Difference between Strut Assembly and Shock Absorber

Question

what is diff. between Strut Assembly and Shock Absorber?

Answer 1

A strut is the main suspension component and a shock is a non essential component. You should have the front end aligned after you change struts, when you change a shock absorber this is not necessary.

Answer 2

Struts and shock absorbers are both dampers.  They convert the velocity of vertical wheel movements into heat, thus damping the motion.  This is where they are similar.

Struts have the added duties of being structural members and can be adjusted to affect suspension geometry.  They also have a spring mounted to them, which makes them a shock absorber too.

Shock absorbers just damp; they don't absorb shocks.

Answer 3

struts are found on unibody cars and the spring and shock are one piece ashock is primaraly found on heavier frame cars to control the springs movement