1998 Chevy Camaro Shocks and Struts

RAYMACKIN123

MEMBER
1998 CHEVROLET CAMARO
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
80,000 MILES

My car ride is very bumpy and the ride is very uncomfortable. Also when I hit a bump the car hits real hard. I can barely go over a dip at an angle because my car bottoms out so easily.
Im pretty sure I need new shocks/struts but have no clue which ones to buy.
I need something that smooths out the ride and lifts the car up some which im assuming happens when you replace the shocks/struts.

My question is what is the difference between shocks and struts if any and is replacing them all I would need to do to fix my problems?

4 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Both shocks and struts serve the same purpose, to dampen the vibrations of a mechanical system. The difference is that a strut is an integral part of the suspension whereas a shock is just an add on damper. A strut supports the weight of the vehicle, and typically replaces the upper control arm and serves as pivots for the steering rack. A shock supports no significant weight and is installed soley to dampen the resonant vibrations of the spring.

From the symptoms you stated, it does seem that your struts or shocks need replaced (whichever your car is currently equipped with).

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 AT 7:44 PM

RAYMACKIN123

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Are some cars equipped with both shocks and struts?
I found some cheap shocks online for my car but didnt notice any struts when searching. Does this mean my car online has shocks?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 AT 10:07 AM

BLUELIGHTNIN6