Differences Between Shocks, Struts, and Coilovers

Shocks and struts look pretty similar and they are both considered "shock absorbers", so what's the difference? And at what point can you call it a coilover? If you're looking to replace or upgrade your suspension and have been confused by some of the terminology, we're here to clarify what is what for you.

For more info into the purpose of these suspension components check out the full guide:

Full breakdown of the different shock types:

[aranyak]

Thanks, one of the videos actually explaining true coilovers!

[garyvanremortel]

A coilover is an assembly of a spring over a shock. A shock or damper is just the shock portion. A MacPherson strut is a coilover that bolts directly to the spindle to provide steering rotation as well as suspension.

[pewpew]

Still confused about the difference between struts and coilovers

[bryansage]

My mechanic recomended I replace my front struts and I expect he us right about this. My question is he commented "May as well replace the springs at the same time." frequently online comments on this topic is most often the springs do not need replaced. I suspect it is just easier to replace the entire assembly with a "Quick strut". There is a major cost difference between just a strut, and the entire assembly. Interested in your opinion.

[antiWhiteism]

@shocksurplus --- Difference between shocks and suspension?

[rizen]

Thank you for this video it really helped. I have a 1999 VW Polo 3 door 1.6L gas car and i am stuck looking for the right shocks for my ride.

[RefrigeratedTP]

LOL I found this video because I've been so confused as to what I need for my Camry. Nice callout there. Bilstein coilovers worth more than the car itself is what I'm going with. ez. thanks.

[derekkchung]

So, Left most being 1. we have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 1= coilover. 2. strut. 3. shock absorber (that has mounts ready for coil spring). 4. shock absorber. 5 = coilover.
strut (2) = coil spring + shock absorber (3) + misc parts like bump stop + bellow + washer, etc.
Coil spring usually don't wear out or get tired. They could get rust and break if u are in rust belt.
Coilover (1 and 5) is like a strut but u can adjust the overall height and the spring height, making it possible to fine tune the suspension. Some high end ones have the strut mount plate that allows chamber adjustment.
1 to 5, they all have or are shock absorbers.
Shock absorbers do go bad and often enough u don't even see oil leaking. Without taking the shock absorber out of the strut, u can never 100% tell, and if u take them out, u mind as well replace them.
On most cars, front are struts, rear are shock absorber + a coil spring separately (or leaf spring). Newer cars have struts in the rear.
To disassemble a strut, u need specific tool to take out spring coil. Since good chance u need to replace the bump stop and bellow, some people mind as well replace the whole strut when total cost + labor is about the same.
If u work on cars often, it might be wise to get the tool (a few kinds for different coil springs) and replace only the shock absorber (plus bump stop + bellow if needed.)
I am just trying to clear my mind and write down everything I understand. Hope I have used all the right terminologies. Pls correct me if I am wrong.

[callmeeddy]

Hey so I need new shocks for my car. Also I want to lower my car and improve handling. Instead of buying new shocks can I just buy coilovers as replacement?

[realdogsroll]

I am trying to do a set up for a 1970s Cutlass Supreme and I am trying to get a luxury ride. I am riding and 22s, what set up do you suggest. I dont race and basically highway driving and city driving.

[miladin]

i have an insanely precise question, i got my first car (old bmw e60 525d) and i have alot of questions about shocks because i am in a process of changing mine . i am looking at dtsline sport coilovers that are adjustable .... do you think its a good idea to get or its not needed and the stock ones are fine to put on ?

[adrianormsby]

Is it okay to put coilovers on front and regular shocks at back?

[dominozonda]

I have a 2006 Mazda 3, it handles well on OEM struts and shocks in the back, but the ride is harsh and getting worse as they age
Which brand will give me the best comfort while maintaining the handling properties of the car or improving upon them?

[martingregory]

So you're saying that a coilover is just a normal strut with a screw thread to adjust the spring compression? I am familiar with this on bikes as common.

[Realitycheck]

I have a 98 infinity i30. I have a stupid question. my rear coilovers are completely done. I was wondering if I can replace it with just struts instead of buying coilovers. Because struts are really cheap on rock auto. RN in a bad financial situation.

[teehills]

I have a 2016 Lexus GS 350 V6 Rwd making bout 300 maybe more to the wheel FBO headers, intake, axle back exhaust (still stock tune, and midpipe) I lowered my car just a bit, but it definitely feels very jumpy when I hit bumps especially at high speeds. Do I replace the struts with performance ones? Or do I go full coil over setup?

[josedanielprofegonzalez]

Just I would like to know, if shock is on the front and strut is on the rear or what is it?

[williamaugustine]

I have a rearend for my Monte Carlo it doesn’t have the plate for the coil springs which would be best to use if i dont want the coil springs in the rear ?

[RaulAvila-ic]

i got a good one for you i have 67 c10 i have done alot to it i put new shocks a couple of years ago KYB Gas-a-Just Gas Shock not sure of the # and i have been working on it alot and really havent driven it to much in that time im sure the rear leaf springs and front springs have never been changed and the ? is the truck kinda starts bouncing sometimes will shocks with coils help balance that out? assuming the front springs are weak

[gruvygraphics]

You didn't even go over the 5th shock. you only covered 4. I can't find ANY video that tells me if I can use coil overs to replace rear springs