{"id":83596,"date":"2023-05-16T21:31:36","date_gmt":"2023-05-17T04:31:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=83596"},"modified":"2026-02-11T21:47:05","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T05:47:05","slug":"define-strut-function-importance-cost-and-other-faqs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/define-strut-function-importance-cost-and-other-faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Define Strut: Function, Importance, Cost, and Other FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column83596_8f722a-97 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column83596_8f722a-97 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column83596_8f722a-97 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column83596_8f722a-97 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column83596_8f722a-97 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column83596_8f722a-97 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column83596_8f722a-97 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column83596_8f722a-97{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column83596_8f722a-97 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column83596_8f722a-97 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column83596_8f722a-97 inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-994dda  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-ed1981\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading83596_c562be-ae, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading83596_c562be-ae[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading83596_c562be-ae\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading83596_c562be-ae mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading83596_c562be-ae[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading83596_c562be-ae\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading83596_c562be-ae img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading83596_c562be-ae[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading83596_c562be-ae\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading83596_c562be-ae summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading83596_c562be-ae\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Struts are spring and pump mechanisms equipped with a spring and a shock absorber to help control handling and dampen vibrations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shocks work as an independent part of the suspension, while struts integrate the shocks and other features in one structural component.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not all vehicles have struts. Many have shocks on one axle and struts on the other, while some use a combination of springs and shocks instead of struts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>The suspension system minimizes vibrations as you drive to maximize your driving experience and keep your ride comfortable. One of its crucial components is the strut. Let&rsquo;s define struts and answer the most frequently asked questions about them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are Struts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Struts help control handling and dampen vibrations. These spring and pump mechanisms are equipped with a spring and a shock absorber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A strut is part of an independent suspension system that consists of a piston connected to the piston rod. It works against hydraulic fluid to manage your vehicle&rsquo;s spring and suspension movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Struts are also valved so that resistance can change based on the movement of the suspension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shock Absorbers vs. Struts: What&rsquo;s the Difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Shocks and struts\">Shocks and struts<\/a> both dampen the effects of road bumps, but that doesn&rsquo;t mean they&rsquo;re the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shocks work as an independent part of the suspension, while struts integrate the shocks and other features in one structural component.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"756\" height=\"762\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/shocks-running-through-the-center-of-the-coil-spring.jpg\" alt=\"shocks running through the center of the coil spring\" class=\"wp-image-83597\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/shocks-running-through-the-center-of-the-coil-spring.jpg 756w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/shocks-running-through-the-center-of-the-coil-spring-298x300.jpg 298w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/shocks-running-through-the-center-of-the-coil-spring-75x75.jpg 75w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/shocks-running-through-the-center-of-the-coil-spring-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/shocks-running-through-the-center-of-the-coil-spring-150x151.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 756px) 100vw, 756px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sometimes, shocks run through the center of the coil spring, as shown here, but sometimes they&rsquo;re in front of the spring or behind it. The top of the shock is connected to a boss on the frame and the bottom of the shock is connected to the lower control arm. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Struts include the spring and are the primary support for the suspension system, whether the strut is on the front or rear or both. Depending on the design of the system, they may or may not&nbsp; ensure tire alignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"692\" height=\"766\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/vehicle-with-front-struts.jpg\" alt=\"vehicle with front struts\" class=\"wp-image-83598\" style=\"width:692px;height:766px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/vehicle-with-front-struts.jpg 692w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/vehicle-with-front-struts-271x300.jpg 271w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/vehicle-with-front-struts-150x166.