User:ChipperJonesFan37/sandbox

History
Struts were created in the 1970's 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. The MacPherson strut system does not require an upper control arm, bushings, or a pivot shaft like previous models.

Options on Vehicles
Struts are not necessarily needed components on vehicles in which separate the springs and shock absorbers, while the shocks support no weight. There is also some vehicles with the option of only having struts on one pair of struts while the other pair uses 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 in which exclusively uses shock absorbers. Sports cars seem to favor this suspensions; however the Porsche 911 favors traditional struts.

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 to 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. 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.