Is my vehicle suspension equipped with struts or shocks or both?
With modern vehicle suspension systems this question may not be that easy to answer correctly, if only taking a brief glance at the suspension system.
Many vehicle models now use a coil spring over shock type of system that when glanced at looks like a strut assembly, but it is not. This can cause confusion when determining whether or not a suspension component claim will be covered by the extended service contract protecting your vehicle.
Are Shocks & Struts Covered By Ford Protect?
The Ford Protect levels of protection that cover a shock absorber and / or strut assembly are as follows:
- A PremiumCare plan will cover a failed MacPherson strut assembly, but not a standard shock absorber.
- A Premium Maintenance Plan will cover both a failed MacPherson strut assembly and a failed standard shock absorber.
The purpose of a shock absorber is to dampen the impact of rough road surfaces and to provide for a smooth ride. The purpose of a strut is to do what a shock absorber does plus support the weight of the vehicle.
Some models, such as the Edge, Escape and EcoSport, amongst others are equipped with struts in the front suspension, but the rear suspension has standard shock absorbers.
Does your vehicle have struts or shocks?
Here are two helpful charts to indentify whether your Ford or Lincoln model is equipped with struts or shock absorbers for both the front and rear suspension systems.
From the Author: Disclaimer
Disclaimer: The views expressed on this page are the views of the author. While many years of dealership experience may have gone into the content of this article, the policies and procedures at dealerships around the country may vary. The information is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal or professional advice. Please consult with your vehicle manufacturer and warranty provider for specific details regarding warranty coverage.
