Shocks Vs. Struts: What's the Difference?
Shocks and struts are both parts of the suspension system. Their purpose is to minimize vibrations and bumps from the road, increase ride comfort, and promote even tire wear. And while shocks and struts seem the same, their differences rest in their roles within the suspension system.
The Role of Shocks in Your Vehicle
Shock absorbers do precisely what their name implies — they absorb the shock from bumps in the road. Shocks are pistons attached to piston rods and filled with either gas or liquid that help slow the impact of a bump. They’re the automotive equivalent of soft-closing hydraulic elements on many modern kitchen drawers.
The piston on a shock absorber is under a lot of pressure. A sudden change in vehicle suspension, such as a pothole or speed bump, will cause the piston to compress. But thanks to the built-up pressure, the piston will slowly release back to its neutral position, considerably reducing the impact you feel inside your vehicle.
The Role of Struts in Your Vehicle
Like shocks, struts help control the impact you feel from bumps in the road. Struts also include pistons that compress and slowly release to help smooth out your driving experience. Unlike shock absorbers, however, struts are a structural part of your vehicle's suspension system. A strut assembly includes a coiled spring wound around the piston and is attached to a steering knuckle that helps support the vehicle and keep it off the ground.
While shock absorbers simply help eliminate road impacts, struts directly impact the vehicle's handling, steering, and alignment due to their construction and how they are mounted within the suspension system.
Signs of Worn Out Shocks and Struts
Like other components of your vehicle, shocks and struts undergo general wear and tear and must be replaced. Shocks and struts both have mileage lifespans, meaning you can travel a certain number of miles before it is recommended by your manufacturer to replace them. However, factors such as road conditions, driving habits, and the environment can affect the lifespan of your shocks and struts. Here are just a few things you may notice if your shocks and struts are worn out.
1. Your car feels extra bouncy.
To check to see if your shocks or struts are worn out, push down on each corner of your car. Your car should give and then return to its normal position. Worn out shocks or struts will cause your car to bounce a few times before returning to its normal position.
2. Your tires are wearing unevenly.
Uneven tire wear can be one of the easiest things to spot when your shocks or struts are on their way out. While tire tread does wear naturally over time, worn-out shocks and struts can cause your tires to deteriorate much quicker. Look for high and low spots in the tread or listen for a resonating basketball-type sound while driving.
3. Hydraulic fluid is leaking out.
The pressurized hydraulic fluid inside the piston chambers is meant to help reduce the impact of a bumpy road. But as shocks or struts wear out, this fluid can seep out. If this is the case, look for wet-looking shocks or struts, or check for oil running down the sides. A small amount of oily residue is normal, but if there is enough oil to form a droplet, the shock or strut needs to be replaced.
4. It feels like it takes longer to stop.
When you brake, your shocks and struts absorb the forward momentum of the vehicle as its weight shifts to the front. Without this, all that extra weight of the vehicle getting thrown forward can increase your stopping distance, which is unsafe for you and less than ideal if there’s a stop sign ahead!
5. Your car dips when you brake.
Stopping distance isn't the only thing affected when you brake. The forward momentum of your car during braking puts increased pressure on the front wheels. With worn out shocks or struts, you'll notice that your vehicle dips a considerable amount and may even bounce a few times once you've come to a complete stop.
6. Your steering wheel vibrates excessively.
Shocks connect the suspension to the frame using lower and upper control arms. This means when your shocks or struts wear out, they can send vibrations through your car that you will most likely feel in your steering wheel. As the parts wear down further, you may notice the shake becoming more violent.
While the symptoms listed above can be indicators of worn-out shocks and struts, they could also be symptoms of other problems, such as improper wheel alignment, over or underinflated tires, and more. Since your suspension system is connected to so many other components, it's best to let a professional diagnose your suspension problems to make sure the correct problem is taken care of.
Get Suspension Services for Your INFINITI
If your INFINITI isn't driving as smoothly as it used to, we recommend that you bring it to your nearest INFINITI service center. Our professionals will take a comprehensive look at your suspension system and repair or replace any necessary parts with genuine INFINITI parts to ensure you're getting the smooth drive you expect.