Car Struts

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Car struts are used at the front end on each front-wheel drive vehicle. They are similar to shock absorbers, but have more qualities than shock absorber and a different name. A strut will integrate various suspension parts inside one compact assembly. This usually includes coil spring, spring seats, shock absorbers, strut bearing and steering knuckle.

The shock absorber part of the strut is the part that is serviced the most inside the strut assembly. As the strut has many different components inside one assembly, it can serve multiple purposes. The spring inside the strut is able to support the weight of the vehicle, while the vehicle is moving, so that it can adjust to the road irregularities. The internal shock absorber present can dampen the movement of the spring when it compresses and starts rebounding itself when the vehicle starts traveling.

One must check the strut of his or her own vehicle once a year and it should be always done with a conjunction along with the wheel alignment. Under normal circumstances the shock absorber portion, which is the carriage of the strut, will wear out and there will be losses in the ride quality of your vehicle. However, there are some signs that tell you when you need to replace the strut like bottoming out, excessive bouncing, rocking back and forth, drifting when breaking and swaying.

If your vehicle indicates that it needs a strut service, it may be a good time to change the coil springs as well. The reason you must do this because you will have to remove them when replacing struts and it will save your labor cost when you do two things together. Here are some simple steps on how to replace struts.

Steps:

• The first step for replacing the strut will be loosening the bolts ...

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... you must avoid high-traffic areas because there are chances that the vehicle may need alignment. If the vehicle starts pulling on either sides or is not driving properly, then you will have to perform alignment.

Tips and Warnings:

• When replacing the strut, you must always remember that damaged, rusted or cracked springs must be replaced. You must never attempt to change these springs or struts unless you accept that the spring, compressor or strut may fail causing fatal injuries.

• When you replace the strut, you will have to be careful with the spring compressors. They can slip or fail, releasing all the energy that is stored in the spring and damaging anything that the spring hits.

• When you start mounting your vehicle on jack stands for replacing the strut, you must never use wooden blocks. This is an unsafe practice and can cause severe injuries.

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