Maintaining a car requires a lot of time and effort. There are many parts of a car you should be aware of. One such part is the strut of your car. Strut is an imperative part of a car’s suspension system. They make riding smooth, provide better control, and save the vehicle from bumps on the road.
The strut achieves this by absorbing any bumps. Moreover, the strut also supports the weight of the vehicle.
In this article, I will provide reviews and a buying guide to help you find the best complete strut assembly for your car. If you have noticed that the strut your car came with is not performing very well, then it’s best you install a complete strut assembly.
5 Best Complete Strut Assembly Reviews
In the first part of the article, I will review 5 strut sets that many actual users have enjoyed. Keep reading to know more!
1. CompleteStruts Rear Complete Struts & Coil Spring Assemblies
Features:
- Compatibility: Toyota Corolla 1993-2002
- Rear right & left units included
- Painted exterior, which is amazing
- Weight: 40 lbs.
- Wagon models are incompatible
The list starts with an assembly from CompleteStruts, made for Toyota Corolla cars. If you own a Corolla and want something that is affordable yet works well, check this out.
Toyota Corollas are a widely popular and loved line from the manufacturer. The versatility this set provides for this particular line is truly great. They will fit any model of Corolla released from 1993 up to 2002. But that’s not all! Some users with cars from before 1993 were able to make it work for their car, too.
I personally would not recommend taking such a leap of faith when buying struts. You should always ensure that the manufacturer has added the year and model of your car on the list of compatibility before buying a strut set.
However, knowing that these can fit cars made a few years before 1993 is reassuring. Particularly if you are struggling to find a strut set due to the older model of your car, you can give these a try.
On to performance, this set does the job very well. The height is a bit higher up than some people’s preference, but you will get used to it. The ride is as smooth and nice as it feels when you buy a new car.
Installation is easy provided that you have some experience with car parts beforehand. If that is not the case, you might find yourself struggling. However, the customer service of CompleteStruts is a delight. Some users said that they have patiently replied to all of their queries nicely, with professionalism.
Overall, these are one of the best struts for the money. Give these a try if money’s a concern.
2. OREDY Front and Rear Complete Assembly Coil Springs Shock Struts Set
Features:
- No specific tools required to install
- Complete front and rear strut assembly set
- Premium hollow bumper
- Robust Strut Dust Boot
- Wide range of compatibility
Number two on our list is a product from, in my humble opinion, one of the best struts brands, OREDY. You can expect nothing but perfection from this brand, and they will deliver.
The design of these struts is really great. They feature a premium hollow bumper. Its job is to keep the components of the strut from receiving damage from the suspension bottoming out.
To combat dirt and debris, they also have a robust Strut Dust Boot. It protects the strut seal and rod from dirt. All the individual components are very well made by OREDY, so you need not fret over the quality and performance at all.
Some such parts are the premium bumper, SAE grade bolts, and nuts, piston with chrome plating, premium bearing, et cetera. In order to sell only the best possible product, the manufacturer did thorough testing of this set. So, you will be getting a high-end product that will not fail you.
To install this, you need not take off the existing strut assembly of your car. I find this very convenient.
The versatility of this set is off the charts. It can fit just about any car. The compatibility list is so long that I did not bother including them in this review. You would not enjoy reading through such a long list. Just check online to see if your vehicle can fit this too.
Additionally, the performance of the set could not get any better. It’s smooth sailing all the way. I am not the only one with this opinion; many other users raved about it too!
3. Monroe 139105 QUICK-STRUT Complete Strut Assembly
Features:
- Quick strut assembly and easy as well
- Weight: 24.3 lbs.
- OE style make and quality
- Made for front wheels
Up next is another reputable brand that makes premium quality products, Monroe. This strut assembly from them can fit 200 models of GMC and Chevrolet together, and those are not the only brands they are compatible with.
