Suspension and Steering Parts Explained

Your suspension and steering systems keep the tires in contact with the road and the vehicle pointed where you want it to go. Here is a plain-English guide to the parts involved.

Shocks and struts

Both control the up-and-down motion of the suspension, but they are not the same thing.

• Shock absorbers dampen spring movement. They are not a structural part of the suspension.
• Struts combine a shock absorber with a structural support. They often hold the coil spring and are part of the steering geometry on many front suspensions.

Struts are sold as the strut alone or as a complete strut assembly that includes the spring and mount — the assembly can make installation simpler.

Springs

• Coil springs are used on most cars and many trucks.
• Leaf springs are common on the rear of pickups.
• Air springs are used on vehicles with air suspension.

Arms, joints, and links

• Control arms connect the wheel assembly to the vehicle frame. Many vehicles have upper and lower control arms.
• Bushings are rubber or polyurethane cushions where arms mount to the frame.
• Ball joints are pivot points that let the wheel move up, down, and turn.
• Sway bar (stabilizer) links connect the sway bar to the suspension to reduce body roll.

Steering parts

• Tie rods connect the steering rack or linkage to the wheels. They come in inner and outer versions.
• Steering racks (rack-and-pinion) are used on most cars and many light trucks.
• Steering gearboxes with linkage are used on many trucks and older vehicles.
• Power steering pumps supply hydraulic pressure on vehicles with hydraulic power steering. Many newer vehicles use electric power steering instead.

Signs to have the system checked

• Clunking or knocking over bumps
• Uneven or unusual tire wear
• Wandering, pulling, or loose-feeling steering
• Excessive bouncing after bumps
• Fluid leaking from a shock or strut

A qualified technician can pinpoint which parts actually need replacement.

What to know before ordering

• Position: Front or rear, driver or passenger, upper or lower, inner or outer.
• Drivetrain: 2WD and 4WD versions often use different arms, knuckles, and steering parts.
• Suspension type: Standard, heavy-duty, off-road, air, or adaptive suspension all use different parts.
• Pairs: Shocks and struts are commonly replaced in pairs on the same axle.

Plan for an alignment

Replacing steering or suspension parts usually means the wheel alignment should be checked and adjusted afterward.

Need suspension or steering parts?

Call Rock Sales Parts at +1 646 244-2586 with your vehicle details. See our suspension parts and steering parts pages for more.