Shock and struts are important parts of a vehicle's suspension system. They help enhance your comfort on the road and ensure the tires are in safe contact with the road surface. However, although these parts perform the same job on your vehicle – taking the motive energy and damping the movement of the spring – they cannot be used to replace each other. This is because different vehicles are designed with either a strut or a shock at each wheel but not both.
In this guide, professionals from Toytec Lifts will answer the most frequently asked questions about the suspension system and discuss what shocks and struts are and how they work.
What Are Shocks?
A shock, sometimes known as a shock absorber, is an oil pump usually located between the frame and wheels of a vehicle. Its main job is to reduce spring oscillations, which helps control the suspension's movement.
Without a shock, the springs on a car will bounce excessively each time it takes a turn or hits a bump. Essentially, a shock absorber works by forming a resistance against the hydraulic fluid across the pressure tube. It pushes the fluid via orifices within valves, slowing down the piston, which, in turn, reduces spring and suspension movement.
What Do They Do?
A functional shock absorber can help you adjust to road conditions by regulating the rate of sway and brake dives. Furthermore, it can prevent springs from oscillating, improve gas mileage, better ride quality, and keep your wheels in contact with the road.
What Are Struts?
Like a shock absorber, a strut is a structural component of a suspension system mounted at the upper part of the chassis. It also acts as a connection point between the frame and your car's tires. The main responsibility of a strut is to carry the vehicle's weight and height while regulating surface impacts and facilitating a smooth ride.
In most cases, struts come with two components; a coil spring and shock absorber. The coil spring helps support the stability and height of the vehicle, whereas the shock absorber dampens vibrations and absorbs the impact caused by road irregularities.
In addition, struts may also include strut bearing, steering knuckle, and spring seats. Struts are often mounted in the front wheel but can also be installed at the back wheels depending on a car's setup.
What is the Difference Between Shocks and Struts?
The primary purpose of a shock absorber is to control the impact and movement of your car's springs and suspension while keeping the tires in contact with the road surface. Shock absorbers consist of three essential components – hydraulic fluid, a coil, and a piston, which work jointly to absorb energy and prevent your vehicle from bouncing.
On the other hand, struts are a fundamental component of the suspension system. Struts are installed at the front wheel of a car, and vehicles with struts don't feature upper ball joints or control arms in most traditional suspension systems.
These parts are integrated with the coil spring and help control spring and suspension movement. They also provide structural support for the car's suspension system by controlling the spring and keeping tires in contact with the road.
When to Replace Shocks and Struts and How Often?
Shock absorbers and struts are vital to the comfort and safety of your vehicle. Therefore, they should be checked for wear and tear and replaced when necessary. This means you should have a specific maintenance schedule for your shocks and struts.
Experts recommend replacing your shocks and struts between the 50,000 and 100,000-mile marker. Remember that excessive wear and tear as well as brake performance can cause significant safety problems. However, every vehicle is different – some trucks are driven on rough roads more frequently while others are driven only on the highway.
Some signs of worn-out shocks and struts include:
- Cupped tires
- Leaking hydraulic fluid
- Unstable braking
- Bouncing on rough roads
- Swaying or body roll when taking turns
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Shocks and Struts?
While you may not have to replace your shocks and struts frequently, they wear or deteriorate over time and can ultimately fail. Flawed shock absorbers and struts can cause poor braking, dangerous body roll, unsteady handling, and even affect how tires interact with the road surface, leading to poor performance.
The price you pay to replace shocks and struts can vary depending on the model of your vehicle, the brand of the shocks and struts. However, on average, shock and strut replacement costs range between $450 and $1,100, inclusive of labor costs.
How Long Do They Last and When to Replace Them?
The average life expectancy for shocks and struts is about 4-5 years. However, this period can be longer or shorter depending on various variables, including road conditions, miles a vehicle is driven, and the driver's aggressiveness.
For instance, if a car is driven gently on smooth roadways, the lifespan can stretch up to 10 years. But if you drive your vehicle aggressively on uneven terrains filled with pumps, large cracks, sharp ridges, and potholes, the lifespan will be less than five years.
Since the decision to replace your shocks and struts depends on various variables, we recommend that you inspect the suspension system at 50,000 miles to know which parts need replacement.
Where Are they Located on a Car?
Both the shock absorbers and struts are installed near the wheels. A shock resembles a pneumatic pump or spring and is located vertically behind the tires. On the other hand, struts are installed horizontally and look like an extension of the tire. These components help stabilize your vehicle's movement, accelerate on uneven pavements, brake, and enhance control when you turn.
Shop Our Selection of Toyota Shocks and Struts
If you're planning to replace shocks and struts for your Toyota, we’ve got you covered at Toytec Lifts. We carry a wide selection of functional shocks and struts you can use to enhance the performance and safety of your Toyota vehicle. Contact us at 303-225-4959 for any question or browse our website today to shop our selection of Toyota shocks and struts for any Toyota model.
