Front wheel drive cars today use a component called a strut.  Struts are located on the front end of your vehicle.

Struts are not only shock absorbers but a combination of energy absorbing, steering and structural components packed into one unit.

The different components that make up the strut assemble are:

  • Shock Absorber – The shock absorber absorbs the kinetic energy produced by the movement of the suspension.  It is also the serviceable part of the strut unit.
  • Coil Spring – The coil spring serves two purposes.  One, it supports the weight of the vehicle and two; the spring movement keeps the vehicle stable in different road conditions.
  • Strut Housing – The strut housing serves two purposes also.  Not only does it act as part of the suspension structure but also connects the upper strut bearing to the lower ball joint. This combination allows the whole unit to pivot when the vehicle is turning.
  • Coil Spring Seats – The coil spring seats simply keep the top and bottom portion of the coil spring seated.

Your struts should be checked once a year by a certified auto technician. 

 

For you do-it-yourselfers; you will have to invest in special tools (strut compressing tool and other tools) to service your struts.  If you are not sure what you are doing then it may be a good idea to pass this job onto a certified technician.  If you have the tools and knowledge then go for it.

 

If your vehicle ever goes in for a wheel alignment; that would also be a good time to have the struts inspected or serviced.

 

There are signs your vehicle will show you when it may be time to service your struts:

 

  • Bouncing – Excessive bouncing when the vehicle hits a bump
  • Bottoming Out – The vehicle may even bottom out when it hits a bump
  • Drifting/Swaying – Your vehicle may drift or sway to one side or another; or may even take a nose dive when you are braking.
  • Cupping – Your tire may show cupping in the center.

 

If you have not already had your struts inspected or serviced; I suggest you have it done now or early fall before winter hits.  Irregular motion of the vehicle on icy roads is not a good combination.

 

Be safe and let the family know that they will be safe by having your struts thoroughly inspected.

 

For you do-it-yourselfers out there; Click Here to find all your suspension parts.

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