Although both shocks and struts are used to control body sway and improve driving stability, they differ significantly in structure and function. Struts are structural components of the suspension system, typically integrating components such as shock absorbers, coil springs, and steering knuckles. They directly connect the wheels to the vehicle body, serving the dual role of supporting weight and maintaining chassis rigidity, and are commonly found in the front suspension of front-wheel-drive vehicles. In contrast, shock absorbers only absorb road impact energy through the damping action of hydraulic oil to ensure the tyres stay in contact with the road and do not participate in structural support; they are commonly used in rear suspensions or independent suspension systems. The replacement cycle for both is usually between 50,000 and 100,000 kilometres, but it needs to be determined based on road conditions and vehicle condition. Strut replacement involves suspension disassembly and four-wheel alignment, resulting in higher labor costs, while shock absorber maintenance is simple. However, It is best to replace them in pairs to avoid handling imbalance. For some older vehicle models, the internal components of struts can be replaced individually to save costs, but professional operation is required to prevent seal failure.
