Shocks vs Struts: A Detailed Comparison Guide
Thu Jan 01 1970

You’re driving down the highway, hit a pothole, and your car bounces like a trampoline for the next three blocks. You take it to the mechanic, and they start throwing around words like "struts," "shocks," and "suspension geometry."You nod along, pretending to understand, but inside you’re thinking: Are shocks and struts the same thing? Do I have both? And why does one cost double the price of the other?It’s not just you—most people use these terms interchangeably. But if you want to avoid getting upsold on parts you don't need, you need to know the difference between a shock and a strut.The short answer? They both stop your car from bouncing, but one is a helper, and the other is a heavy-lifter that holds your car’s suspension together.Symptoms of Bad Struts & Shocks
Suspension wear is sneaky. It happens so slowly that you get used to the bad ride. But if you notice any of these symptoms of bad struts or shocks, it’s time to book an inspection.Shared Symptoms:
What is a Shock Absorber?
Think of a shock absorber as the "muscle" of your suspension. It’s strictly a dampener.Inside the shock is a piston moving through hydraulic fluid. When you hit a bump, the shock converts that bouncy kinetic energy into heat energy, which dissipates into the air. Its only job is to control the bounce.Crucial Point: A shock does not support the weight of the vehicle. If you were to magically remove the shocks from a pickup truck, the truck wouldn't fall to the ground; it would sit at the same height. It would just bounce uncontrollably like a bobblehead every time you hit a pebble.What is a Strut?
A strut is a different beast entirely. It’s a structural suspension part.Think of the strut as the "leg" of the car. It replaces the upper control arm and ball joint found in older suspension designs. The most common type, the MacPherson strut, is a clever 3-in-1 unit that acts as:- A Dampener: It has a shock absorber built inside it.
- A Structural Support: It holds the massive coil spring that supports the car's weight.
- A Steering Pivot: In most cars, the strut rotates when you turn the steering wheel.
Difference Between a Shock and a Strut
If you’re skimming this article looking for the difference in struts and shocks, here is the breakdown:FeatureShock AbsorberStrut AssemblyFunctionDampening only (stops bounce)Structural + Dampening + SteeringSupports Weight?NoYes (holds the spring)CostCheaperMore ExpensiveInstallationEasier (usually simple bolts)Harder (requires spring compression)Alignment Needed?RarelyAlways (it affects wheel angles)Does My Car Have Both Shocks and Struts?
This is one of the most common questions: Does my car have both shocks and struts?Yes, usually.While every car is different, the most common configuration for modern passenger cars (like a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla) is:- Front: Struts (to save space for the engine and handle steering).
- Rear: Shocks (to manage the load in the trunk/backseat).
Symptoms of Bad Struts & Shocks
Suspension wear is sneaky. It happens so slowly that you get used to the bad ride. But if you notice any of these symptoms of bad struts or shocks, it’s time to book an inspection.Shared Symptoms:- The Bounce Test: Push down hard on the corner of your car. If it bounces more than once or twice, your dampeners are toast.
- Longer Stopping: A car with bad suspension takes up to 20% longer to stop.
- Leaking Fluid: If the side of the shock/strut looks wet or oily, the seal has blown.
- Nose Dive: When you brake hard, the front of the car dips down dramatically.
- Clunking Noises: What sound does a bad strut make? Usually a hollow clunk or metal-on-metal knock when going over speed bumps. This often means the "strut mount" bearing at the top is worn out.
- Tire Cupping: Run your hand over your tire tread. If it feels wavy or scalloped (high and low spots), your strut isn't keeping the tire planted on the road.
- Rear Squat: When you hit the gas, the rear bumper sinks down like a boat taking off.
- Highway Float: The back of the car feels like it's wandering or floating side-to-side at high speeds.
Can You Drive With Bad Struts?
Technically? Yes. The car will start and the wheels will turn.Should you? Absolutely not.Driving with bad suspension isn't just uncomfortable; it’s dangerous. How urgent is it to replace shocks? Think of it this way: your brakes stop the wheels, but your suspension stops the car body. If your struts are shot, your tires bounce off the pavement. You can't brake or steer if your tires aren't touching the road.In a Canadian winter, driving with bad struts significantly increases your risk of hydroplaning or sliding on ice because the weight of the car isn't being transferred correctly to the tires.Replacement Costs in Canada
This is where the wallet starts to hurt. The shocks and struts replacement cost varies wildly depending on what you drive, but here are realistic Canadian market estimates for 2024/2025.1. Rear Shocks Replacement Cost:Since they are simpler and don't require an alignment, these are cheaper.- Parts & Labor: Approx. $250 – $500 CAD for a pair.
- Parts & Labor: Approx. $600 – $1,000+ CAD for a pair.
- Note: If you drive a luxury car with electronic/air suspension (like a BMW or Audi), double that price.