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 692px) 100vw, 692px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A vehicle with front struts, such as the one shown here, will have only one ball joint (a lower one) and a bearing at the top of the strut, since it turns with the steering knuckle. The steering axis passes through the strut. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Some vehicles have the strut &ldquo;wishboned&rdquo; to the bottom control arm to support the vehicle, but those have upper and lower ball joints and the steering axis doesn&rsquo;t pass through the center of the strut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Struts affect many aspects of the ride, including vehicle control, braking, and steering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Struts include the spring and are the primary support for the suspension system, whether the strut is on the front or rear or both.<\/p>\n<cite><em>&ndash;&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/richardmccuistian\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician\">Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do All Vehicles Have Struts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No, not all vehicles have struts. Many have shocks on one axle and struts on the other, while some use a combination of springs and shocks instead of struts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many front-wheel-drive vehicles have modified strut rear suspensions. Older front-wheel drive vehicles usually have a Macpherson strut system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The type of suspension installed in a vehicle can vary per manufacturer. For example, General Motors (GM) has two different rear-modified strut systems with transverse leaf springs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Often Should I Replace Struts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most struts require replacement every 50,000 miles, but that can change depending on the driving conditions. If you often drive through rough terrain, that could take a toll on your system, causing parts to wear out faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is It Okay to Drive With Bad Struts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No, it&rsquo;s best to avoid driving with bad struts. Faulty struts affect handling, so the ride will get bouncier, increasing the risk of you losing control of your vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&rsquo;t put your safety at risk, and take a trip to an auto repair shop as soon as you confirm that your struts are faulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Symptoms of a Bad Strut<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These telltale signs might indicate a problem with your ride&rsquo;s struts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"article-search-widget\">\n<div class=\"cp-search\">\n<div align=\"center\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/w_auto,dpr_auto\/carparts\/logos\/badge_wordmark\/full_color\/CP_LOGO_COLOUR_RGB\" alt=\"CarParts.com\" width=\"300\" height=\"56\">\n<\/div>\n<form id=\"cpsearchform\" name=\"cpsearchform\" action=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/search\" method=\"get\" target=\"_blank\" accept-charset=\"character_set\" aria-label=\"search CarParts.com\">\n    <input type=\"text\" class=\"keyword\" name=\"q\" placeholder=\"Search for parts on CarParts.com\" value=\"\" aria-label=\"Search CarParts.com\"><input type=\"submit\" class=\"btn-search\" value=\"Search\" aria-label=\"Search\">\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Knocking Noise When Driving on Bumps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your struts are failing, you might hear a knocking sound when you drive over bumps. If the sound increases, that means that the problem is getting worse and starting to affect other suspension parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mechanics usually inspect the upper mounting plate or the upper bearing assembly, depending on where the sound is coming from. For example, if the noise occurs while making a turn, it could point to a problem in the upper bearing assembly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bouncy Suspension<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Worn-out suspension parts cause stability issues. Once the struts are damaged, they can&rsquo;t effectively absorb surface impact. So if you drive through a bump and your car bounces longer than usual, you might be dealing with strut-related issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nose Dive When Braking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Nose-diving can be dangerous because it lessens braking efficiency. So take your ride to an auto repair shop for a diagnosis if you notice that its front-end dips when you hit the brakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Leaking Fluid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If hydraulic fluids are coming out of your shocks and struts, it can be a sign that their seals are failing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"614\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/rear-strut-on-a-ford-expedition-with-leak-614x1024.jpg\" alt=\"rear strut on a ford expedition with leak\" class=\"wp-image-83599\" style=\"width:614px;height:1024px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/rear-strut-on-a-ford-expedition-with-leak-614x1024.jpg 614w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/rear-strut-on-a-ford-expedition-with-leak-180x300.jpg 180w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/rear-strut-on-a-ford-expedition-with-leak-150x250.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/rear-strut-on-a-ford-expedition-with-leak.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This photo shows the rear strut on a Ford Expedition that has developed a leak and needs replacing. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can Struts Be Repaired?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It depends on your specific make and model. Some struts can be rebuilt, but most need replacement if they&rsquo;re faulty or damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I Replace Struts On My Own?