Struts
The combined spring-and-shock units that hold the car up and keep it from bouncing.
In plain English
A strut is a suspension part that combines a shock absorber with a coil spring in one unit, and it also forms part of the structure that holds the wheel in place. The spring carries the car's weight and the shock absorber stops it bouncing after bumps.
Why it's on your estimate
The shock absorber inside wears out or leaks oil. Signs include a bouncy or floaty ride, the nose diving when braking, clunking over bumps, and cupped tire wear. They are normally replaced in pairs, both fronts or both rears.
How urgent is it?
Can usually wait
Worn struts usually get worse slowly. They do lengthen stopping distances and reduce control on rough roads, so heavy leaking or very poor handling moves this up the list.
Questions to ask the shop
- Are they leaking, or is this based on mileage?
- Is the quote for complete assemblies with new springs and mounts?
- Is an alignment included?
Got a long estimate full of terms? A free browser AI like HARPA AI can read the page and explain each line in plain English.