What's the difference in shocks and struts?

Answer by  Doug77 (1433)

A shock is a stand alone oil filled cylinder that absorbs the bumps in the road while the suspension spring is a separate piece that lifts the car to it's proper sitting height. A strut is the shock and spring combined into one piece in order to save space. Most struts provide the top pivot point for steering, also.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Struts refer to a suspension assembly including a coil spring as well as a shock. A shock can be installed without replacing the whole strut assembly typically.

Answer by  jhills (58)

Shocks are springs and struts go inside the shocks. Shocks are made of gas contained inside the shock, and are crucial to the shocks operation.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Shocks can either be used by themselves or within a strut assembly. Struts are a suspension assembly that includes both a coil spring and shock.

Answer by  happytimes63 (865)

Shock absorbers are less expensive than struts and can be replaced fairly easy. Struts are meant to last the life of the vehicle and require a mechanic with specialized tools to replace. They both do the same job. To stabilize and and make the ride more comfortable and safe. A worn out Strut can be dangerous as it diminishes handling.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Well one is just a component within the other. A strut is a suspension assembly. It typically consists of a shock with a coil spring around the outside of it. This is the style suspension found on newer car where as older ones simply had a separate spring and shock setup installed.

Answer by  LoganBFishburn (124)

A strut absorbes the impact of a bump, and the shock pulls the strut back out to absorbe once again.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

A strut consists of a shock with a spring around it spring. It is used to describe the entire suspension component setup found at each corner of the car.

Answer by  heather88 (1897)

You would need to ask a professional about that, they would know what the difference is in between the two.