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

Key takeaway: the easiest way to know is by looking at the suspension assembly. If a coil spring sits directly around the damping unit, that’s a strut; if the damper is separate from the spring, that’s a shock absorber. In many modern cars, front suspensions use struts (often MacPherson) and rear suspensions use shocks, but there are exceptions across makes and models.

What shocks and struts do

Shocks and struts are both dampers that control how the suspension moves, but they play different roles in the vehicle’s structure. A strut generally combines a coil spring, a damper, and a structural element that helps support the vehicle’s load and, in many designs, serves as part of the steering axis. A shock absorber, by contrast, is a standalone damper that controls oscillations without bearing the vehicle’s weight or providing steering geometry.

Visual clues to tell them apart

Use these quick visual cues to identify the type of suspension component on each corner of your car. The list below helps you distinguish a strut from a shock by what you see around the damper and spring.

• Coil spring wrapped around the damping unit (damper) on a corner — this is a strut (often part of a MacPherson setup).


• Separate damper and coil spring, with the spring mounted on the suspension arm or axle rather than directly around the damper — this is a shock absorber configuration.


• Top mounting that includes a bearing or integrated hub with the damper — typical of a strut assembly.


• Shocks are usually mounted to the vehicle frame with two bolt ends and do not serve as a load-bearing suspension member.

Note: Some front suspensions in modern cars use a strut that looks like a standard shock from the outside, and some rear suspensions use struts in certain layouts. Visual inspection can be tricky on newer designs, so cross-check with manuals or a professional if in doubt.

Front vs rear configurations

In many passenger cars, the front suspension uses MacPherson struts, where the strut acts as both a spring seat and the damper, along with a steering-related mount. The rear suspension more often uses separate shocks with springs, especially in older designs, though some models use rear struts. SUVs and some performance cars may mix designs, so it’s best to confirm for your specific model.

Ways to confirm with official sources

When you want absolute certainty, consult reliable sources from the manufacturer or a trusted technician. The following steps help verify the exact arrangement for your vehicle.

• Owner’s manual or maintenance guide for your vehicle, which often states whether the front/rear uses struts or shocks and notes if the springs are integrated with the dampers.


• Vehicle identification number (VIN) or the official parts catalog or dealership database for your exact year, make, and model — search for “strut assembly” versus “shock absorber” to see which applies to each corner.


• Ask a qualified mechanic or parts specialist with your car’s year, make, model, and trim level; they can confirm the suspension design and show you the components in person.

Be aware that some dealers and manuals use different terminology (for example, “strut” may refer to an integrated spring/damper unit even if it’s marketed as a whole assembly). When in doubt, a quick in-person check or professional confirmation is worth the effort.

Practical notes on maintenance and replacement

Understanding whether your car uses shocks or struts matters for maintenance because replacement parts and alignment considerations can differ. Struts often require alignment checks after replacement, and in many vehicles, front and rear wear may not be identical. Replacing worn parts in pairs on the same axle is common practice to preserve balanced handling and ride quality.

Summary

To identify shocks versus struts, look for whether the spring is integrated with the dampening unit (a strut) or whether the spring and damper are separate components (shocks). Visual cues, owner’s manuals, VIN-based parts catalogs, and guidance from a qualified technician are all reliable ways to confirm the exact suspension design for your car. Knowing this helps you understand replacement needs, maintenance intervals, and how your ride may change after service.

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 you tell if you have shocks or struts?

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. Check both front and rear wheels, as you might have both shocks on one axle and struts on the other.

Do all cars have both shocks and struts?

No, not all cars have both shocks and struts; every car has either shocks or struts at each wheel, or a combination of both. Many vehicles use struts in the front and shocks in the rear, while others may use one type exclusively, depending on the vehicle's suspension design.
 

• Struts: These are a single, structural component that combines the shock absorber with the spring, and they also act as a structural part of the suspension and steering system. They are commonly found on the front wheels of modern cars and SUVs. 
• Shocks: These are separate shock absorbers that work with separate springs to absorb shock and reduce bouncing. They are often found on the rear wheels, even on vehicles with struts in the front. 

To determine what your vehicle has, you can check your owner's manual or visually inspect the suspension components yourself, notes Loganville Ford, Christian Brothers Automotive, and Ken's Automotive & Transmissions.

What's the average cost to replace shocks and struts?

The total cost for replacing shocks and struts typically ranges from $450 to $1,500, with luxury or performance vehicles potentially costing much more. This price includes both parts and labor, and it's often recommended to replace all four components at the same time to ensure balanced performance. The final cost depends on your vehicle's make and model, the cost of parts, and your location.
 
This video explains the factors that influence the cost of replacing shocks and struts: 1mAuto V Fix YouTube · Sep 30, 2022
Cost breakdown

• Parts: Shocks can range from $80$ 80$80 to $250$ 250$250 per pair, while struts are typically more expensive at $300$ 300$300 to $760$ 760$760 per pair, depending on the type and brand. 
• Labor: Labor costs can range from $150$ 150$150 to $300$ 300$300 per axle. 
• Full replacement: Replacing all four components (shocks on the rear, struts on the front) can total between $500$ 500$500 and $1,500$ 1 comma 500$1,500 for parts and labor. 

Factors that affect the final cost

• Vehicle type: The cost is significantly higher for luxury, sports, or off-road vehicles due to more complex and expensive parts. 
• Location: Labor rates vary by geographic location, so getting quotes from multiple local mechanics can help you find a competitive price. 
• Parts quality: The price will vary based on whether you choose original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or aftermarket parts. 

When to replace shocks and struts

• It is recommended to check them around every 50,000 to 60,000 miles. 
• Signs of worn-out shocks and struts include a bumpy or bouncy ride, fluid leaks, uneven tire wear, and a noticeable "nose-dive" when braking. 

This video shows the symptoms of worn-out shocks and struts: 59scar PROblemsYouTube · Dec 13, 2024