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Does a Dodge Charger have shocks or struts?

The Dodge Charger, a popular American muscle car, is equipped with a suspension system that utilizes both shocks and struts. This combination of components helps to provide a smooth and controlled ride, as well as enhanced handling and stability for the vehicle.


Shocks vs. Struts: Understanding the Difference


Shocks and struts are both essential components of a vehicle's suspension system, but they serve slightly different functions:



  • Shocks are responsible for absorbing the impact of bumps and uneven road surfaces, helping to smooth out the ride and prevent the vehicle from bouncing excessively.

  • Struts are a combination of a shock absorber and a structural component that helps to support the weight of the vehicle and maintain the proper alignment of the wheels.


In the case of the Dodge Charger, the front suspension utilizes struts, while the rear suspension uses a combination of shocks and coil springs.


The Importance of Maintaining Shocks and Struts


Proper maintenance of the Dodge Charger's shocks and struts is crucial for ensuring a safe and comfortable driving experience. Over time, these components can wear down, leading to a rougher ride, decreased handling, and even potential safety issues. It's recommended to have the shocks and struts inspected and replaced as needed, typically every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and usage.


Upgrading Shocks and Struts


For Dodge Charger owners who want to enhance the performance and handling of their vehicle, upgrading the shocks and struts can be a worthwhile investment. Aftermarket suspension components, such as high-performance shocks and struts, can provide improved responsiveness, better control, and a more engaging driving experience.


In conclusion, the Dodge Charger is equipped with a combination of shocks and struts in its suspension system, which work together to provide a comfortable and controlled ride. Proper maintenance and potential upgrades to these components can help ensure the Charger's performance and safety on the road.

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.



How much does it cost to replace struts?


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.



Does the front have shocks or struts?


In fact, most modern vehicles have struts on the front axle and shocks on the rear axle. You might have struts on both axles, but it is rare to have only shocks.



Should I replace the struts or just the shock?


Condition of the Struts: If your struts are showing signs of wear, such as leaking fluid, excessive bouncing, or uneven tire wear, it's likely best to replace the struts along with the mounts. Worn struts can compromise ride quality and handling.



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.



How to tell if struts are bad?


When shocks and struts are worn out you may hear a clunking or knocking sound. This sound is caused by metal-to-metal contact when the shock or strut bottoms out when hitting a bump. In addition, these noises could be a result in worn shock or strut mounting components.



Do cars use shocks or struts?


Every wheel on your vehicle has either a shock or strut. However, your vehicle could have shocks on the front and struts on the back or some other configuration. The key takeaway is that each wheel has some sort of ride control part.



Is it OK to drive with bad struts?


Once the wear starts hampering your vehicle's performance, your service provider will likely recommend replacing the worn part to restore your car's ride and handling. If you choose to wait to inspect worn shocks and struts, you jeopardize your ability to stop, steer and maintain stability.



What does a failing strut sound like?


You'll often hear clunking or knocking sounds when bad struts react to bumps. This is one of the most common strut noises indicating your suspension system needs attention.



How much should it cost to replace struts?


Shocks and struts replacement costs somewhere between $450 and $1,100. It's possible to remove just the shocks or the struts, but it may produce mixed results performance-wise. Common symptoms of failing shocks and struts include knocking sounds, bumpy rides, cupped tire wear pattern, and more.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.