Caution: Don’t attempt to disassemble a strut without the proper training and tools. The spring is strong enough to cause fatal injury. It’s best to replace struts as an assembly, and they can be purchased this way. You get a new spring and shock all in one package.
Understanding your vehicle’s suspension system can help you maintain stability, comfort, and safety while driving. By familiarizing yourself with its functions, you can identify potential issues immediately and ensure proper maintenance, making the most of your car’s lifespan.
One of the most commonly used suspensions for the front axle is called the MacPherson strut suspension.
What Is a MacPherson Strut Suspension?
A MacPherson strut suspension is a simple independent suspension that’s commonly used for the front wheels of a vehicle, but is also used on the rear of most modern vehicles.
How Does a MacPherson Strut Suspension Work?
In this system, the control arm guides the wheel laterally and attaches directly to the lower part of the wheel carrier or hub. Meanwhile, the coil spring is installed within the cylinder and is cupped by a wide collar at the top, while the damper shaft runs through the center of the spring unit.
When there are bumps or uneven surfaces, the spring compresses to absorb the impact force. The shock absorber does its job of dampening the motion, maintaining the ride’s stability.
What Are the Advantages of a MacPherson Strut Suspension?
Many automakers integrate the MacPherson strut suspension into their vehicles because it offers the following benefits:
Better Stability
Simple Design
MacPherson strut suspensions have fewer components compared to other complex suspension systems. This simplicity reduces weight, cost, and complexity in manufacturing and maintenance.
Space Saving
The integrated design of the MacPherson strut opens more space in the vehicle’s engine bay. This makes it easier for mechanics to gain access to components in the engine bay when conducting repairs.
Low Cost
Because they have a simple design, MacPherson strut suspensions are often more cost-effective to manufacture, install, and maintain compared to other suspension designs.
Lightweight
The streamlined design of MacPherson strut suspensions helps reduce a car’s overall vehicle weight. Lightweight vehicles are more fuel-efficient compared to heavy vehicles.
What Are the Drawbacks of a MacPherson Strut Suspension?
Like any other system, the MacPherson strut suspension system isn’t perfect. Here are its disadvantages:
Less Adjustability
Because the MacPherson strut suspension has an integrated design, it can offer limited adjustability compared to other suspension designs. Lowering your vehicle or adjusting handling can be a challenge.
The MacPherson strut has fixed mounting points, and that limits the ability to improve or upgrade your car’s suspension.
Lower Durability
The fixed mounting points also make this suspension less durable compared to other suspension types. There’s a higher risk of suspension damage when traveling through rough terrain.
What’s the Difference Between a Double Wishbone and a MacPherson Strut?
The double wishbone suspension is widely used on performance cars and high-end models. Let’s dive into how it differs from the MacPherson strut.
The MacPherson strut has a single integrated assembly, while the double wishbone suspension has control arms that resemble a “double wishbone.” These control arms are connected to the wheel hub and chassis.
Because it has a double wishbone structure, each wheel can act independently from each other. Also, the double wishbone suspension system’s control arm is equipped with ball joints, making it a more flexible type of suspension than the MacPherson strut.
Moreover, it’s easier to adjust your ride’s handling if it is equipped with a double wishbone suspension. You’ll have more control over the wheel’s motions through parameters like camber angle, caster angle, and toe pattern.
Some popular models with a double wishbone suspension system include the Lancia Delta S4, Mercedes-Benz (most models), and the Toyota Tundra.
Meanwhile, a MacPherson strut suspension is typical in passenger vehicles. For example, front-wheel-drive compact cars, such as the Honda Civic, and all-wheel-drive SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 are usually equipped with this system.
Suspension Maintenance Tips You Should Know About
Whether your ride has a MacPherson strut suspension, double wishbone suspension, or any type of suspension, it’s important to keep it well-maintained.
Here are some tips that can help you take care of your suspension system:
Check Wheel Alignment
Regularly ensure your wheels are properly aligned to prevent your tires from wearing out prematurely. This also helps maintain optimal handling and stability.
If you notice uneven tire wear or steering pull, have your alignment checked right away by a trusted professional.
Inspect the Tires
Inspecting the condition of your tires is a good way to identify if your suspension system already needs to be serviced.
Start by checking for any low or bare spots in the tread. If you notice any unusual wear, don’t think twice about taking your ride to an auto repair shop.
Lubricate Moving Parts
It’s also important to lubricate moving parts like your suspension’s ball joints, tire rod ends, and control arm bushings. Proper lubrication will help reduce friction, minimizing stress on your suspension components.
Get Replacement Suspension System Parts that Fit Your Car
If one of the suspension system parts in your vehicle, MacPherson or otherwise, is beginning to fail, you need to replace it right away. It’s dangerous to drive with faulty suspension parts, so keep an eye on your vehicle’s suspension system by sticking to its maintenance schedule. If you need replacement suspension system parts, you can turn to CarParts.com.
CarParts.com has a large catalog with many different parts available from trusted aftermarket manufacturers. Our site is easy to navigate. We even have a built-in vehicle selector so that you can view parts that will fit your car perfectly. We also have an active 60-day return policy, just in case you aren’t fully satisfied when your new parts arrive.
It’s important to get the right parts to keep your suspension system in tip-top shape. Order new shock absorbers or other replacement suspension system parts from CarParts.com today.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
