How can I tell if I have shocks or struts?

Shocks and struts are both part of a car’s suspension, but you can usually tell them apart by looking at how the damper and spring are arranged. In many cars, struts combine a coil spring and a damper into a single unit that also serves as a structural support, while shocks are separate dampers that primarily control motion. A quick visual check and a short ride-test can often tell you which type your vehicle uses.

Understanding the difference between shocks and struts

Below are the most reliable, at-a-glance clues to distinguish the two components on a typical passenger car. These cues apply to common designs like MacPherson struts (front) and separate springs with dampers (shocks) in various rear configurations.

• Struts typically mount as a single assembly that includes a coil spring around a dampening rod and connects directly to the wheel hub or steering knuckle. This makes the strut a structural component of the suspension.


• Shocks usually appear as a standalone damper with a separate coil spring located beside or around the damper but not integrated as part of the same load-bearing unit. The weight of the vehicle sits mainly on the springs, not the damper.


• In many front-wheel-drive cars, you’ll see a single, large spring-damper unit anchored to the chassis with a top mount, suggesting a strut. In other designs (especially if you have independent rear suspension with a ball-bearing hub), you may see separate springs and dampers, indicating shocks.


• If you’re looking under the hood or in a wheel well and you notice a coil spring physically surrounding the damper in one unit, you’re likely looking at a strut. If the spring is a separate component from the damper, you’re likely looking at shocks.

In short: presence of a coil spring integrated with the damper on the same mounting point usually means a strut; a separate spring and damper indicate shocks. Some vehicles use coilover assemblies or nonstandard designs, so when in doubt, check the owner’s manual or service documentation.

Signs of wear or failure in shocks and struts

Wear and failure manifest in ride quality and handling rather than a single obvious defect. The following indicators commonly point to worn shocks or struts, though replacements may be recommended for other suspension components if symptoms persist.

• Excessive bounce after hitting a bump or passing over a pothole, or the car continues to bounce after you press down on the bumper and release.


• Increased nose-diving during braking, excessive body roll in corners, or a generally unsettled ride.


• Uneven or cupped tire wear, or a noticeable pull to one side during braking or acceleration, which can point to alignment changes caused by worn suspension parts.


• Oil or hydraulic fluid leaking from the damper body or around the boot, which is a clear sign of a failing shock or strut.


• Visible damage to the shock/strut boot or mounting hardware, or clunks and rattles from the suspension when driving over rough surfaces.

These symptoms can also be caused by other suspension components, so a professional inspection is recommended if you notice them persistently. Worn shocks or struts can degrade handling, steering response, and tire life, and may affect braking performance.

How to verify with a simple on-car test

With basic safety precautions, you can perform simple checks at home or with a quick visit to a shop. These tests help you gauge whether a suspension service is needed.

• Bounce test: With the vehicle on a flat surface and in Park (or Neutral for manual transmissions), press down firmly on a corner of the car and then release. If the car bounces more than once or twice, the shock/strut may be worn.


• Ride feel and noises: Take a short drive over irregular pavement and listen for knocking, clunks, or steady rattles coming from the suspension, especially on rough surfaces or when turning.


• Leak check: Look for oily residue around the damper tube or on the boot; leakage means the damper fluid is compromised and should be replaced.


• Top-mount and boot inspection: Inspect the visible top mounts and dust boots for cracking, tearing, or looseness, which can indicate wear or impending failure.

If you don’t have the tools or experience to perform these checks safely, or if you notice persistent issues, consult a qualified technician for a thorough inspection and proper diagnosis.

DIY checks versus professional help and what to expect

Deciding between a DIY check and professional service depends on your comfort level, safety considerations, and the symptoms you’ve noted. Here are practical guidelines to help you decide.

• DIY checks are suitable for basic symptom identification (bounce test, visual inspection) and can help you decide if a professional assessment is warranted.


• Professional suspension diagnosis involves lifting the vehicle, compressing springs, and measuring ride height and damping performance with specialized tools. This can confirm wear and identify related issues such as misalignment or worn bushings.


• Costs vary by vehicle and region, but a typical front or rear shock/strut replacement often ranges from a few hundred to upwards of a thousand dollars per axle if both springs and dampers are replaced, depending on parts and labor.

Regardless of DIY attempts, if you’re unsure, it’s wise to seek a professional evaluation. Properly functioning shocks and struts are essential for safe handling, braking efficiency, and tire longevity.

Summary

For most vehicles, the easiest way to tell shocks from struts is to look at how the damper and spring are arranged. If the damper and spring are a single integrated unit that supports the vehicle’s weight, you’re looking at a strut. If the damper is separate from the spring, you likely have shocks. Common signs of wear include excessive bouncing, poor handling, tire irregularities, or visible leakage. A simple on-car bounce test can help you gauge condition, but a professional inspection is recommended if symptoms persist or you’re not confident performing checks safely. Regular inspection and timely replacement help maintain ride quality, steering control, and tire life.