These exceptionally great struts are made with Tenneco’s Original Equipment global valving technologies. They are designed to meet or even exceed OE quality performance. And boy, do they deliver! I thoroughly enjoyed riding with these installed.
Monroe has been around for quite a while. They have learned to adapt to technological changes and make their products using modern tech. These enhanced and on par with time struts are fully prepared for any shocks your car may encounter.
I appreciate the simplicity of this set, too. There are no showy parts with unachievable promises, just a solid, high-quality strut assembly set that is durable enough to last for years. This durability is gained by having proper seals and coatings where needed. Say bye-bye to corrosions and rusts.
They are quite light, too, weighing at only 24.3 lbs. Monroe achieved that by using lightweight yet strong materials. This set is made with US grade steel. They have also used rubber to steel-plate as bonding for added lasting power.
The installation process is very simple and straightforward, as well. The set comes partly assembled. All you need to do is fit it inside your car. No special tools are needed.
All in all, these are definitely one of the best quick struts out there. They will add just the right amount of height to your car and support its weight well. The rides I had with these installed were comfortable, smooth, and distraction-free. I would highly recommend it!
4. MILLION PARTS Pair Front Complete Strut Shock Absorber Assembly
Features:
- Compatibility: HHR 2006-2011, Cobalt 2005-2010, Pursuit 2005-2006, G5 2007-2009
- Both front & rear strut shock coils
- Direct OEM fit
- Comes with springs, coils, strut, and mounts
If convenience is something you value a lot, do not miss this strut assembly set from Million Parts. It comes in one piece, ready to replace the old struts of your car without requiring any special tools.
Hiring a mechanic to replace struts can get very costly, often amounting to more than 4 times the cost of the strut assembly set itself. This kit saves you that additional money by being very easy to install. It comes assembled. All you need to do is take the old struts out and replace them with the new ones.
If you are inexperienced, I would recommend watching tutorials online. They will be installed and good to go within 1-1.5 hours, which is seriously impressive.
Moreover, you do not need to own any special tools for installing either. A generic mechanic toolbox would be enough for it. You would need jack stands, jack, wrenches, and ratchet set. Don’t have any? See if you can borrow some from a friend who does.
Performance is what you would expect from a good strut set. The rides are smooth, bump-free, and decent. You will get rid of clanking noises too. They sit at an optimum height.
Nevertheless, there are a few minor cons with this set. To start with, the right and left struts are not labeled, so you will have to figure out which one goes where by yourself. Moreover, the bottom bolts might be a bit too tight & stubborn. This is easily fixable by a mallet or hammer.
These are not something major at all. In summary, this is a great bargain for quality and convenience.
5. Detroit Axle 171341 Front Complete Loaded Strut & Spring Assembly
Features:
- Replaces struts, coil springs, and strut mount
- Complete assembled kit
- Premium grade steel material
- Compatibility: Many models, including Buick Rainier,
- Chevy Trailblazers, Isuzu Ascender, GMC Envoys, Saab 9
- 7x. Oldsmobile Bravada et cetera.
Detroit Axle is a leading brand of struts with over 30 years of experience in the market. They have been a famous global distributor, offering excellence at a great price.
Much like the previous strut assembly, this one is very easy to install too. They are pre-assembled, designed to be installed by anyone without needing professional help. Most users did not face any issue installing it themselves.
Furthermore, these are designed to replace OE models and be a perfect fit. So, you can expect OE quality from this strut assembly. The premium-grade steel material, coupled with OEM design, ensures maximum durability.
Detroit Axle has paid attention to individual parts and made components such as plated blots to make sure you get the best performance from the strut assembly.
In the case of performance, these were great. I felt more in control over the car with these installed in. The difference was definitely obvious, compared to the old worn-out strut that these replaced.
Rides became more peaceful, too. Before, there used to be steering noises, metal clanking, et cetera. After getting these installed, such noises were totally gone. Unusual bouncing due to bumps on the road was greatly minimized, too. Overall, the rides were undisturbed & peaceful; and I had great control over the car.
