Shocks vs. Struts: here is the difference – Jalopnik

The terms “shock” and “strut” are often popularly used to refer to the same part, perhaps because they both work in the suspension device of a car. However, structurally they are clearly different. A strut is the assembly of components that offer both shock absorption and structural support to the chassis in general, while shocks are individual parts that mainly perform the first. If someone would compare a car with the human body, a strut would be the whole leg and a shock would only be the knee.

Here is another way to think about it: such as professionals, Michael Jordan and Michael Jackson served almost the same social function. They both had enormously successful careers that entertain the public for high wages. Yet their individual methods to do this were different. It is the same deal with shocks and struts -both are crucial components of the suspension system of a car, both appear on a list of the largest car part costs of Jalopnik users, and just like the Michaels they even have similar names. In reality, however, they perform closely related functions.

A well -operating suspension is necessary that a car is comfortable, easily controllable and safe. The suspension keeps the car firmly planted on the road and maintains a smooth ride and supports the frame of the car as part of its chassis. The components of the suspension achieve this by absorbing the feeling of bumps and road imperfections and making it smooth from the tires of a car.

Suspension systems usually include a combination of rinsing, shocks (also known as shock absorbers), control arms and ball joints. A “strut” refers to the assembly of a rinsing spring, shock and other components, including bearings in one functional unit. Rinseing within a suspension system, which helps to immediately absorb the feeling of bumpy terrain, are traditionally made of steel, although in recent years some car manufacturers have presented plans for the implementation of plastic springs. Shock absorbers work together with Spoelveren to limit their impact and maintain the contact of the car with the road. Control arms are connected to ball joints and connect shock -absorbing parts with the chassis and steering components.

There are different types of suspensions, such as rinsing spring, leaf spring, torsion bar and air, so the exact configuration of parts such as shocks and rinsing springs (and the recording or exclusion of other parts, such as air springs) depends on the intended purpose of the vehicle and individual needs for safety, handling and comfort.

Shock absorbers manage impact and rebound due to the movement of hydraulic liquid by a piston. Stutten are often composed of shock absorbers and rinsing and are connected to lower control arms and a bullet joint via a stalpring. In addition to absorbing shock and impact, Stutten actually bears weight within the frame of the vehicle. To re -view the example of the anatomy, a shock absorber like the knee absorbs that impact by walking, while the strut is like the joints (including the knee), tendons and muscles that all work together to carry weight, to absorb and steer the body.

However, it is important to note that not all cars use struts and rit control can be maintained with a configuration of individual shocks and rinsing. All wheels are connected to shocks or struts, but this can even vary between wheels on the same car. Jalopnik readers are considering the high priority of the suspension for preventive maintenance and knowing whether your car has shocks, struts or both, and this well maintained can retain the drive and rich quality, as well as the general safety.