What is the difference between a strut and a shock absorber?
The two terms are often used interchangeably today. Technically both are shock absorbers as they both serve to dampen suspension oscillations on jounce and rebound. Originally, a shock absorber dampened motion, but did not support load. Originally a strut typically supported a spring, served to dampen motion and support weight. Today there are multiple variations on both designs. Some manufacturers refer to one as a strut, another as a shock absorber and vice versa.
