Ever returned from a journey feeling stressed out and tired due to the bad road condition? It is most likely that your car’s bad struts parts contributed to the unsatisfactory outcome of the trip.
Struts are an essential component in the suspension system of most modern cars. They help absorb or dampen the vibrations and shock caused by driving on uneven roads and bumps.
This article unveils virtually everything you need to know about struts, including the types of struts for various cars, to enable you get the best replacement for your car.
Types of Struts for Cars
You will come across various types of struts in the automotive industry. While some are uniquely designed for specific categories of vehicles, others have general applications. The following are some common types of car struts.
McPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut is the most typical form of strut found in contemporary automobiles. It is made up of a rod and a piston positioned inside a telescoping cylinder.
The MacPherson strut is a popular option for mass-produced vehicles because it is straightforward and reasonably priced.
Coilover Strut
Coilover strut is a form of MacPherson strut with a coil spring wrapped around the body. This design makes it simple to adjust the height, which is especially helpful for racing vehicles or custom builds.
Gas Strut
Gas struts use compressed gas to cushion shock and vibration. They are frequently used in a vehicle’s trunk and hood to simplify the opening and closing process. Heavy-duty vehicle suspension systems also use gas struts.
Air Strut
An air strut is similar to a gas strut, but an air strut utilizes air rather than gas. Due to the smoother and more comfortable experience they provide, air struts are frequently used in luxury vehicles. The height of the car can also be altered by adjusting them.
Multi-Link Strut
Although more intricate than MacPherson struts, multi-link struts provide better control and stability. This kind of strut connects the tire to the car’s chassis using a number of links and control arms.
High-performance and sports automobiles frequently have multi-link struts. They provide good comfort and safety, especially on bad roads.
Torsion Beam Strut
A torsion beam strut employs a torsion bar to connect the wheels in a straightforward manner. Smaller vehicles frequently use this kind of strut because it offers a portable and lightweight suspension system.
The kind of strut used in a car depends on several factors, such as the weight of the vehicle, the expected performance, and cost considerations.
Whatever the strut type, they all contribute significantly to ensuring you enjoy a comfortable and safe driving experience. Meanwhile, it is vital to keep the parts in good shape at all times, as your safety depends on it.
Struts Parts Name and Short Description
A vehicle’s struts consist of several different parts that work in synergy to accomplish the common goal of providing safety and comfort as you drive. Some of the main car struts parts include the following.
Strut Housing
The strut housing is the outer casing of the strut assembly. This part helps to protect the internal components from contamination and damage. The strut housing is as important as other components in the struts parts list.
Strut Mount
The strut mount is the component that attaches the strut to the vehicle’s body. It provides a cushioning effect and reduces vibration and noise in your car when driving.
In other words, a worn-out strut mount will eventually offset the impact of the vibration and noise as you drive.
Coil Spring
The coil spring is a tightly wound spring located around the strut assembly. It provides support for the car’s weight and helps keep the vehicle at the desired height.
The component also plays a significant role in cushioning the impacts of the road as you drive.
Bump Stop
The bump stop is a small rubber or polyurethane piece located at the top of the strut. It prevents the strut from bottoming out and helps to absorb shocks. This component generally limits the suspension travel so that no component is damaged.
Dust Boot
The dust boot is a protective covering that surrounds the strut. It helps to keep dirt and debris out of the strut assembly. It is important to state that, among other factors, wear and tear happens faster when the strut is exposed to contaminants.
Damper
The damper is a piston and hydraulic fluid system that helps control the movement of the strut. This helps absorb vibrations and minimize the impact of bumps or bad road conditions on your car.
Strut Bearing
The strut bearing is a component that allows the strut to rotate smoothly and without resistance. Long-term use, corrosion, collision damage, and other variables can cause the bearings to wear out.
When this occurs, the steering becomes stiff or snaps back toward the center when you let go of the steering wheel.
Worn-out strut bearing frequently makes knocking or clunking sounds over bumps or in turns. Uneven tire wear and alignment problems can also be caused by bad strut bearing.
FAQs
Q: Can you drive with bad struts?
You can drive with bad struts. However, even though the bad struts may not impede your car from moving, they can have negative impacts on its drivability. In other words, it is not advisable to do so due to unforeseen circumstances.
Since the struts are responsible for absorbing the vibrations, shock, and bounce that are caused by driving on uneven roads, it is vital to keep them in good shape all the time. Also, the struts on your car’s front-end play a crucial role in the steering process and the car’s alignment.
Q: What happens if you don’t fix struts?
Failure to fix bad struts can have serious negative impacts on your car’s safety, performance, and overall driving experience. Increased vibrations, poor handling or control, uneven tire wear, poor braking ability, and reduced comfort are some things you will experience due to bad struts.
Meanwhile, it is important to state that if you keep driving with bad struts, there’s a tendency for other related components to wear out faster. This can result in increased maintenance costs. Nevertheless, struts and shocks replacement cost are usually higher.
Q: How many miles do struts last?
A vehicle’s struts can typically last around 50,000 – 100,000 miles. However, the lifespan of your car’s struts will depend on several factors, such as the car’s make and model, the quality of the strut parts, as well as your driving conditions.
Cheap or low-quality struts have a high tendency to wear out faster than their high-quality and relatively expensive counterparts. Also, regular inspection and maintenance can determine how long the component will last.
Q: Do cars have 2 or 4 struts?
Most cars are built with 4 struts, one at each corner around the wheel area. The struts consist of two front struts and two rear struts. They work in synergy with other suspension components to ensure an optimum driving experience.
Every single strut attached to each wheel is important. They jointly help to enhance your car’s control, provide stability, and absorb shocks and vibrations that result from driving on uneven roads and bumps.
Q: What are the best struts for my car?
KYB, Mevotech, Moog, Monroe, Motorcraft, Rancho, Sensen, Bilstein, Gabriel, and Detroit are some of the best struts for your car. These strut brands have high-quality and reliable strut assembly kit for various vehicle makes and models.
Nevertheless, when replacing your car struts, ensure to consider your driving style and the conditions under which you will be driving. Also, you may want to put your budget into consideration.
Final Words
Undoubtedly, your vehicle’s struts parts play a vital role in ensuring comfort and safety as you drive. This article has exposed various parts of the strut assembly and how they synergize with the suspension system to deliver an excellent driving experience.
However, it is vital to note that these parts do not last forever, as virtually every mechanical component is subject to wear and tear over time. Therefore, ensure to get a strut assembly replacement when necessary.
Meanwhile, the possibility of enjoying the longevity of your car’s struts depends on how often you engage in regular inspection and maintenance.