Super strut

Types of Super Strut

There are several types of super strut available in the market, including the following:

• MacPherson Super Strut

  This is a modification of the MacPherson strut suspension system. The system consists of a coil spring and shock absorber. The coil spring pushes the vehicle up, while the shock absorber controls the bounce and movement of the coil spring. This suspension system is mostly used in front-wheel vehicles. It is popular because it is compact and requires less space. The MacPherson super strut is suitable for super strut front ends.

• Double Wishbone Super Strut

  This is a suspension system that consists of two wishbones or A-shaped arms. One wishbone is at the top, while the other is at the bottom. The arms are attached to the vehicle's body using bushings. The super strut's spindles are mounted between the two wishbones. The double wishbone super strut can be used in both front and rear suspension systems. This super strut offers better handling and stability, making it a suitable choice for sports and high-performance vehicles.

• Multi-Link Super Strut

  This is a complex suspension system that uses multiple links to control the movement of the wheels. The multi-link super strut is more flexible and allows for better wheel control. This results in better handling and stability. The multi-link super strut is mostly used in the rear suspension system.

• Strut Suspension System

  The strut suspension system combines shock absorbers and suspension springs into a single unit. It is a complex suspension system mostly used in front-wheel vehicles. The strut suspension system is popular because it saves space and offers good support for the braking system. Vehicle manufacturers use this suspension system for sports cars and performance vehicles. The strut suspension system provides more stability and better handling.

Specification and Maintenance of Super Strut

Below are the specifications of the Super strut.

• The length of the strut assembly is 22.0 inches.
• The upper mount diameter is 5.0 inches.
• The lower mount width is 5.0 inches.
• The eyelet width is 1.5 inches.
• The body diameter is 2.5 inches.
• The spring inside diameter is 3.0 inches.
• The spring outside diameter is 4.0 inches.
• The spring length is 16.0 inches.
• Spring rate: 350 lb/in
• Shock oil: 5wt
• Gas: R-134a

Maintaining the super strut suspension system is important to keep it working properly and to extend its lifespan.

• Check the super strut suspension parts regularly to see if they have any damages or wear.
• Replace worn-out parts immediately to prevent more damage to the suspension system.
• Clean the super strut suspension system to prevent the buildup of dirt and dust.
• Inspect the super strut suspension system for leaks and stop the leaks if there are any.
• Check the shock absorber to see if it is still working properly and replace it if it is worn out.
• Ensure that the wheels are properly aligned to prevent uneven wear of the tires.
• Tighten loose bolts and nuts to prevent the super strut suspension parts from becoming loose and causing more damage to the system.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations when maintaining the super strut suspension system.

How to Choose Super Strut

Choosing the right super strut can be a daunting task, especially if one doesn't know what to look for. Here are a few tips:

• Consider the Vehicle

  When choosing a super strut, consider the type of car or truck that will use the strut. Lighter vehicles do well with struts made from aluminum or other light materials. Heavier vehicles like trucks or SUVs should use struts with steel components for extra strength.

• Think About Driving Style

  How the vehicle is driven should impact the choice of strut. Cars that drive aggressively for racing or high speeds need struts built for performance. Look for features like adjustable damping to handle the stress of fast driving. Casual drivers in cities or suburbs can select a standard performance strut that meets their needs.

• Choose the Right Size

  Struts come in different sizes. It is important to check the owner's manual or installation guide to know the correct size needed for the vehicle. The right size strut will fit properly and provide optimal handling. Struts too small or too large can cause issues over time.

• Consider Budget

  As with many auto parts, there are choices in every price range with a super strut. Higher-end struts provide more features and longer life but cost more upfront. Weighing how long one plans to keep the vehicle and how much driving one does is essential before deciding. Sometimes, mid-range struts work best for value.

• Research Brands and Reviews

  Instead of rushing out to buy the first strut seen, take time to read reviews from other drivers. Look for brands that last a long time and give good performance according to other users. Stick with well-known companies that stand behind their work with warranties.

