What are the struts in a car?
5 minute read Published on Apr 9, 2025 by BrokerLink Communications
Cars come with all kinds of suspensions, but let’s talk about one of the most important parts of your car's suspension: the struts. If you’ve ever heard the term "strut" but weren’t quite sure what it meant or what it does, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
Understanding struts
Struts play a big role in the modern suspension system. They're also pretty compact compared to shock absorbers in conventional suspension systems. They are stronger than regular shocks because they’re designed to bear the weight of your vehicle. On top of that, struts help smooth out bumps in the road and even play a role in keeping your steering sharp and your alignment on point.
Think of struts as the bridge between your car’s wheels and its body. Struts connect the upper bearing to the lower ball joint, allowing the whole assembly to pivot smoothly when you turn your car in any direction. In most front-wheel-drive vehicles, you’ll find the struts mounted at the top of the chassis in the front, but they’re not exclusive to front-wheel-drive setups.
The strut assembly usually combines a spring and a shock absorber. The coil spring keeps your car at the right height, supports its weight, and provides stability. The shock absorber handles the bumps and vibrations from rough roads, and it’s made up of three key parts: a piston, a coil, and hydraulic fluid.
There are also other pieces in the mix, like the spring seats, strut bearing, and steering knuckle(s). Struts are usually found up front with the front wheels, but depending on your car's setup, they might also be mounted at the rear wheels.
Shocks vs. struts
People often use "shocks" and "struts" interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing, and mixing them up can lead to some confusion. We will clarify the difference below:
Shocks
Shocks are essential, but they have one main job: making your ride smoother by controlling the force you feel when you hit a bump. They also help reduce that dipping motion in the front of your car when you brake or accelerate quickly. Shocks work independently and pair up with things like bars, springs, or coils, and they’re usually more budget-friendly than struts. However, they’re not absolutely critical for your car or truck to operate.
Struts
Struts, on the other hand, pull double duty. They not only absorb shocks but also play a key role in the control and maneuverability of your vehicle, making them essential. When your struts are in good shape, they keep your car from bouncing too much during normal driving, giving you a smoother, more stable ride without all the jarring and shaking. Struts are also vital to your car’s suspension and steering systems. Beyond ride quality and supporting the car’s weight, they impact how well your brakes perform, help with wheel alignment, and help with smooth turning.
Your car might have shocks in the front and rear, but in most newer vehicles, front struts have replaced front shocks. Unlike shocks, struts are part of the car’s structure and are mounted to the top of the chassis at the front. While shocks are common in heavier vehicles like trucks, struts are the go-to for lighter cars.
Warning signs of bad struts
Struts work alongside coil springs to keep your ride smooth and your tires firmly on the road, even over bumps, potholes, or rough terrain. When struts start to wear out or become loose, the tires can lose contact with the road, making for a rough and potentially unsafe ride. Worn-out struts can cause all kinds of issues, from annoying noises to a bumpy, uncomfortable drive. Here are the most common signs to watch for:
1. Strange noises
If you hear a low thudding or banging sound when driving over bumps or potholes, your struts might be the problem. A loud creaking sound when turning the steering wheel could point to bad strut mounts. Over time, rust and corrosion can warp or loosen the joints, leading to these noises.
2. Bumpy or unstable ride
When your struts aren't doing their job, the suspension springs can’t properly control the movement of your car. This leads to a rough, choppy ride. While a bumpy ride alone can signal general suspension problems, pay attention to other symptoms like odd noises or unusual tire wear for a clearer picture.
3. Hydraulic oil leaks
Struts rely on hydraulic fluid to control dampening and performance. If the seals on your struts wear out, they can leak. Look for oily residue around the struts or near the seal—it’s a clear sign that they need to be replaced.
4. Uneven tire wear
Worn struts can cause your car to bounce, creating high and low spots on your tire tread (also called cupping). This not only accelerates tire wear but can also throw off your alignment, reducing how well your tires grip the road.
5. Poor braking performance
Bad struts reduce the system’s ability to absorb force when braking, which can increase your stopping distance. You might also notice that your brake pads are wearing out faster because the suspension isn’t doing enough to cushion the braking force.
Maintaining your struts
Since struts are such a key part of your vehicle, keeping them in good shape is a must. Regular inspections and maintenance go a long way. If you live in a rainy or snowy climate, it’s especially important to check for rust and corrosion. Generally, struts should be replaced every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometres —but if you’re frequently driving on unpaved roads or hauling heavy loads, you might need to replace them sooner. Those conditions can wear out struts faster.
Luckily, there are ways to extend the life of your struts. Regular check-ups by a qualified technician are a good place to start. Many shops will inspect your struts for free during your scheduled car maintenance, like tire and brake inspections. It’s also a good idea to ask your mechanic to lubricate the suspension components during your oil changes. Don’t forget about wheel alignments, either—aligned wheels ensure proper tire angles, which help with steering and reduce strain on the suspension.
Your driving habits matter, too. Speeding over potholes or flying over speed bumps puts a lot of stress on your struts. Slowing down and steering clear of rough patches whenever possible can help protect them and keep your vehicle's suspension system in top shape.
Learn more with BrokerLink
Want to know if your car insurance policy will cover replacing broken or damaged struts? Contact BrokerLink today! Our licensed insurance advisors are here to answer all your questions about car insurance, including what coverage you might need for repairs such as a broken strut.
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