Suspension Strut / Shock Absorber: Description and Operation

DESCRIPTION









A MacPherson type strut assembly is used in place of a conventional front suspension's upper control arm and upper ball joint. The bottom of the strut mounts directly to the steering knuckle using two bolts and nuts going through the strut clevis bracket and steering knuckle. The top of the strut mounts directly to the strut tower of the vehicle using the threaded studs on the strut assemblies upper mount.

The strut assembly includes the components listed in the figure.

Each component is serviced by removing the strut assembly from the vehicle and disassembling it.

Left and right springs must not be interchanged. Coil springs are rated separately for each corner or side of the vehicle depending on optional equipment and type of vehicle service. If the coil springs require replacement, be sure that the springs are replaced with springs meeting the correct load rating and spring rate for the vehicle and its specific options.