Can you replace struts without replacing shocks?

Do you have to replace both shock absorbers or struts if only one is bad? It’s not necessary, but it’s usually recommended to replace them in pairs, for example, both front struts or both rear shocks. This is because a new shock absorber will absorb road bumps better than the old one.

Do you have to do an alignment when replacing struts?

Replacing those struts requires no alignment.

Will new struts make my car ride smoother?

Shocks and struts help keep the vehicle stable during acceleration and braking. The customer may think that new shocks and struts will simply make their ride smoother, but the truth is that new shocks and struts can do a whole lot more. New shocks and struts can make a vehicle corner and brake like when it was new.

What kind of struts are on front wheels?

Also, some cars use struts only on one pair of wheels, usually the fronts, while the other pair employs a different design using separate springs and shocks. When a car has struts on the front wheels only they are usually MacPherson struts, which are struts that are also considered part of the steering system because the wheels pivot around them.

What are complete struts?

What’s in a strut. A complete strut assembly is a combination of two main parts: a spring and a shock absorber. (Sometimes the term strut refers to the shock absorber portion only, but other times the term is used to denote the entire assembly including the spring).

What are the functions of a strut on a vehicle?

The first thing to understand about a strut is that it’s one component of a vehicle’s suspension — the system of parts that connects the wheels to the rest of the vehicle. The three major functions of any vehicle’s suspension are to: Support the vehicle.

What kind of suspension does a sports car use?

But there are exceptions to these patterns; for example, most sports cars employ what’s called a “double wishbone” suspension, which uses shock absorbers rather than struts, but the Porsche 911, which is arguably the quintessential sports car, uses struts.

Why do you need to change the struts on a car?

Changing old struts is an important way to keep your car stabilized at high speeds, ensuring a smooth, comfortable, and safe ride. Struts are basically a spring-mounted shock absorber that’s been a basic part of car manufacturing since the 1950s.

How do you remove a strut from a spring?

Remove the large nut on top of the strut with ratchet and socket combination, and hold the strut rod with a wrench just below the strut bearing. Make a note of the strut top plate rotation before removal and reinstall in the same position. The strut can now be removed from the spring while the spring is still compressed by the spring compressor.

How tall are the springs on a Subaru strut lift?

ASSEMBLED BY RALLITEK! The advertized ride height specified for this product is a measurement taken from a completely stock vehicle. Your vehicle’s actual ride height after installing these springs may be more or less depending on your vehicle’s trim package, addons, or additional modifications.

Do you need a compressor to change struts?

It’s recommended that the beginner forego attempts to compress the spring on the old strut using a spring compressor or spring clamps. This method is used to save money by salvaging the old spring and installing it on the new strut, but if you don’t have your own strut compressor, it will run you $700.