shocks vs struts

[DrSzSoLDIeR]

whats the difference?...sometimes i hear people say shocks and other times i hear structs...

[drzcb7]

Google it

[JoshM]

whats the difference?...sometimes i hear people say shocks and other times i hear structs...

Struts vs. Shocks
Although shocks and struts are a lot alike in function, they are very different in design. A shock is designed to control spring motion as is the strut, but the strut acts as a suspension part and sometimes replaces other suspension parts. Sometimes used as pivot points for the steering and as an adjustment tool for alignment purposes, struts can absorb side loads where shocks do not. Shocks are typically more expensive, but struts are not always as good as shocks depending on the vehicle. The shocks and/or struts that work best for you will depend on whether your vehicle is for racing, offroading, or just for the family car. Talk to your mechanic about the best options for struts and shocks.

Both are dampers to keep springs in check.

The major difference is, a SHOCK is just a damper, an isolated part of the suspension. Without a shock installed the suspension in the car remains intact: the wheel carrier/knuckle stays firmly in place. Usually with upper and lower control arms, or a multi-link or trailing arm design if in the rear.

A STRUT is a structural member of the suspension. If you take out the strut, the hub carrier is unbolted and the suspension is no longer an assembly. In the typical strut application, there is no upper control arm.


Different cars have different setups front and rear, and whether shocks or struts are used depends on the design of the particular car.

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[Jon]

Shock, i.e. shock absorber:
A device for absorbing jolts and vibrations. especially on motor vehicles.

Strut:
A rod or bar forming a part of a framework and designed to resist compression.

They are used interchangeably 99% of the time.