How do I know if I have shocks or struts?
Determining whether your vehicle has shocks or struts can be a bit tricky, but understanding the key differences between the two can help you identify which suspension components your car is equipped with. In this article, we'll provide a detailed overview of how to identify shocks versus struts in your vehicle.
What are Shocks and Struts?
Shocks and struts are both suspension components that help absorb the impact of bumps and provide a smooth ride. However, they have some key differences in their design and function:
- Shocks are standalone components that connect the wheel to the vehicle's frame or body. They are responsible for dampening the up-and-down motion of the wheels.
- Struts are a combination of a shock absorber and a structural support for the suspension. They serve the same dampening function as shocks, but also provide structural support for the vehicle's suspension system.
Knowing whether your vehicle has shocks or struts is important for proper maintenance and replacement, as the two components have different installation and replacement procedures.
How to Identify Shocks vs. Struts
Here are some tips to help you determine if your vehicle has shocks or struts:
- Inspect the Suspension Components: Look at the suspension components on your vehicle. Shocks are typically a single, cylindrical component, while struts have a larger, more complex design that includes a coil spring.
- Check the Mounting Points: Shocks are typically mounted at the top and bottom of the suspension, while struts are mounted at the top and connect to the wheel assembly.
- Consult Your Owner's Manual: Your vehicle's owner's manual should specify whether your car is equipped with shocks or struts. This information can also be found in the vehicle's service records or by contacting the manufacturer.li>
If you're still unsure, it's best to consult a professional mechanic who can inspect your vehicle's suspension system and provide a definitive answer.
Conclusion
Identifying whether your vehicle has shocks or struts is an important first step in maintaining and repairing your suspension system. By understanding the key differences between the two components and following the tips outlined in this article, you can accurately determine the type of suspension in your car. This knowledge will help you ensure that any necessary repairs or replacements are done correctly and efficiently.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
