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What is the difference between shocks and struts?

Shocks and Struts - What's the Difference?

Both shocks and struts are designed to damp the harmonic oscillation of the car's springs after hitting a bump, or taking a curve. The most common shock absorbers have a “twin tube” design that makes up a hydraulic pump that sits between the car frame and the wheels. They work in a compression cycle and an extension cycle – the compression cycle compresses the hydraulic fluid downward (as the piston moves down) while the extension cycle occurs when the piston moves up, compressing the hydraulic fluid in the opposite direction. Most modern shock absorbers are speed sensitive so the faster the car moves, the more resistance the shock absorber gives.

Comments

7/15/2008 10:41:09 AM
Lee said:

Actually the hydraulic fluid cannot be compressed. It's the air which is compressed inside the shock/strut.

11/1/2011 10:13:02 AM
John said:

This explanation does not give the difference between shocks and struts- it tells what shocks are.

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