What Is the Difference Between Struts & Spring?

Heavy springs are used for automotive use.

When you pass over a pothole or bounce over a bump, you are experiencing the springs and struts of your car at work. Both contribute to an automobile's ride and handling and are essential pieces of a cars suspension.

Leaf Springs

A leaf spring is composed of layered, flat steel bars that are bound together. The U-shaped spring is attached to the body of the vehicle at one or both ends, and the peak of the arch is attached to the axle. A leaf spring is important to the suspension in that it helps distribute the weight of the vehicle but also works as a shock absorber when the vehicle is in motion.

Coil Springs

Much like a leaf spring, the coil spring works as a piece of the vehicle suspension and functions as a shock absorber while driving. A vehicle's height off of the axle is determined by the coil spring, and it is also a component of a strut.

Struts

A strut is a single assembly that suspends and cushions, and is made up of the coil spring, shock absorbers and steering knuckle. The strut is constructed so that the entire unit pivots in harmony with steering. Struts are generally found on the front of the vehicle as they are steering responsive; springs can be found on the rear axle as these units are stationary.

References

• Auto Springs
• Car Stuff: Coil Springs Description
• Spring-Makers Resource: Leaf Springs
• Car Junky: Car Struts - What Are They and How They Work

Resources

• Automedia: How Suspension Works