A MacPherson strut is a type of shock absorber that has a more structural role in a vehicle’s suspension.
Named after its creator, “MacPherson strut” refers both to the component and the suspension design that employs it. The strut includes a shock absorber element but also plays a role in positioning the wheels.
Struts are used for the front or rear axle — or both — and are the most common suspension type in passenger cars today. Each strut runs directly through a coil spring and resides in a tall channel called a tower, the top of which may be visible under the hood near the back of the engine compartment. This “coil-over” design is space efficient, as is the strut’s elimination of the space-robbing upper control arm used in earlier suspension designs. The low overall parts count reduces the unsprung weight, for a smoother ride.
Struts are also used in a modified MacPherson design that locates the springs inboard, rather than around the struts — an approach that’s claimed to reduce vibration in the steering wheel.
Information for this was taken from the Cars.com’s glossary, written by Joe Wiesenfelder.
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