Editing Strut (section)

==Automobiles==
As components of an automobile [[chassis]], struts can be passive braces to reinforce the chassis and/or body, or active components of the suspension. An example of an active unit would be a [[coilover]] design in an [[Suspension (vehicle)|automotive suspension]]. The [[coilover]] combines a shock absorber and a spring in a single unit.

A common form of [[Suspension (vehicle)|automotive suspension]] strut in an automobile is the [[MacPherson strut]]. MacPherson struts are often purchased by the automakers in sets of four completed sub-assemblies:  These can be mounted on the car bodies as part of the manufacturers' own assembly operations. A MacPherson strut combines the primary function of a [[shock absorber]] (as a [[Damping ratio|damper]]), with the ability to support sideways loads not along its axis of compression, somewhat similar to a [[sliding pillar]] suspension, thus eliminating the need for an [[Double wishbone|upper suspension arm]].  This means that a strut must have a more rugged design, with mounting points near its middle for attachment of such loads.

Another common type of strut used in [[air suspension]] is an air strut which combines the shock absorber with an air spring and can be designed in the same fashion as a [[coilover]] device. These come available in most types of suspension setups including [[beam axle]] and [[MacPherson strut]] style design.

Transportation-related struts are used in "load bearing" applications ranging from both highway and off-road suspensions to automobile hood and hatch window supports to aircraft wing supports. The majority of struts feature a bearing, but only for the cases, when the strut mounts operate as steering pivots. For such struts, the bearing is the wear item, as it is subject to constant impact of vibration and its condition reflects both wheel alignment and steering response. In vehicle suspension systems, struts are most commonly an assembly of coil-over spring and shock absorber. Other variants to using a coil-over spring as the compressible load bearer include support via pressurized nitrogen gas acting as the spring, and rigid (hard tail) support which provides neither longitudinal compression/extension nor damping.

=== History ===
Struts were created in the 1970s in which automakers transitioned from large rear-wheeled drive vehicles to more fuel-efficient front-wheeled drive vehicles. The entire suspension system was changed in accordance to meet the new style of vehicles. The new styles of vehicles left less room for the traditional system, which was called the short-arm/ long-arm suspension systems. This caused the [[MacPherson strut]] system to become the new standard for all automobiles including front-wheeled and rear-wheeled vehicles. The [[MacPherson strut]] system does not require an upper control arm, bushings, or a pivot shaft like previous models.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.monroe.com.au/trade-corner/tech-info/struts/what-struts-do.html|title=WHAT STRUTS DO|website=Monroe Shock Absorbers|date=30 December 2013 |access-date=2020-02-13}}</ref>

=== Options on vehicles ===
Struts are not necessarily needed components on vehicles which separate the springs and shock absorbers, while the shocks support no weight. There are also some vehicles with the option of only having one pair of struts on one set of wheels while the other pair uses a separate selection of shocks and springs. This singular pair of struts are almost always a [[MacPherson strut]]. These choices are made for various reasons including the balance of initial cost, performance, and other elements. Some vehicles use a "double wishbone," suspension system which exclusively uses shock absorbers. Sports cars seem to favor this suspension style; however, the Porsche 911 favors traditional struts.{{cn|date=May 2023}}

=== Maintenance ===
Struts keeps your suspension aligned, along with numerous other functions. To check if a set of struts is failing; simply walk to each side of the wheel and begin to bounce the car up and down. As the car is pushed down, let it bounce back into position. If it continues to bounce up and down, consider taking your vehicle to a mechanic for replacement. You can also check your strut car to see if it's leaking oil.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorweek.org/features/goss_garage/basics_of_shocks_and_struts|title=Basics of Shocks and Struts {{!}} MotorWeek|website=www.motorweek.org|access-date=2020-02-13}}</ref> Bad struts could possibly lead to many issues including the breaking of a wheel, flattening of a tire, damaged power steering, broken springs, broken joints, and many more issues in your suspension system. Keep all of these in mind as you drive your vehicle with bad struts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://anewwayforward.org/driving-with-bad-struts/|title=Driving With Bad Struts – Steps, Dangers, How to Fix|website=anewwayforward.org|date=October 2019|access-date=2020-02-14}}</ref>