How do I know if I have shocks or struts?
Understanding the difference between shocks and struts is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's performance and safety. Both components play a vital role in your car's suspension system, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. In this article, we'll explore how to identify whether your vehicle has shocks or struts and the signs that indicate they may need attention.
What Are Shocks and Struts?
Shocks (shock absorbers) and struts are both essential components of a vehicle's suspension system. They help control the ride quality and handling of the vehicle by absorbing bumps and impacts from the road.
- Shocks: These are standalone components that primarily absorb the energy from bumps and help stabilize the vehicle. They are typically found in vehicles with a traditional suspension system.
- Struts: Struts are a structural part of the suspension system that combines the functions of a shock absorber with additional support for the vehicle's weight. They are commonly found in vehicles with a MacPherson strut suspension design.
How to Identify Shocks or Struts
To determine whether your vehicle has shocks or struts, consider the following:
- Visual Inspection: Look under your vehicle. If you see a coil spring around the shock absorber, you likely have struts. If the shock is separate from the spring, then you have shocks.
- Vehicle Type: Many modern cars use struts in the front suspension, while trucks and SUVs may have shocks. Check your vehicle's manual for specific information.
- Suspension Design: If your vehicle has a MacPherson strut design, it will have struts. This design is common in many compact and mid-size cars.
Signs of Worn Shocks or Struts
Regardless of whether your vehicle has shocks or struts, there are several signs that indicate they may be worn and need replacement:
- Excessive Bouncing: If your vehicle bounces excessively after hitting a bump, it may be a sign that the shocks or struts are worn out.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Worn suspension components can lead to uneven tire wear, which can affect handling and safety.
- Fluid Leaks: Check for any fluid leaks around the shocks or struts. This can indicate a failure in the seals.
- Noise: If you hear clunking or rattling noises when driving over bumps, it may be time to inspect your suspension system.
Conclusion
Knowing whether your vehicle has shocks or struts is essential for proper maintenance and ensuring a smooth ride. Regular inspections and being aware of the signs of wear can help you address issues before they become serious problems. If you're unsure or need assistance, don't hesitate to contact a professional auto service like Kevin's Autos for expert advice and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should it cost to replace shocks and struts?
between $450 and $1,100
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.
Do you need an alignment after replacing struts?
Monroe ® recommends performing an alignment anytime struts or other steering and suspension components are replaced. Failure to make sure the vehicle's alignment is within factory specifications can lead to problems like premature tire wear and other customer comebacks.
Do I have both shocks and struts?
They're not. Every wheel on your vehicle has either a shock or a strut – never both, never neither. However, you may have struts on your front wheels and shocks on your rear wheels.
What do bad shocks and struts feel like?
Signs Your Shocks or Struts Need to be Replaced
If your vehicle isn't driving smoothly and you notice any of these issues, there is undoubtedly a problem. Poor steering, quivering, vibrating, clunking, bumping, noises, tremors, the list goes on.
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.
Can I drive with bad struts?
Struts on the front-end of your vehicle are also crucial for steering and alignment. Driving with a broken strut will be extremely uncomfortable for you and your passengers, and is unsafe in an emergency. It can also damage other components in your car.
How do I know if my car has shocks or struts?
You can test shocks by bouncing the car while its parked; just push each corner up and down to get it going then stop pushing and observe the bouncing behavior. You should get one small bounce after you stop pushing, maybe two at the most. If it continues more than this you either have an old buick or blown shocks.
How much does it cost to replace shocks and struts?
between $450 and $1,100
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.
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 to check if shocks are bad?
Symptoms 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.
