Does a Ford Fusion have shocks or struts?
The Ford Fusion, a popular midsize sedan, uses struts in its front suspension and shocks in the rear suspension. Struts are a combination of a shock absorber and a structural member that supports the weight of the vehicle, while shocks are dedicated shock absorbers that provide dampening without structural support.
Front Suspension: Struts
The Ford Fusion's front suspension utilizes a MacPherson strut design. This means that the front wheels are attached to a strut assembly, which includes the shock absorber and a structural member that connects to the vehicle's chassis. The strut provides both the shock absorption and the load-bearing function for the front suspension.
Rear Suspension: Shocks
In the rear, the Ford Fusion uses a more traditional shock absorber design. The rear wheels are connected to a trailing arm suspension, and the shock absorbers are mounted separately from the suspension components. These dedicated shock absorbers provide the dampening function without also serving as a structural member.
Benefits of Struts and Shocks
The combination of struts in the front and shocks in the rear provides several benefits for the Ford Fusion:
- Improved Handling: The strut design in the front suspension helps to improve the Fusion's steering response and overall handling characteristics.
- Smoother Ride: The shock absorbers in the rear suspension work in conjunction with the struts to provide a more comfortable and controlled ride quality.
- Durability: Struts and shocks are designed to withstand the rigors of everyday driving and provide long-lasting performance.
Overall, the Ford Fusion's suspension system, with struts in the front and shocks in the rear, is a well-engineered design that contributes to the vehicle's driving dynamics and ride comfort.