When it comes to vehicle suspension, many drivers use the terms shocks and struts interchangeably. But despite their similar roles, these two components are not the same. Understanding the difference between shocks and struts can help you maintain your vehicle’s suspension system and choose the right replacement parts.
What Are Shocks?
Shocks (shock absorbers) are suspension components designed to control the movement of your vehicle's springs. They do this by damping the up-and-down motion of the suspension, providing a smoother, more controlled ride.
How Shocks Work
Shocks use a piston and hydraulic fluid to resist motion. When your vehicle goes over a bump, the spring compresses, and the shock absorbs the energy, slowing the motion and preventing excessive bouncing.
Key Functions of Shocks:
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Control suspension movement, preventing excessive bouncing.
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Improve ride comfort by absorbing road impacts.
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Maintain handling stability, keeping tires in contact with the road.
Types of Shocks:
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Twin-Tube Shocks: Standard design for many vehicles, offering a comfortable ride.
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Monotube Shocks: More advanced, with better heat dissipation and consistent damping.
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Gas-Pressurized Shocks: Use nitrogen gas to maintain pressure and reduce shock fade.
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Remote Reservoir Shocks: High-performance shocks with separate fluid reservoirs for extreme use.
What Are Struts?
Struts are a more complex suspension component that combines a shock absorber with several other elements into one assembly. In addition to controlling suspension movement like a shock, a strut also supports the vehicle’s weight and maintains alignment.
How Struts Work
Struts are part of the vehicle's structural suspension system. They contain a shock absorber as well as a coil spring, which supports the vehicle’s weight. The strut assembly is mounted between the chassis and the wheel hub, providing both damping and structural support.
Key Functions of Struts:
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Dampen suspension movement, just like shocks.
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Support vehicle weight through an integrated coil spring.
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Maintain proper alignment as part of the suspension geometry.
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Provide structural support to the suspension system.
Types of Struts:
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MacPherson Struts: The most common type, providing damping and structural support in one unit.
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Double-Wishbone Struts: Used in high-performance vehicles for precise handling.
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Coilover Struts: High-performance struts with adjustable ride height.
Key Differences Between Shocks and Struts
Shocks vs. Struts Comparison Table
|
Feature |
Shocks |
Struts |
|
Primary Function |
Dampen suspension movement |
Dampen movement and support vehicle weight |
|
Structural Component |
No |
Yes (part of suspension geometry) |
|
Replacement Cost |
Typically less expensive |
More expensive due to complexity |
|
Alignment Required |
No (except for specific shock designs) |
Yes (strut replacement affects alignment) |
|
Common Locations |
Rear suspension, front of solid axle trucks |
Front suspension of most front-wheel-drive cars |
How to Tell If Your Vehicle Has Shocks or Struts
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Visual Inspection: Look at your suspension components. If you see a coil spring integrated with the shock, you have a strut. If the shock is separate from the spring, it is a standard shock absorber.
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Check Your Owner’s Manual: Your manual will indicate whether your vehicle uses shocks, struts, or both.
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Search Your Vehicle’s Specifications Online: Most manufacturers list suspension details in the specifications section of their websites.
When to Replace Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts should be replaced if you notice any of the following symptoms:
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Excessive Bouncing: Your vehicle bounces excessively after hitting a bump.
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Nose Diving: The front end dips sharply when braking.
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Poor Handling: The vehicle feels unstable or sways excessively in corners.
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Uneven Tire Wear: Suspension problems can cause tires to wear unevenly.
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Visible Leaks: Oil leaking from the shock or strut body.
How Often Should Shocks and Struts Be Replaced?
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Every 50,000 to 75,000 miles for most vehicles.
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More frequently if you drive on rough roads, tow heavy loads, or drive aggressively.
Can You Replace Shocks with Struts (or Vice Versa)?
No, shocks and struts are not interchangeable. If your vehicle was designed with struts, you must replace them with new struts. If it has shocks, you must replace them with compatible shocks.
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Struts provide structural support, so removing them can affect your vehicle’s handling and alignment.
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Shocks simply dampen motion, so replacing them does not affect alignment.
Which Is Better: Shocks or Struts?
It’s not a question of one being better than the other. The choice between shocks and struts is determined by your vehicle’s design.
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Shocks are better for: Trucks, SUVs, and vehicles with separate spring and shock setups.
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Struts are better for: Most front-wheel-drive cars, where the strut provides both suspension damping and structural support.
Common Questions About Shocks and Struts
Can I drive with bad shocks or struts?
Driving with worn shocks or struts is dangerous because it reduces your vehicle’s handling and braking performance.
Do I need an alignment after replacing shocks?
No, replacing shocks does not require an alignment. However, replacing struts almost always requires an alignment because they affect suspension geometry.
Can I replace just one shock or strut?
It’s best to replace shocks or struts in pairs (front or rear) for balanced performance.
How do I know if I have shocks or struts?
Most vehicles have struts in the front and shocks in the rear, but this varies. Check your owner’s manual or visually inspect your suspension.
Are shocks and struts maintenance-free?
Yes, shocks and struts are generally maintenance-free. They should be replaced when they wear out.
Shop Shocks and Struts at Shockwarehouse
Whether you need high-performance shocks, durable struts, or complete suspension kits, Shockwarehouse has you covered. Explore our full selection from top brands like Bilstein, Monroe, KYB, and more.
