Strut question for newby - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 09-02-2002, 04:22 PM

I don't know how I locked my own posting. Weird.

What is the difference between a shock and a strut. How do you know if a strut is bad vs. a shock.

Martin

stevebfl · #2 09-02-2002, 06:30 PM

In general, a strut is a functioning member of the support of the vehicle. A structural device holding the vehicle relative to the tire.

A shock absorber is a dampener to spring movement/oscillation.

In some cars a shock absorber is built into a structural member and that is refered to a a strut. A strut doesn't have to have a shock in it; such as a longitudinal strut.

More simply put, a car wil roll down the road without a shock but will fold up without a strut.

#3 09-03-2002, 05:45 AM

Thank you Steve... If a strut is a structural member, how do they go "bad?" Are you talking about a strut with a shock integrated with it?

Martin

stevebfl · #4 09-03-2002, 07:57 AM

Yes, some type suspensions incorporate the shock into one of the structural members. This of course has to be a member with a vertical component.

Because this strut now telescopes the device has more ways to fail than a normal shock who's concern is just in and out. The strut/shock also is responsible for the structural component of sideways play. Movement sideways on a vertical strut causes camber changes and often is the reason for negative camber that is uncorrectable whin normal adjusting mechanisms. This can be a concern on 124 and 201 bodies. The 202 and 210 bodies went back to upper and lower control arms.

I am posting a picture, tell me what kind of suspension it is of the above two types. Anyone care to guess what car it is from?

engatwork · #5 09-03-2002, 08:02 AM

Steve - my guess would be a new S class MB. The rack and pinion provides a clue for a newer model and the leveling mechanism provides a clue for a upper crust vehicle. The designations provide a clue for MB.
Just a guess.

stevebfl · #6 09-03-2002, 08:08 AM

Good hints but wrong car.

stevebfl · #7 09-03-2002, 08:15 AM

I just looked at a 220 chassis and it looks identical. I can't tell them apart, so good guess.

#8 09-03-2002, 01:48 PM

A picture is worth a thousand words - thanks for posting that Steve. I get it now!

Martin

stevebfl · #9 09-03-2002, 02:48 PM

Actually, the picture is from a 211 chassis and the device #40 would be a shock by my definition (note both a upper and lower control arm positioning the wheel, through the spindle).

As it turns out another inferance in the term "strut" can refer to a shock that is used for load or height leveling. That is what this strut does.