OUR SERVICES
SHOCKS AND STRUTS
ROLE OF SHOCKS AND STRUTS
- Control excessive body and tire movement
- Reduce vehicle bounce, roll and sway – plus brake dive and acceleration squat
- Help maintain consistent handling and braking
- Help maintain wheel alignment
- Help reduce the potential of premature wear on tires and other suspension parts
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHOCKS AND STRUTS
Many times, you’ll hear people refer to shocks and struts interchangeably. However, shocks and struts are two distinct parts with different functions. While both can help with your vehicle’s ride and handling, these parts work in different ways. Shocks are individual components of the suspension system while struts are a major structural component of the chassis and suspension system.
WHAT SHOCKS DO
Despite what many people think, conventional shock absorbers do not support vehicle weight. Instead, the primary purpose of the shock absorber is to control spring and suspension movement. This is accomplished by turning the kinetic energy of suspension movement into thermal energy, or heat energy, to be dissipated through the hydraulic fluid.
The amount of resistance a shock absorber develops depends on the speed of the suspension and the number and size of the tiny holes or orifices in the piston. All modern shock absorbers are velocity-sensitive hydraulic damping devices – meaning the faster the suspension moves the more resistance the shock absorber provides. Because of this feature, shock absorbers adjust to varying road conditions and reduce the rate of:
- Bounce
- Roll and sway from worn shocks losing the ability to control the rate of weight transfer
- Brake dive and acceleration squat
Shock absorbers work on the principle of fluid displacement on both the compression and extension cycle. A typical car or light truck will have more resistance during its extension cycle than its compression cycle. The compression cycle controls the motion of a vehicle’s unspring weight, while extension controls the heavier sprung weight.
SHOCK COMPONENTS
Shock absorbers are basically oil pumps. A piston is attached to the end of the piston rod and works against hydraulic fluid in the pressure tube. As the suspension travels up and down, the hydraulic fluid is forced through the orifices inside the piston. However, these orifices let only a small amount of fluid through the piston. This slows down the piston, which in turn slows down spring and suspension movement.
WHAT STRUTS DO
STRUT COMPONENTS
Typically, struts consist of a strut housing to provide rigid structural support for the assembly and a damping unit within the strut housing to control spring and suspension movement. On most struts, the bottom of the body attaches to the steering knuckle, which in turn connects to a lower control arm through a lower ball joint.
A complete strut assembly includes all the components needed for strut replacement in a single, fully-assembled unit. It combines the strut housing, damping unit with a coil spring to support the vehicle’s weight.
Does my Vehicle have Shocks or Struts?
Every wheel on your vehicle has either a shock or strut. However, your vehicle could have shocks on the front and struts on the back or some other configuration. The key takeaway is that each wheel has some sort of ride control part.
How do I know if my shocks or struts need replacement?
Common signs of worn shocks or struts include excessive bouncing or swaying, uneven tire wear, a bumpy or uncomfortable ride, nose diving during braking, or leaking fluid from the shocks or struts.
Can I replace shocks or struts myself, or should I have a professional do it?
While it’s possible to replace shocks or struts yourself if you have the necessary tools and mechanical skills, it’s often recommended to have a professional technician perform the replacement to ensure proper installation and alignment.
What factors should I consider when choosing replacement shocks or struts?
Consider factors such as your vehicle’s make and model, driving conditions, intended usage (e.g., daily commuting, off-roading, towing), and desired ride comfort or performance characteristics when selecting replacement shocks or struts.
Can worn shocks or struts affect vehicle safety?
Yes, worn shocks or struts can negatively impact vehicle handling, braking performance, and stability, increasing the risk of accidents, especially in emergency situations or on rough roads.