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, you can if you know your suspension system inside out and have the know-how to replace the struts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You&rsquo;ll need a car jack to lift your vehicle to access your shocks or struts. Make sure your vehicle is secured before you start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Replace your struts in pairs even if only one is faulty to ensure consistent performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;re confident with your strut replacement know-how, you can always take a trip to an auto repair shop and ask a professional to do the replacement for you. Work with an ASE-certified mechanic for quality service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Get Replacement Struts for Your Vehicle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Driving with damaged struts is a recipe for disaster. Faulty struts are likely to make your ride bouncier, which means you&rsquo;re at greater risk of losing control of your vehicle. You&rsquo;re also a lot more likely to nose-dive when hitting the brakes. You don&rsquo;t want either of these things to happen, so it&rsquo;s best to replace damaged struts as soon as possible. Luckily, getting brand-new struts is fast and easy with CarParts.com.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CarParts.com offers a wide selection of high-quality strut assemblies, sourced from only the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. You can easily browse through our catalog with the help of our vehicle selector and search filters. If you&rsquo;re in a rush to get back on the road, you&rsquo;ll be pleased to know that CarParts.com also guarantees fast shipping. Order by 12 p.m. ET, and you can expect your new struts to arrive in as fast as two business days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&rsquo;t wait until the worst-case scenario happens before replacing your damaged struts. Check out our catalog of high-quality <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"struts\">struts<\/a> at CarParts.com today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"shop-project\">\n\n    <h2>Shop this Project<\/h2>\n\n    <ul class=\"shop-project-list\">\n        \n        <li>\n            <div class=\"shop-project-item\">\n                <div class=\"stp-image-url\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/details\/shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly\/truedrive\/repc280524\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/images\/repc280524_1\" alt=\"TrueDrive &ndash; Loaded Strut &ndash; Front, Driver or Passenger Side, Without Electronic Suspension\" \/&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/images\/repc280524_1\" alt=\"TrueDrive &ndash; Loaded Strut &ndash; Front, Driver or Passenger Side, Without Electronic Suspension\"><\/a>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"stp-desc\">\n                                            <p class=\"stp-title\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/details\/shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly\/truedrive\/repc280524\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"TrueDrive &ndash; Loaded Strut &ndash; Front, Driver or Passenger Side, Without Electronic Suspension\">TrueDrive &ndash; Loaded Strut &ndash; Front, Driver or Passenger Side, Without Electronic Suspension<\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                    \n                    <div class=\"stp-stars\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/q_auto,dpr_auto,f_auto\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/shop-project\/stars\/star-4.5.svg\" alt=\"4.5 Stars\">\n                    <\/div>\n\n                                            <p class=\"stp-price\">$97.99<\/p>\n                    \n                    <p><small>Price and rating may change from the time content is published.<\/small><\/p>\n\n                                            <p class=\"stp-cta\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/details\/shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly\/truedrive\/repc280524\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Shop Now\">Shop Now<\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n        \n        <li>\n            <div class=\"shop-project-item\">\n                <div class=\"stp-image-url\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/details\/shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly\/arnott\/arnsk2954\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/images\/arnsk2954_1\" alt=\"Arnott&reg; &ndash; SK-2954 Front, Driver or Passenger Side Loaded Strut &ndash; Sold individually\" \/&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/images\/arnsk2954_1\" alt=\"Arnott&reg; &ndash; SK-2954 Front, Driver or Passenger Side Loaded Strut &ndash; Sold individually\"><\/a>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"stp-desc\">\n                                            <p class=\"stp-title\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/details\/shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly\/arnott\/arnsk2954\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Arnott&reg; &ndash; SK-2954 Front, Driver or Passenger Side Loaded Strut &ndash; Sold individually\">Arnott&reg; &ndash; SK-2954 Front, Driver or Passenger Side Loaded Strut &ndash; Sold individually<\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                    \n                    <div class=\"stp-stars\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/q_auto,dpr_auto,f_auto\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/shop-project\/stars\/star-5.svg\" alt=\"5 Stars\">\n                    <\/div>\n\n                                            <p class=\"stp-price\">$304.20<\/p>\n                    \n                    <p><small>Price and rating may change from the time content is published.