What are shocks and struts?

Shocks and struts are rubber or polyurethane components that dampen suspension movement. They are often called shock absorbers, although this is not technically correct.

Shocks are typically located in the front of a vehicle, while struts are located at the rear. Shocks and struts work together to provide exceptional comfort and control while driving.

Shocks and struts are key components of your vehicle’s suspension system. Shocks and struts are two different types of suspension components that are designed to help your vehicle maintain traction on the road surface. They work together to help keep your tires on the ground while also providing a smooth ride.

Shocks and struts are two types of dampers that are used in a vehicle’s suspension system to control the movement of the wheels. The shocks and struts are located between the wheels and their respective axles and their main job is to keep the tires in contact with the road surface.

The main difference between shocks and struts is how they’re mounted on your vehicle — shocks are mounted underneath each wheel; struts are mounted above each wheel (on top of springs).

Shocks

Shocks are hydraulic devices that control the motion of your vehicle by absorbing bumps in the road. They dampen or absorb road shock by compressing or expanding in response to movement. They’re attached to each wheel and filled with hydraulic fluid, which acts as a cushion between the shock body and the vehicle body. When you drive over a bump in the road, the piston inside a shock moves up and down inside its cylinder to absorb the jolt. The piston then compresses the hydraulic oil against an internal check valve, which keeps it from leaking out when it’s not needed.

A shock absorber is usually a piston filled with oil, but can also be filled with other fluids such as nitrogen gas or pressurized liquid. The shock absorber has a piston that moves up and down inside a cylinder, which pressurizes the oil inside. When you hit a bump in the road, the piston moves up and down to absorb some of the impacts of the bump so that it doesn’t go through to the chassis of your vehicle. The movement of this piston creates resistance that absorbs the shock of hitting bumps or potholes. This greatly reduces body roll (the lean of your car while cornering), which makes it easier to steer your car through curves and turns.

Struts

A strut is a mechanical device used to support weight and reduce vibration in structures, machines, and vehicles. Struts are typically designed as an assembly of two parts: a compression member (the upper part) and an expansion member (the lower part). Struts perform better when they’re paired together than when they’re used separately because each part works against one other’s movements as well as for them when you’re driving down the road.

A strut is a rigid part used as an automobile suspension component between a wheel hub and its corresponding spring or leaf spring attachment point. Struts provide support for both vertical weight transfer from braking, acceleration, and bumps as well as torsional stress from cornering forces blowing through them from side-to-side loads like potholes

Struts are also designed to support your vehicle’s weight while keeping your tires in contact with the road surface, but they’re actuated differently than shocks. Struts help dissipate bumps in the road through their flexible design, while shocks absorb them by compressing or extending within their cylinders as needed.

Why do they wear out?

If you have a car that is older than 10 years, there’s a good chance your shocks and struts are past their prime. Shocks and struts are essential parts of a vehicle’s suspension system. They absorb the bumps in the road and keep your tires from hitting the body of your vehicle when going over bumps. Over time, shocks and struts wear out and need to be replaced.

The most common cause of shock/strut failure is age. Many vehicles have been on the road for more than 10 years, so it is no surprise that many shocks and struts need replacement. Other factors can contribute to their wear as well:

• Driving over potholes or other uneven surfaces causes excessive shock absorber movement which results in quick wear-and-tear of these parts;

• Corrosion from road salt can often lead to rusting or even breaking of components;

• Improper alignments can cause excessive stress on components which will accelerate their wear rate. The shocks and struts of your vehicle are responsible for keeping the wheels and tires firmly in contact with the road, so when they wear out or break, your car’s handling is severely compromised.

The signs that it’s time to replace your shocks and struts include:

• Uneven tire wear: If one or more of your tires has unusual wear patterns, such as scalloping or cupping, it may be a sign that the shocks or struts need replacing. These patterns indicate that the suspension isn’t being maintained at its proper height, causing uneven wear on one side of the tire.

• Wobbling and bouncing: If you’re experiencing any wobbling or bouncing while driving over bumps, this could be an indication that your shocks or struts are worn out and need replacing.

• Shaking when braking: If you feel like there’s a vibration when braking at high speeds, this could mean that one or more of your shock absorbers needs replacing.

• Vibration in the steering wheel: A rattling or vibrating steering wheel may be an indication that one of your shock absorbers is malfunctioning and needs replacing.

• Your steering wheel feels like it’s bouncing around when driving over bumps

• You hear grinding or popping noises when turning or braking

• The front end of your car feels loose or unstable

• Your car bounces up and down when going over bumps (your tires should stay in contact with the ground)

• Makes noise when driving over bumps at low speeds (for example, while making turns or backing out of parking spaces)

• Makes noise when placing heavy loads in your trunk (such as groceries)

The shock absorbers on your vehicle slow down the up-and-down movement of the wheels when you go over bumps, but they don’t absorb all the shock. Some of the bumpiness still travels through your vehicle’s suspension system to its frame and body. Your struts do most of this work.

When shocks or struts wear out, it can lead to a rough ride, poor steering response, and increased tire wear. You may also hear clunking noises when you go over bumps at low speeds or when you place heavy loads in your trunk. It may seem like it’s always happening when you drive on rough roads or hit bumps in parking lots.

If you are unsure if your vehicle needs shocks and struts replaced, call the ASE Certified Mechanics at Hong Kong Auto Service. We are here to assist you in keeping your vehicle running smoothly!