Strut

A type of shock absorber that also serves as a suspension locating member. Most struts incorporate the suspension spring around their shaft, a design called the MacPherson strut. A “modified strut” mounts the spring separately from the strut.

Most cars today have a strut with the spring assembly on the front, but just a strut on the rear. Trucks still use shocks on the rear.

Struts are a major source of suspension noises. Clunking while going over large bumps or pothole in the road are a very common problem. Squeaking or squawking in the suspension is usually caused by the rubber bushing or insulator being dried or worn out, although the piston of the strut can cause this noise as well.