<\/small><\/p>\n\n                                            <p class=\"stp-cta\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/details\/shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly\/arnott\/arnsk2954\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Shop Now\">Shop Now<\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n        \n        <li>\n            <div class=\"shop-project-item\">\n                <div class=\"stp-image-url\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/details\/shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly\/bilstein\/bil22246578\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/images\/bil22246578_1\" alt=\"Bilstein&reg; &ndash; 22-246578 Rear, Passenger Side Strut &ndash; Sold individually\" \/&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/images\/bil22246578_1\" alt=\"Bilstein&reg; &ndash; 22-246578 Rear, Passenger Side Strut &ndash; Sold individually\"><\/a>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"stp-desc\">\n                                            <p class=\"stp-title\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/details\/shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly\/bilstein\/bil22246578\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Bilstein&reg; &ndash; 22-246578 Rear, Passenger Side Strut &ndash; Sold individually\">Bilstein&reg; &ndash; 22-246578 Rear, Passenger Side Strut &ndash; Sold individually<\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                    \n                    <div class=\"stp-stars\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/q_auto,dpr_auto,f_auto\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/shop-project\/stars\/star-5.svg\" alt=\"5 Stars\">\n                    <\/div>\n\n                                            <p class=\"stp-price\">$124.00<\/p>\n                    \n                    <p><small>Price and rating may change from the time content is published.<\/small><\/p>\n\n                                            <p class=\"stp-cta\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/details\/shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly\/bilstein\/bil22246578\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Shop Now\">Shop Now<\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n        \n        <li>\n            <div class=\"shop-project-item\">\n                <div class=\"stp-image-url\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/details\/shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly\/monroe\/ts139105\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/images\/ts139105_1\" alt=\"Monroe&reg; &ndash; 139105 Front, Driver or Passenger Side Loaded Strut &ndash; Sold individually\" \/&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/images\/ts139105_1\" alt=\"Monroe&reg; &ndash; 139105 Front, Driver or Passenger Side Loaded Strut &ndash; Sold individually\"><\/a>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"stp-desc\">\n                                            <p class=\"stp-title\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/details\/shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly\/monroe\/ts139105\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Monroe&reg; &ndash; 139105 Front, Driver or Passenger Side Loaded Strut &ndash; Sold individually\">Monroe&reg; &ndash; 139105 Front, Driver or Passenger Side Loaded Strut &ndash; Sold individually<\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                    \n                    <div class=\"stp-stars\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/q_auto,dpr_auto,f_auto\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/shop-project\/stars\/star-4.5.svg\" alt=\"4.5 Stars\">\n                    <\/div>\n\n                                            <p class=\"stp-price\">$100.52<\/p>\n                    \n                    <p><small>Price and rating may change from the time content is published.<\/small><\/p>\n\n                                            <p class=\"stp-cta\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/details\/shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly\/monroe\/ts139105\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Shop Now\">Shop Now<\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n        \n        <li>\n            <div class=\"shop-project-item\">\n                <div class=\"stp-image-url\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/details\/shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly\/rancho\/r38rs55836\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/images\/r38rs55836_1\" alt=\"Rancho&reg; &ndash; RS55836 Front, Driver or Passenger Side Strut &ndash; Sold individually\" \/&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/images\/r38rs55836_1\" alt=\"Rancho&reg; &ndash; RS55836 Front, Driver or Passenger Side Strut &ndash; Sold individually\"><\/a>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"stp-desc\">\n                                            <p class=\"stp-title\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/details\/shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly\/rancho\/r38rs55836\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Rancho&reg; &ndash; RS55836 Front, Driver or Passenger Side Strut &ndash; Sold individually\">Rancho&reg; &ndash; RS55836 Front, Driver or Passenger Side Strut &ndash; Sold individually<\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                    \n                    <div class=\"stp-stars\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/q_auto,dpr_auto,f_auto\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/shop-project\/stars\/star-5.svg\" alt=\"5 Stars\">\n                    <\/div>\n\n                                            <p class=\"stp-price\">$165.11<\/p>\n                    \n                    <p><small>Price and rating may change from the time content is published.