Automotive Struts

What are Struts ?

Automotive strut or auto sturt or simply strut is an important and integral part of the vehicles suspension system. Mounted in a coil spring it acts as shock absorber. Just like shock absorber it provide a dampening function and forms structural support for the vehicle suspension. In this sense, the functions of strut is more than the shock absorber that is, it not only supports the weight of the vehicle but also control the speed at which weight is transferred in a car.

Shock absorber along with struts play major role in handling of a vehicle especially car. If the shock and strut is worn out then it should be replaced immediately because the tire's ability to grip the road gets reduced. It also effects the handling and braking performance.

Technically also refereed as McPherson struts, they are mainly installed on the front end of nearly all front-wheel drive vehicles. Several suspension parts are incorporated into one compact assembly. The parts include spring seats, shock absorber, steering knuckle, and coil spring. As various suspension components are incorporated into strut, it is responsible for doing multiple tasks.

What are the multiple task Auto strut performs?
An automotive strut bear the weight of the vehicle with the spring. The internal shock absorber on the other hand dampens the movement of the spring as it compresses and rebounds when the vehicle moves. The strut housing, links the upper strut bearing to the lower ball joint thereby pivoting whole assembly, when the steering wheel is turned. In this sense it acts as structural component of the suspension system.

 

Shocks vs. Struts Often strut is confused with shock absorber. Though just like shock absorber strut too helps in the dampening of the movement of the suspension and gives control ride by keeping the tires in contact with the road yet it is quite different from shocks. For example shock is not the integral part of the suspension system whereas strut is both the structural and the integral part of the system. The outside structure of he strut and the shock absorber is also quite different. But speaking of the internal hydraulic systems then it is quite similar to twin tube shocks.

 

How to maintain the struts?
Here is the maintenance tips for your automotive struts. Even when the conditions are normal it has been observed that the strut cartridge gradually wears out. This can cause related losses like handling, ride quality and control that may be not noticeable under first instance. The malfunctioning of the struts are indicated by swaying, rocking back and forth, bottoming out, drifting or nose-diving while braking, too much bouncing and cupping wear observed on tires. Once you notice these indicators you must immediately get your strut checked by technicians. If the malfunctioning can be corrected by servicing you can go for it otherwise get it replaced.

Types of Automotive Struts
On the basis of design and configuration Auto Struts can be divided into two main categories: