What are struts and shocks? Why buy them?Shock absorbers (shocks) are a device that controls spring motion through dampening. A shock absorber slows down and reduces the vibrations created by imperfections in the roadway. A strut is a shock absorber mounted inside a coil spring that does the same job of dampening. Whether your car uses a strut or shock depends on the factory setup, but both do the same thing and are synonymous in terms of their function. Our product listings indicate exactly what is available for your car. Aftermarket struts or shocks are an especially good purchase when lowering your car because they are specially made for optimal performance based on ride height, and can handle the extra stress your suspension will throw at them. Your factory struts or shocks will be out of their comfort zone if you lower your car, which causes them to wear down faster and ultimately fail.
Is there any difference between struts and shocks?
Struts/shocks both have the same job by dampening the kinetic energy of suspension travel. Struts perform two jobs: They provide a dampening function like shock absorbers, and they provide structural support for the vehicles suspension. That means that the struts deliver a bit more than shock absorbers, which dont support vehicle weight but control the speed at which weight is transferred in a vehicle. Either way, your options are limited to what is available for your car.
Do struts and shocks come in sets of 4? Are the front shocks different from the rear shocks on any vehicles?
Struts and shocks are sold individually, but purchasing should always be done in pairs (one pair for the front, one for the rear). The front and rear shocks for a vehicle will be different in most cases as there are different load characteristics in the front and rear of car.
How do you install shocks/struts?
Shocks are easier to install because there are only two bolts holding in each shock absorber. Struts are a bit more difficult because there is a compressed spring that needs to be removed first. Once the spring has been removed the new strut can be installed with the OEM or aftermarket spring re-installed.
Which brand is dependable for shocks?
KYB has long been recognized around the world as a leader in the design and production of state-of-the-art gas shocks and struts.