<\/small><\/p>\n\n                                            <p class=\"stp-cta\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/details\/shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly\/rancho\/r38rs55836\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Shop Now\">Shop Now<\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n        \n        <li>\n            <div class=\"shop-project-item\">\n                <div class=\"stp-image-url\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/details\/shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly\/kyb\/ky335079\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/images\/ky335079_1\" alt=\"KYB&reg; &ndash; 335079 Rear, Driver Side Strut &ndash; Sold individually\" \/&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/images\/ky335079_1\" alt=\"KYB&reg; &ndash; 335079 Rear, Driver Side Strut &ndash; Sold individually\"><\/a>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"stp-desc\">\n                                            <p class=\"stp-title\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/details\/shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly\/kyb\/ky335079\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"KYB&reg; &ndash; 335079 Rear, Driver Side Strut &ndash; Sold individually\">KYB&reg; &ndash; 335079 Rear, Driver Side Strut &ndash; Sold individually<\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                    \n                    <div class=\"stp-stars\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/q_auto,dpr_auto,f_auto\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/shop-project\/stars\/star-0.svg\" alt=\"0 Stars\">\n                    <\/div>\n\n                                            <p class=\"stp-price\">$97.43<\/p>\n                    \n                    <p><small>Price and rating may change from the time content is published.<\/small><\/p>\n\n                                            <p class=\"stp-cta\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/details\/shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly\/kyb\/ky335079\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Shop Now\">Shop Now<\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n            <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>The suspension system minimizes vibrations as you drive to maximize your driving experience and keep your ride comfortable. One of&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/define-strut-function-importance-cost-and-other-faqs\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1651,"featured_media":83607,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[52,3755],"tags":[1292],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":{"0":"post-83596","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-diy","8":"category-suspension","9":"tag-shock-absorber-and-strut-assembly-2","10":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Define Strut: Function, Importance, Cost, and Other FAQs - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Get the lowdown on struts, why they\u2019re important, signs that they need replacement, and the answers to their FAQs.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/define-strut-function-importance-cost-and-other-faqs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Define Strut: Function, Importance, Cost, and Other FAQs - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Get the lowdown on struts, why they\u2019re important, signs that they need replacement, and the answers to their FAQs.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/define-strut-function-importance-cost-and-other-faqs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-05-17T04:31:36+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-12T05:47:05+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/car-strut-of-suspension-system.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"CarParts.com Research Team, Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@https:\/\/twitter.com\/CarPartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"CarParts.com Research Team\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/define-strut-function-importance-cost-and-other-faqs\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/define-strut-function-importance-cost-and-other-faqs\\\/\"},\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"$id\":\"1651\",\"name\":\"CarParts.com Research Team\",\"jobTitle\":\"Expert Automotive Writer\",\"description\":\"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. 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He has won two International Automotive Media Awards for technical articles published in trade magazines.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Has attended hundreds of hours of automotive training from OEMs including GM, Volkswagen, Mazda, Renault, Jeep, Chrysler, as well as additional training at events like KC Vision and MACS (Mobile Air Climate Systems Association).<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Taught college level auto mechanics for 19 years.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Has written for automotive training companies (including course development work for training companies in Canada and the Netherlands) and has been hired to teach professional trade show technician courses at multiple training events in Texas and Alabama.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>While still teaching at the college level, Richard launched a new automotive program in Geneva, Alabama, setting up a dual enrollment department in a new building, organizing the shop and classroom, teaching morning classes to high school students for 2 years while still teaching at the college in the afternoon.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Richard\u2019s college program at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College worked at professional shop speed during his tenure to prepare graduates for production level work in the real world.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83596","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1651"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=83596"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83596\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/83607"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=83596"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=83596"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=83596"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=83596"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}