West Bend Auto Repair

Shocks and struts are terms often used interchangeably because they perform the same function. However, they distinctly differ in suspension system design. It is worth noting that even though they perform the same function, a shock cannot be used to replace a strut and vice versa. Let's break down the primary functions of these two parts to differentiate them clearly. What are shock absorbers? Shocks are designed to absorb the shock impacts from the road. For this reason, they are designed to be a bit stiffer than struts. There are three main types of shocks: Monotube shock absorber: It is one of the most commonly used shock absorbers. It is made from steel with a piston and rod installed inside. When a vehicle runs over a bump, the piston exerts vertically and compresses slowly to ensure a smooth transition.   Dual shock: A twin or dual shock has two vertical tubes filled with hydraulic fluid rather than gas. As it compresses ... read more