For the money, I have no complaints about this strut assembly. I will admit that the smoothness will not be the same as driving a new car, but it is close enough to satisfy anyone. This strut assembly is a good value for performance.
Buying Guide for Complete Strut Assembly
To get the top shocks and struts for a smooth ride, you need to carefully consider a few aspects when shopping for them. In this section, I will briefly explain the factors that should be kept in mind when you are looking for a strut assembly.
Type of Strut
There are mainly 3 types of struts you can choose from –
1. Pneumatic
Pneumatic struts are the most basic ones. They contain oil, which helps to dampen any shock from bumps when the car is moving. Since they are basic, they cost the least out of the three.
2. Coil over
Also called MacPherson strut, these have a coil over added on top of the strut. It helps to dampen movement further.
3. Gas Charged
These struts contain both oil & gas inside. Adding gas to something that is basically a pneumatic strut adds benefits such as reduced foaming and increased overall efficiency.
Location
Struts are found in four locations of your car – front left, front right, rear left, and rear light. Each of these areas contains a strut specifically made to stabilize that part of the car. A typical strut assembly usually contains all four or both the front struts.
Keep in mind that you may not need to replace all 4 struts at the same time. It is possible that the front ones wore out faster than the rear ones. Get a mechanic to see which one needs replacing and buy accordingly.
Size
Struts come in many sizes. Each of the sizes is labeled with a specific number & letter sequence. Generally, a car is diverse enough to be compatible with more than one size. Check your vehicle’s specifications to see which sizes you should be looking at.
Weight Transfer Rate
This shows how much weight a strut is able to redistribute during turns, acceleration, and stops. If the strut is not stiff enough, it will fail to provide adequate weight distribution & support. On the other hand, struts that are too stiff make the control tougher.
Extended Length
Strut adds a certain amount of height to the side of the car it is equipped on. How much length a car should have depends on the rider’s personal preferences and characteristics, such as height.
Installation Process
This is an imperative part that people often miss. Is the strut assembly pre-assembled, or do the individual components come separated? Can a user install the strut by themselves with the help of a tutorial, or do they need professional help? Are any special mechanic tools required for assembling the strut?
These are the questions you should be asking when looking at struts to buy. Hiring a mechanic to do it can get very costly, in which case you will have to consider if you have the money to spare. Similarly, general people are less likely to own any special tools in their home, for which you will need a professional.
FAQs for Complete Strut Assembly
1. What’s the difference between the shock absorber and strut of a car?
These two terms are often used interchangeably. Their basic job is controlling bounce and stabilizing the spring’s movements. Strut is a car’s structural part, while the shock isn’t. Also, no vehicle contains both. One cannot be replaced by the other.
2. What are the main parts of a strut assembly?
The parts that make up a strut assembly are – strut insert or strut body, boot and bump stop, upper mount, coil spring, and spring seat.
3. When should I replace strut mounts?
Strut mounts are prone to getting wear and tear over time, so they should be replaced regularly. Generally, it is recommended to replace them every 50,000 miles.
4. Why is the replacement strut’s spring seat larger than the one I am replacing?
This is a safety feature to stop a broken spring from touching the tire. If you are getting larger tires or wheels, check the clearance.
5. What happens if I do not replace worn out struts?
Struts are an important part of your car’s suspension system. They keep the tires and suspension system from prematurely wearing out. If you don’t replace them, your ability to steer, stop, and maintain stability during rides might be jeopardized.
Conclusion
With the best complete strut assembly, you will enjoy smooth rides, zero noise, comfortable seating, and perfect control over your car. I hope this article has been helpful in finding the perfect match for your car.
It is hard to crown just one product as the best; all of the reviewed items work well. But personally, I would choose the OREDY one for my car.
That’s all for today. Thank you for stopping by!
