Do expeditions have shocks or struts?
As a seasoned auto service provider, I often encounter questions about the suspension systems of various vehicles, including the Ford Expedition. Understanding whether a vehicle uses shocks or struts is crucial for maintenance and repair. In this article, we will explore the differences between shocks and struts, and clarify what the Ford Expedition utilizes in its suspension system.
Understanding Shocks and Struts
Before diving into the specifics of the Ford Expedition, it's important to understand the roles of shocks and struts in a vehicle's suspension system:
- Shocks: Shock absorbers are designed to control the impact and rebound movement of your vehicle's springs and suspension. They help maintain tire contact with the road, providing a smoother ride.
- Struts: Struts are a structural part of the suspension system that supports the weight of the vehicle. They combine the functions of a shock absorber and a spring, and they play a critical role in the vehicle's alignment and handling.
Ford Expedition Suspension System
The Ford Expedition, a full-size SUV, is equipped with a suspension system that primarily uses struts in the front and shocks in the rear. This combination is designed to provide a balance of comfort and handling, making it suitable for both on-road and off-road driving.
Why It Matters
Knowing whether your Expedition has shocks or struts is essential for proper maintenance. Here are a few reasons why:
- Maintenance: Different components require different maintenance schedules. Understanding what your vehicle has will help you keep it in optimal condition.
- Replacement: If you need to replace worn-out parts, knowing whether you have shocks or struts will guide you in purchasing the correct components.
- Performance: The type of suspension system affects the vehicle's handling and ride quality. Properly functioning shocks and struts are vital for safety and comfort.
Conclusion
In summary, the Ford Expedition utilizes struts in the front suspension and shocks in the rear. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective vehicle maintenance and ensuring a smooth driving experience. If you have any further questions about your vehicle's suspension or need assistance with maintenance, feel free to reach out to us at Kevin's Autos!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do struts last on a Ford Expedition?
Generally, shocks and struts wear out every 50,000-100,000 miles.
What is the suspension problem on the Ford Expedition?
When a vehicle sags in the rear and maintains its ride height in the front, the problem is almost certainly the air suspension. Like most cars with an air suspension, the rear is the most common point of failure in the Expedition. This is usually caused by degraded air bags.
What are the symptoms of a bad strut?
Read on to learn the signs of worn shocks & struts:
- Nose dive when braking.
- Bouncy ride.
- Vehicle rolls or sways when cornering.
- Uneven tire wear.
- Rear squat during acceleration.
- Vibration in steering wheel.
- Unusual noises.
- Leaking fluid on exterior of shocks/struts.
Is it better to have struts or shocks?
Shocks are the piece that absorbs the bounce of a vehicle driving over bumpy roads. This makes the vehicle a lot easier to control, especially at higher speeds. Struts, on the other hand, help support the car's steering and suspension.
Do SUVs have shocks or struts?
Any car has four struts/shock absorbers; one at each wheel. Most cars and SUVs have struts in the front suspension and shock absorbers or struts in the back. Struts and shock absorbers are maintenance-free units.
What kind of suspension does the Ford Expedition have?
The four-wheel independent long-travel suspension itself is a purpose-built version of race suspensions found on off-road desert race vehicles. The Expedition also gained a hydroformed fully boxed frame providing a 70 percent improvement in torsional stiffness.
How do I know if my car has shocks or struts?
Look Underneath Your Vehicle.
In many cases, shocks will look like a hand pump. Struts, on the other hand, typically look like a coil spring with a shock in the center, but occasionally, the shock is mounted next to the spring.
Do Ford Expeditions have shocks or struts?
At the heart of the suspension is the strut assembly, a mechanism that combines a shock absorber and a coil spring into one unit to absorb bumps in the road and to keep the tires in contact with the ground at all times.
Can you just replace shocks and not struts?
Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs or, better yet, all four, for even, predictable handling and control. After all, all four have been on the vehicle for the same number of miles and worked under the same conditions.
How much does it cost to replace struts on SUV?
How Much Would It Cost to Replace Your Shocks and Struts? A 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.
