How To Tell If You Need Struts

So, you're starting to suspect your struts might be on their way out? Good on you for being proactive! Ignoring worn struts can lead to some serious handling issues, not to mention accelerated wear on other suspension components. This article will give you the knowledge you need to diagnose your struts and make an informed decision about whether it's time for replacement.

Why This Matters: Performance, Safety, and Your Wallet

Understanding the health of your struts isn't just about keeping your ride comfortable. It directly impacts your vehicle's handling, braking performance, and overall safety. Worn struts can:

• Increase stopping distance, especially in emergency situations.
• Cause uneven tire wear, costing you money in the long run.
• Reduce handling precision, making your car feel less stable in corners.
• Damage other suspension components due to increased stress and vibration.

By learning to identify the signs of failing struts, you can address the issue before it leads to more costly repairs or compromises your safety.

Key Specs and Main Parts: Understanding the Anatomy

Let's break down the strut assembly to understand what we're dealing with. A strut is a structural part of the vehicle's suspension that provides damping and supports the spring. Key components include:

• Strut Cartridge (or Damper): This is the heart of the strut. It's a hydraulic cylinder filled with oil or gas, containing a piston that moves through the fluid to control the rate of compression and rebound (oscillation). This is what provides the actual damping force. A damaged strut cartridge causes bouncing.
• Strut Spring: Usually a coil spring, though sometimes a leaf spring. It absorbs bumps and road imperfections, preventing them from being directly transmitted to the chassis. The spring supports the weight of the vehicle.
• Strut Mount: Attaches the top of the strut assembly to the vehicle's chassis. It often includes a bearing that allows the strut to pivot when you steer. A worn strut mount will make a clunking or groaning sound.
• Jounce Bumper (or Bump Stop): A rubber or foam cushion that prevents the suspension from bottoming out when encountering large bumps.
• Dust Boot: Protects the strut rod from dirt, debris, and moisture.

While shocks perform the function of damping, struts also serve a structural purpose in the suspension and affect wheel alignment. Shocks are typically not part of the structural support for the coil spring.

How It Works: From Road Input to Controlled Movement

When your car encounters a bump, the wheel moves upwards, compressing the spring. Without a damper, the spring would continue to oscillate up and down for a considerable time. The strut's damper controls this oscillation. The piston inside the strut cartridge moves through the oil or gas, creating resistance that dampens the spring's movement. This resistance converts the kinetic energy of the spring into heat, effectively absorbing the shock and preventing excessive bouncing. On the rebound stroke, the damper controls how quickly the spring returns to its original position, preventing the car from feeling like it's floating. The spring supports the vehicle and absorbs shocks while the strut damper controls the motion. Think of the strut as a shock absorber that also affects the wheel alignment and bears some structural weight.

Real-World Use: Basic Troubleshooting Tips

Here's how to translate the theory into practical diagnostics:

• The Bounce Test: Push down firmly on each corner of your car, over the wheel. Release quickly. The car should rebound and settle almost immediately. If it bounces up and down several times, the strut on that corner is likely worn.
• Visual Inspection: Look for signs of leakage on the strut body. A damp or oily strut is a clear indication that the seal has failed and the damper fluid is leaking. Also inspect the strut mount for cracks, tears, or excessive wear. A torn or cracked strut mount can also cause noises.
• Listen for Noises: Pay attention to any unusual noises coming from the suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning. Clunking, rattling, or squeaking sounds can indicate worn struts, strut mounts, or other suspension components.
• Check Tire Wear: Uneven tire wear, such as cupping or feathering, can be a sign of worn struts or other suspension problems.
• Handling Issues: Be mindful of how your car handles. If it feels unstable, wallows in corners, or nose-dives excessively when braking, worn struts could be the culprit.

Safety: Proceed with Caution

Working on suspension components can be dangerous due to the high spring forces involved. Never attempt to disassemble a strut assembly without the proper tools and experience. Here are some safety precautions:

• Use a Spring Compressor: When removing or installing struts, always use a spring compressor to safely compress the coil spring. Failure to do so could result in serious injury. Releasing the spring without proper compression can cause the spring to launch with extreme force.
• Wear Safety Glasses: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris.
• Secure the Vehicle: Ensure the vehicle is properly supported on jack stands before working underneath it. Never rely solely on a jack.
• Disconnect the Battery: It's generally a good idea to disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent accidental electrical shorts.
• Consult a Professional: If you're not comfortable performing this type of work, it's best to consult a qualified mechanic.

Risky Components: The compressed coil spring stores a tremendous amount of energy. If released improperly, it can cause serious injury or death. The strut cartridge itself contains pressurized fluid, which can be dangerous if punctured or exposed to high heat.

By carefully inspecting your struts for the symptoms outlined above, you can diagnose potential issues before they cause serious problems. Remember that suspension components wear gradually. Often the change is so gradual that it can be hard to detect. It is important to regularly inspect these parts and address problems quickly.

We have a detailed strut diagram file available for download to further assist you. This diagram illustrates the components and assembly of a typical strut, providing a helpful visual aid for your inspection and repair efforts.