Cheap struts

Types of cheap struts

A car strut is an important suspension component that connects the vehicle's chassis to the wheel assembly. It helps the vehicle maintain proper body height and alignment while supporting a large part of the weight. There are two main types of struts:

• MacPherson Strut

  The MacPherson strut is the most common type of strut found in cheap front-wheel-drive vehicles. It is named after the engineer who invented it, Earle MacPherson. This strut combines a suspension spring, shock absorber, and steering knuckle into a single unit. As a result, it takes up less space and requires fewer components, making it affordable to manufacture and repair. The MacPherson strut is mounted at the top with two or three bolts and at the bottom on the control arm or chassis. It allows the wheel to move up and down while keeping it aligned with the rest of the vehicle. When hitting bumps or potholes, this strut absorbs the impact, ensuring the ride remains smooth. Because of its simple design, it is easy to maintain and diagnose. However, its limited lateral stability makes it unsuitable for heavy-duty vehicles. That's why manufacturers use it mostly in cheap strut front-wheel-drive cars.

• Double Wishbone Strut

  The double wishbone strut is another common type of strut found in cheap rear-wheel-drive vehicles. This strut is named after its suspension geometry, which resembles two wishbones placed next to each other. The double wishbone strut offers better handling, stability, and cornering performance than the MacPherson strut. It consists of two control arms (upper and lower), a steering knuckle, and the strut assembly (which combines the shock absorber and spring). The upper control arm is connected to the vehicle's chassis with two or three rubber bushings, while the lower control arm is attached to the strut body. The double wishbone strut allows the wheels to move up and down without affecting the angle of the tires. As a result, the double wishbone strut is a popular choice for sports cars and luxury vehicles that prioritize handling and stability.

Specifications and Maintenance of Cheap Struts

• Regular Inspection

  The most important thing to do when taking care of strut assemblies is to check them often. Look for leaks, cracks, or damage to the coil spring, shock absorber, and strut tower. Also, pay attention to strange noises or handling problems that might mean the struts are worn out. Catching problems early can keep them from getting worse and save money on repairs.

• Rotate Tires

  Rotating the tires often is good for strut health and provides even tire wear. Follow the vehicle manual for the proper rotation schedule. Even tires can help struts grip the road better and improve handling and safety.

• Proper Wheel Alignment

  Wheel alignment is essential for strut assembly performance and tire health. Misaligned wheels cause uneven tire wear and force the struts to work harder. Check that the vehicle tracks straight and the tires wear evenly. Have a professional alignment done if there are signs of misalignment. Proper alignment ensures the struts and tires provide reliable traction and handling.

• Balanced Tires

  Strut performance and tire life can suffer from imbalanced tires. Unbalanced tires cause vibrations that strain suspension parts over time. Balance the tires regularly or at the first sign of vibrations. Smooth-running tires put less stress on the struts and improve ride comfort and safety.

• Safe Driving Practices

  How one drives also affects strut health. Avoiding abrupt stops, hard cornering, and overloading the vehicle puts less stress on the struts. Practice safe driving habits to extend strut life and maintain optimal suspension performance.

• Timely Replacement of Worn Struts

  It is essential to replace strut assemblies on time. Worn-out struts can cause uneven tire wear, affecting tire life and performance. New struts improve handling, stability, and safety. Don't wait too long to change struts, as delayed replacement can lead to other suspension problems.

• Brake Maintenance

  Brake parts attached to the strut also need care. Check brake pads, rotors, and calipers for damage or wear. Worn brakes can affect strut performance and compromise safety. Replace brake components on time to ensure the struts and brakes work together reliably.

• Professional Suspension Checkups

  For complete peace of mind, have a mechanic inspect the suspension, including the struts. Professionals have the tools and expertise to find hidden problems. They can check all suspension parts, not just the struts, for reliability. A thorough inspection can catch issues early and maintain suspension health.

How to choose cheap struts

Before stocking up on MacPherson struts, here are a few pointers to keep in mind to ensure the business meets customer needs and expectations.

• Understand the Vehicle's Suspension System:

  It's vital to understand the type of suspension system the car uses. While many cars use struts, some may use a different system called a double wishbone or other variations. Knowing this helps because using the right system is crucial for safety and performance. One can look up the vehicle's manual or consult a mechanic to understand what it uses.

• Check the Vehicle Manual:

  Every vehicle has a manual that tells one about the car. This manual can be a good guide. It will inform about the exact type and size of struts needed. Using the wrong ones can make the car drive poorly or even cause damage.

• Consider Driving Conditions:

  Think about where one drives the most. If it's mostly city driving, then regular struts are just fine. But if one drives a lot on rough roads, does heavy towing, or goes off-roading, then upgraded struts for those conditions would be better. The upgraded ones handle the tough roads and heavy loads without problems.

• Budget:

  Struts can be found in different price ranges. Setting a budget before shopping is a good idea. However, going over the budget to get quality struts is advisable. Remember, cheap struts might not last long and can cause more issues.

How to DIY and Replace Cheap Struts

Replacing struts can be a DIY-friendly task. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to replace struts:

• Preparation

  Make sure the car is parked on a flat surface and the parking brake is engaged. Gather all the necessary tools, including a jack, jack stands, lug wrench, strut socket, strut bolt wrench, spring compressors, and torque wrench. A complete strut assembly kit should also be acquired.

• Remove the tires

  Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts and then remove the tires from the vehicle.

• Jack up the vehicle

  A jack is placed under the vehicle's jacking points and raised until the vehicle is high enough for the struts to clear the ground. The jack stands are then placed under the vehicle to provide additional support and stability.

• Disconnect the strut assembly

  The nuts that connect the strut tower to the chassis are loosened and removed, and the strut is disconnected from the control arm using a strut bolt wrench. The strut is then disconnected from the steering knuckle using a hammer and a pry bar.

• Remove the old strut

  The strut is removed from the vehicle by sliding it out through the wheel well after all mounting and connecting hardware has been removed.

• Install the new strut

  Cheap struts are installed by sliding them into the wheel well and fastening all mounting and connecting hardware until they are secure.

• Reconnect the control arm and steering knuckle

  The strut is connected to the control arm using a strut bolt wrench and to the steering knuckle using a hammer and a pry bar.

• Torque the bolts

  All bolts and nuts are torqued to the manufacturer's specified torque settings using a torque wrench to ensure even and proper tightening.

• Replace the tires and lower the vehicle

  The tires are replaced, and the vehicle is lowered by removing the jack stands and lowering the jack.

Q and A

Q1: How long do struts last?

A1: Car struts do not have a lifespan set in stone. However, they usually last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. Several factors affect how long a strut will last. These include driving habits, road conditions, and the quality of the strut itself.

Q2: What does a strut do on a car?

A2: A car's strut is part of the suspension system. It helps to support the vehicle's weight and also holds the wheel in place. The strut also helps the car maintain balance and stability. One of the most important functions of a strut is to absorb shock. By doing this, it keeps the car flat on the road.

Q3: Can a car run without struts?

A3: A vehicle can run without struts. However, it will drive poorly and be unsafe. The suspension system will be affected, causing the wheels to bounce on the road. This will make the car hard to control. Driving without a functional strut can damage other components of the vehicle, such as the control arms and brakes.