STRUTS
Spokane, WA
Make sure your ride is safe, get your struts evaluated and repaired. Golden Rule Brake can service any make and model vehicle in our three locations in Spokane, WA, and in Post Falls, ID.
Struts are an important part of your suspension system that help keep your vehicle stabilized and you in control. Damaged struts can lead to multiple issues, including an increased stopping distance. Golden Rule Brake has experienced mechanics who use the latest technology to ensure your struts, no matter electronic struts or passive struts, are in a working order.
What are struts?
Struts are important for keeping the tires in contact with the road by controlling spring and suspension. Struts incorporate a spring mechanism that takes most of the shock of the car as it hits a pothole, and some of the shock as it turns. This spring is made of coiled metal or compressed gas. It attaches to the base of the wheel and the frame of the car. When the car hits a bump the spring compresses, absorbing the energy and force from the "impact" or change in height. This prevents the wheel from damaging the carriage and also reduces stress to the car frame. There are different kinds of struts, including electronic struts and passive struts.
What is the difference between shocks and struts?
Struts and shocks are very similar in function, but very different in design. The job of both is to control excessive spring motion. Struts are a structural component of the suspension. They could incorporate and, thus, take the place of two or three conventional suspension components. Struts are often used as a pivot point for steering and to adjust the position of the wheels for alignment purposes.
How to check your struts?
Try the bounce test:
-
Put pressure on the bumper until the car dips a bit,
-
Get the car rocking up and down and then release,
-
The car should stop after only one or two bounces.
-
If the car continues to move, the dampers could be worn, so it’s time to set up an evaluation with Golden Rule Brake.
Common Signs of Issues:
1
There is a squeaking noise while driving and/or turning
2
Your vehicle sways or leans when you make a turn or change lines
3
The car tires feel like they are bouncing after hitting a road obstruction like a pothole, speed bump, debris, etc.
4
The front end of the vehicle seems to dive down when stopping, especially when brakes are hit abruptly
5
There are visible signs of oil leakage or physical damage
How often do struts need to be replaced?
Even on well-paved roads, something we wish was more common in Spokane, shocks and struts can move up or down 1,500 to 1,900 times every mile. Experts recommend having struts replaced every 50 000 miles, or about once a year.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Shocks Tip:
If you are driving an electric vehicle (EV), regular front-end check ups are very important. Due to the build and working parts of EVs, they can be 10% to 20% heavier than regular internal combustion engine cars. This puts extra weight on the tires and the front-end parts.
Because of that additional stress, experts recommend that EV drivers get their suspension system checked more often (about every 6 months). Some problems that drivers might notice are general poor handling, problems in handling right turns, faster tire wear, and misalignment.