How do I know if I need to replace shocks and struts?

Replace shocks and struts every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, or sooner if you notice signs of wear like oil leaks, excessive bouncing, uneven tire wear, or a shaky steering wheel. Driving conditions and style heavily influence their lifespan, so they should be inspected around the 50,000-mile mark.
 
This video explains how to identify worn shocks and struts: 54sEngineering ExplainedYouTube · May 13, 2015
Signs and symptoms

• Excessive bouncing: The vehicle continues to bounce after hitting a bump. 
• Oil leaks: You see fluid leaking on the shocks or struts. 
• Uneven tire wear: The tires show irregular wear patterns, like "cupping". 
• Stiff steering: It feels difficult to turn the steering wheel, especially on bumpy roads. 
• Nose-diving: The front of the car dips significantly during braking. 
• Vehicle sway: The car leans or sways noticeably on turns. 
• Unusual noises: You hear clunking or other noises when going over bumps or turning. 
• Physical damage: The shock or strut housing is dented, or the piston rod is bent or scored. 

This video demonstrates how to check for leaks on a strut: 35sScotty KilmerYouTube · Mar 31, 2015
When to get them inspected

• Every 50,000 miles: Have your shocks and struts inspected at this interval, as they may be worn even if you don't notice symptoms. 
• If you drive on rough roads: If you frequently drive on unpaved or bumpy surfaces, they will wear out faster and should be checked more often. 
• If you tow heavy loads: Towing can put extra stress on the suspension, requiring more frequent checks. 

This video explains the importance of replacing shocks and struts on time: 59sKYB Americas Corp.YouTube · May 19, 2014

Is it shocks or struts?

Struts and shocks both dampen suspension movement, but struts also serve as a structural part of the suspension that supports the vehicle's weight and affects alignment. Shocks are simpler, standalone components designed only to absorb and control the motion of the springs. Because of their structural role, struts are often more complex and expensive to replace and require an alignment afterward, while shock replacement is typically more straightforward and affordable.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the functions of shocks and struts: 54sCountermanYouTube · Sep 13, 2022
Struts

• Function: Damps suspension movement like a shock, but also supports the vehicle's weight and is a core structural component. 
• Structure: An integrated assembly that includes a coil spring and the shock absorber. It takes the place of the upper control arm in some suspension designs. 
• Replacement: More expensive due to their complexity and the fact that an alignment is required afterward. 

Shocks

• Function: Damps the up-and-down movement of the suspension to prevent excessive bouncing. It does not support the vehicle's weight. 
• Structure: A standalone component that works with the high-tension springs. 
• Replacement: More affordable and quicker to replace since they are a simpler, separate part. 

This video explains the functions of shocks and struts: 57sGears and GasolineYouTube · Oct 12, 2019
How to tell if you need a replacement
Regardless of whether your vehicle has shocks or struts, you may need a replacement if you experience: 

• A bumpy or rough ride
• Excessive bouncing after hitting bumps
• Nose-diving while braking
• Uneven tire wear
• Fluid leaking from the component
• Decreased steering control or instability when braking

How do I know if my car has struts or shocks?

The easiest way to find out whether you have shocks or struts or both is by referring to your vehicle's owner's manual. It will typically provide information about the type of suspension system installed in your vehicle.

How do I test if my struts are bad?

Symptoms of a bad strut include a bouncy or uncontrolled ride, excessive vehicle body roll or sway when cornering, and the vehicle nose-diving during braking. Other signs are visible fluid leaks from the strut, unusual noises like clunking or grinding, and uneven tire wear (cupping or scalloping).
 
Ride quality 

• Excessive bouncing: The vehicle continues to bounce up and down more than once after hitting a bump. 
• Body roll: The car leans or sways excessively when making turns. 
• Nose-diving: The front end dips down significantly during hard braking. 
• Rear squat: The back end of the vehicle squats or dips down when you accelerate. 

Handling and performance

• Poor handling: The vehicle feels unstable or wobbly, especially at higher speeds. 
• Longer stopping distance: It takes longer for your car to come to a complete stop. 
• Vibrating steering wheel: A slight vibration may be normal, but a noticeable shake when driving on bumpy roads can indicate bad struts. 

Visual and auditory signs 

• Fluid leaks: Look for oil or fluid leaking from the strut's exterior, which can cause dirt and debris to accumulate around it. 
• Unusual noises: Listen for sounds like clunking, knocking, grinding, or creaking, especially when going over bumps or turning. 
• Uneven tire wear: Check your tires for signs of "cupping" or "scalloping," which can be caused by the tire bouncing on the road. 
• Visible damage: Inspect for any visible dents or damage to the strut itself.