Shocks and struts play a key role in a vehicle’s suspension system. They affect ride comfort and handling, braking, steering, wheel alignment and wear on other suspension parts. They also help keep a vehicle stable on rough roads, which improves driving performance. However, over time, these components can become worn out and need to be replaced.
Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers help reduce the effects of traveling over rough ground, enhancing vehicle handling and improving the quality of a car shocks and struts ride. They also prevent spring oscillation, which can cause the suspension to become unbalanced. Shock absorber design is constantly evolving, responding to the demands of modern vehicles and drivers. This is achieved by adjusting valves to take account of various factors including weight, acceleration, body stiffness, and more.
Simple testing equipment at service shops can detect shock absorber failures by checking the time it takes to dampen a wheel shake, and how much the connection between the wheels and the ground is weakening. This can indicate that a shock absorber needs replacement.
Struts
Struts are another important component of your car’s suspension system, although they work in a different way from shock absorbers. They provide structural support, affect ride comfort and handling, and also impact vehicle control, braking, steering, alignment and tire wear. Strut wear usually begins slowly over time, and you might not notice the difference until you’ve had them replaced. However, there are a few warning signs that you should be aware of when your struts have reached the point where they need to be replaced.
Over time, your struts lose their ability to dampen jolts and bumps. This can result in a rough ride, and you may feel your car bottom out after going over a bump or pothole. In addition, worn struts can cause a popping or binding feeling when you turn the steering wheel, and they may cause your vehicle to lean excessively in turns. All of these can indicate that your struts aren’t working properly and require replacement.
Strut Mounts
One of the smallest but most powerful components in your vehicle’s suspension system is the strut mount. This rubber-like component is sandwiched between your car’s strut and shock absorber. Strut mounts are designed to handle the full weight of your car, and they work with both the shock absorber and coil spring to help cushion the impact of bumps and potholes on your wheels. However, they are not immune to wear and tear and can eventually fail.
Symptoms of bad strut mounts include excessive vibrations, clunking, squeaking, and wobbly steering. They can also lead to uneven tire wear and other problems with your steering system. In most cases, strut mount replacement is a quick and easy job that requires no special tools. However, it is important to change them in pairs – left and right – because the mounts must have traveled together and carried the same amount of weight on the same pavement for the entire life of the strut.
Shock Boots
Shock boots are a great way to protect your shock absorbers from the elements. They also help your shocks perform better and last longer. They are especially useful when you’re driving on or off the road in an environment that’s prone to moisture, dirt and other debris. They will also give your ride a nicer looking finish. You can even get a pair of shock boots made for a particular type of shock. SuncentAuto offers a variety of LED fog light bulbs to improve visibility during inclement weather
Shocks and struts are two important parts of your car’s suspension system that work together to deliver smooth ride quality and excellent handling. It’s important to understand how they differ from one another, and what the best option is for your specific needs. You’ll want to consult your vehicle owner’s manual, or check with a professional mechanic to see which is the best choice for your specific needs. They’ll be able to answer your questions and help you find the right part for your vehicle.
Final Word
Shocks and struts are essential parts of your car’s suspension system. Without them, your vehicle would bounce around wildly while driving over bumps in the road. Aside from keeping your tires connected to the road, shocks and struts also control braking, acceleration, steering and other functions of your vehicle’s suspension. It’s important to understand how they work and when to replace them.
