Shocks VS Struts: What's The Difference?
Vehicle Shocks Versus Struts
Car suspension systems typically use shock absorbers or struts. Although similar in appearance, the rear shock absorbers are different from the front shock absorbers. Each suspension type uses different mechanisms to achieve its goals. Whether you are purchasing a vehicle or looking to modify an existing vehicle, you should be familiar with the differences between shock absorbers and front shock absorbers.
What Are Shocks?
A shock, also known as a shock absorber, is a suspension component that uses hydraulic fluid to minimize the rebound motion, or bounce, of a vehicle. Each wheel is connected to a shock absorber. When driving over bumps or hills, the shock absorbs kinetic energy. The motion of the vehicle forces hydraulic fluid into and through the piston, slowing the impact.
Signs of impact failure:
Hydraulic oil leak
bumpy
The shock absorber is obviously damaged
Uneven tread wires on one or more tires
Tire "bulge"
What Are Struts?
If the vehicle does not use shock absorbers, it may use struts. Almost all four-wheel drive vehicles use struts. You can also find countless rear-wheel drive vehicles. Like shock absorbers, struts are designed to absorb kinetic energy for a smoother ride when driving over bumps and hills. However, unlike shock absorbers, they are also designed to increase the structural stability of the vehicle.
Another major difference between shocks and struts is that the latter does not require the use of upper control arms. If the vehicle uses shock absorbers, it must have upper control arms and ball joints. Struts eliminate the need for these suspension components, making them ideal for smaller vehicles with less clearance around the wheels.
Signs of strut failure:
The pillars are obviously damaged
Bounce ride
Uneven tread wires on one or more tires
Cracking sound as you drive over bumps and hills
Shocks And Struts Aren't Interchangeable
It's worth noting that shock absorbers and struts are not interchangeable. If your vehicle currently has shocks, it cannot be replaced with struts. Conversely, you cannot replace struts with shock absorbers. Therefore, if you are planning to replace your vehicle, you need to check and understand the type of suspension your vehicle has.
To recap, shock absorbers and struts are suspension components that absorb kinetic energy to create a smoother ride. However, struts are integrated into the suspension system and therefore do not require the use of upper control arms and ball joints, whereas the shock absorbers are separate components that require the use of upper control arms and ball joints.
