Despite the fact that the phrases "shock absorber" and "strut" are sometimes used interchangeably, they are distinct components with distinct functions. Shocks and struts both function to keep the tyres of the car in touch with the ground. As a result, steering, handling, and braking may be compromised without these components. An automobile's suspension system is in charge of reducing sway and body roll at bends as well as maintaining wheel alignment, which reduces tyre wear.

Photo Credit: https://k1motors.com.au/

Contrary to popular assumptions, shock absorbers do not support vehicle weight. The shock absorber is mainly used to control spring and suspension movement. In the case of an oleo-pneumatic shock absorber, the hydraulic fluid transfers the kinetic energy of suspension movement into thermal energy. A piston is retained under hydraulic fluid pressure to form the shock absorber. Tiny pores or orifices in the piston determine the total resistance of the shock absorber. Modern shock absorbers are velocity-sensitive hydraulic dampening systems, which implies that the greater the resistance, the faster the suspension moves. Shock absorbers eliminate bounce, sway, and body roll, as well as the braking dive and acceleration squat.

The essential components of a shock absorber are a piston, a coil, and hydraulic fluid. When an automobile wheel slides into a pothole or crevice, the shock begins a compression cycle, and a piston applies pressure to the upper chamber of the shock absorber. The coil is slowed down with the help of the fluid present, making the ride less harsh.

Photo Credit: https://pixabay.com

Struts are a structural component of the suspension system that may be found on nearly any front-wheel-drive vehicle. A strut is a suspension component that combines several suspension components into a single, compact element. Among the latter are the following:

The shock absorber on the strut is the most commonly serviced component of the strut assembly.

The coil spring can support the vehicle's weight while also adjusting to road irregularities such as bumps, hills, and valleys. The struts, in particular, connect the upper bearing to the lower ball joint, allowing the entire assembly to rotate in any direction when the vehicle is turned. Struts serve many purposes: the internal shock absorber dampens the movement of the spring as it compresses and rebounds when the vehicle is moving, and the spring maintains the vehicle's weight while travelling so that it can adjust to road irregularities. To summarise, while shocks only absorb impact, struts also support and govern the movement of the vehicle.