• Ask an Expert

  If unsure about which strut to pick, speaking with a mechanic or expert at an auto parts store can help. They know vehicles and parts inside and out. An expert can recommend the best strut for the driving needs and budget after looking at the vehicle.

How to DIY and Replace Super Strut

It is important to be very careful when handling the super strut suspension system of a vehicle, as it is quite complex. For a layman, attempting to fix or replace any part of this system could potentially lead to safety hazards if not properly handled. It is highly recommended that users read the service manual for detailed instructions and safety precautions. That said, here are some general steps on how to DIY and replace the super strut suspension:

• Prepare the vehicle

  Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Find the right tools needed for the job and make sure the vehicle is equipped with a jack and jack stands. Also, lug nut keys and socket sets are needed to remove the wheels and access the suspension components. Gather safety glasses and gloves to protect the eyes and hands while working. Ensure the vehicle battery is disconnected to avoid any electrical hazards or unintended movement while working on the suspension system. Finally, ensure the vehicle is in a mode where it cannot roll or move, like in park or with wheel chocks.

• Lifting the vehicle

  Once all the preparations have been done, the next step is to lift the vehicle. Drive the vehicle onto the ramps or place the jack under the vehicle according to the manufacturer's guidelines and then lift the vehicle. After lifting, secure it with jack stands placed on the frame, ensuring it is stable and secure before working on the suspension.

• Remove the wheel

  Use a lug nut wrench to loosen the lug nuts partially while the vehicle is still on the ground. After loosening the nuts, use the jack to lift the vehicle, then remove the wheel by completely loosening the lug nuts and sliding the wheel off the wheel hub.

• Disconnect the super strut assembly

  With the super strut assembly exposed, disconnect any electrical connections or sensors attached to it, like ABS or electronic steering assist sensors. Then, remove the bolts or nuts connecting the super strut to the control arm and the steering knuckle. Carefully lower and support the control arm and steering components while disconnecting to avoid damaging or affecting other vehicle components.

• Remove and replace the super strut components

  Now, remove the old or damaged super strut components like the control arm or steering knuckle. Replace them with new components and ensure they are aligned and installed correctly according to the manufacturer's specifications. Reconnect the disconnected components and systems, ensuring everything is functioning properly and without leaks or damage.

• Final checks

  After replacing and reconnecting all the super strut components, perform a final check to ensure everything is installed correctly and functioning. Then, carefully remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle using the jack. Once the vehicle is back on the ground, perform a final torque check on all bolts and nuts to ensure they are correctly torqued to specifications.

Q and A

Q1: Is the super strut suspension only suitable for high-performance vehicles?

A1: No, while the Super Strut suspension is often found in high-performance and luxury vehicles, it can be beneficial for everyday driving as well. It provides better handling and ride comfort, which can be advantageous in all types of driving conditions.

Q2: Can the super strut be converted to a regular strut suspension?

A2: It is possible to change a Super Strut to a regular strut suspension. However, this would require significant modifications to the vehicle's chassis and mounting points. It's best to consult with a professional mechanic before considering such changes.

Q3: Does the Super Strut suspension require special maintenance?

A3: The Super Strut suspension does not require maintenance. However, it is essential to maintain regular strut suspensions, as neglecting them can lead to performance issues and potentially unsafe driving conditions.

Q4: Can anyone upgrade to a Super Strut suspension?

A4: Yes, upgrading to a Super Strut suspension is possible. However, this upgrade is generally more cost-effective for new vehicles. Retrofitting a Super Strut suspension on an older vehicle can be expensive and may not provide enough benefits to justify the cost.

Q5: What are the advantages of a Super Strut suspension?

A5: The Super Strut suspension has numerous benefits, including improved vehicle control, better handling, and a smoother ride. It is particularly beneficial in high-speed driving or when navigating through twisty roads.