference in functions of the two parts. Let's explore. Every vehicle has a combination of springs and either shock absorbers or struts. Springs actually support the weight of the vehicle ...
What is the role of struts in a vehicle?
Struts. While struts play a key role in absorbing and dampening, they are also an integral component of the vehicle's suspension. MacPherson struts are the most common type of strut on today's vehicles.
What does a spring do to a vehicle?
Springs actually support the weight of the vehicle and also serve to cushion the ride, preventing jolts from pavement irregularities from making their way into the passenger compartment or cargo area, while shocks and struts limit the vertical motion from the springs as well as soaking up impacts from the road.
What is the purpose of a shock?
Shocks improve road feel and handling properties, as well as improving ride quality.
Can you remove a shock and still drive?
Shocks simply do what their name implies: they dampen and absorb road shock. Shocks are not an integral part of the vehicle's suspension, so while it wouldn't be a comfortable or stable ride, you could technically remove a shock and still drive. We don't recommend it.
What are the shocks and struts on a car?
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.
What is a Shock Absorber?
A shock absorber is designed to be slightly stiffer than a strut. This is mainly because they work with ancillary suspension components to absorb the shock from the road. There are 3 main types of shock absorbers:
Should I Use a Shock or Strut in My Car?
Like any other moving part, a shock and strut are designed to wear out over time. Depending on the type of vehicle you own, they can last anywhere from 30,000 to 75,000 miles. 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. If your vehicle came from the factory with shock absorbers, you need to replace them with the same type of component. The same is to be said about struts.
What is a coil over shock?
Coil-Over Shocks: Vehicles with shock absorbers installed on the front are typically called coil over shocks — they have a shock absorb er that is ‘covered’ by a coil spring.
What is a monotube shock absorber?
Mono-tube Shock Absorber: The most common type of shock absorber used is a mono-tube ( or gas) shock absorber. This component is made from a steel tube with a rod and piston installed inside. As the vehicle drives over a bump, the piston pushes upward and is compressed slowly by gas for a smoother transition.
What is a dual shock?
Dual Shock: A dual or twin-tube shock features two vertical tubes that are filled with hydraulic fluid as opposed to gas. As it’s compressed, fluid is transferred to the secondary tube.
Do all vehicles have shocks?
All vehicles will use a shock or a strut on each of the four corners. Several use struts on the front with a shock absorber in the rear. 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.
What is the difference between a shock and a strut?
The major difference between shocks and struts is that a strut is a structural part of the vehicles suspension system where a shock is not. A strut is also crucial part of the vehicles steering system and greatly affects alignment angles. Camber and caster angles are usually adjusted right on the strut itself.
Why are struts so expensive?
A strut is also a pivot point for the vehicles steering system and contains a coil spring. Because of this an alignment is always needed when replacing a strut. This is also the reason that struts are typically more expensive than shocks.
Do shocks and struts work the same?
This is a common question that we receive as the terms shock and strut are often used interchangeably. A shock and a strut do the same basic job on a vehicle, damping the movement of the spring and stopping oscillation and bounce. Even though they do the same thing, shocks and struts are completely different parts.
What is the phone number for shockwarehouse?
If you don't see what you need, call Shockwarehouse at 1-800-245-7469.
Can a shock replace a strut?
Even though they do the same thing, shocks and struts are completely different parts. A shock cannot be used to replace a strut and a strut cannot be used to replace a shock. A vehicle will have either a shock or a strut at each wheel, never both.
How do shocks and struts help a vehicle?
As your vehicle rolls down the road, the springs absorb the bumps and road irregularities. Shocks and struts dampen spring movement so the wheels and tires don’t move up and down too rapidly, and prevent the springs from continuing to oscillate after bumps. Without shocks and struts your tires would bounce, so you would not only have a harsh ride, but little vehicle control, since tires that are in the air instead of on the ground can’t make your vehicle accelerate, brake or turn.
What is a strut in a car?
Both shocks and struts control spring movement to keep your tires on the ground and you in control, but where that is a shock’s sole function, a strut is part of an assembly that includes the coil spring and upper strut mount, forming a structural suspension member. Struts make economical use of space by taking the place of separate shocks, springs and control arms. They support the weight of the vehicle, and front struts provide the pivot point for steering.
What is FCS bare shocks?
Bare Shocks and Struts by FCS®. FCS bare shocks and struts are engineered to restore your vehicle's handling and control. Monotube shock absorbers are also ideal as an upgrade from OE twin-tubes. Twin-tube shocks, struts, and cartridges...
How do hydraulic shocks work?
Hydraulic shocks and struts have piston rods attached to pistons that move up and down inside hydraulic fluid filled cylinders. The pistons ride against the walls of the cylinder so the hydraulic fluid has to flow through small, calibrated fluid passages and valves to allow piston movement.
What causes a strut to be worn?
Worn upper strut mounts are common causes of noise, poor steering response or binding, and improper alignment. The upper strut mount retains the coil spring and connects the strut to the body. It has an insulating layer, and front strut mounts often have a bearing where the strut pivots as the vehicle turns. The insulating component is usually rubber bonded to metal, and the rubber can split, crack, harden, or otherwise deteriorate and create excessive clearance and metal-to-metal contact, and the bearing can wear as well. Struts also have boots or bellows covering the shaft and these can tear, allowing dirt to score the shaft and ruin the upper hydraulic seal. A bumper surrounding the shaft prevents the suspension from bottoming out, and this can split and allow the strut to be damaged.
What is a gas magnum shock?
Gas-Magnum™ Shocks by Monroe®. These shock absorbers are designed specially for vans and pickup trucks. Monroe Gas-Magnum assemblies provide firm control and greater stability without a harsh ride. They have up to twice the fluid...
What is FCS complete strut assembly?
Complete Strut Assembly by FCS®. The FCS complete strut assembly is engineered to restore a vehicle's original ride, handling and control. The unit is manufactured to meet and exceed OE quality while providing a precise fit. The...
