Rambi ...
a strut is a fancy name for a fancy part which took the place of something with a familiar name ... shock absorber ...
now, indeed it really "does do more" than the oldfashioned shock absorber ...
here is a quick def ...
>>> The MacPherson strut front suspension system was invented in the 1940's by Earl S. MacPherson of the Ford Motor Company. It was introduced on the 1950 English Ford and has since become one of the predominate suspensions systems of the world. This simple system utilizes the piston rod of the built-in telescopic shock absorber to also serve as the kingpin axis. Normally, a coil spring is mounted over the strut assembly, in which case, a thrust bearing at the top of the spring prevents spring wind-up during turns. The lower link may be in the form of an ordinary A-arm. More commonly, a narrow transverse link (sometimes called a track rod) locates the lower end of the strut in the transverse direction and a separate member called a radius rod locates the assembly in the longitudinal direction. However, the anti-roll bar can serve as the longitudinal link and thereby eliminate the separate radius rod.
The advantages of the MacPherson strut include its simple design of fewer components, widely spaced anchor points that reduce loads, and efficient packaging. From a designer's viewpoint, its disadvantages include a relatively high overall height which tends encourage a higher hood and fender line, and its relatively limited camber change during jounce. A disadvantage on the consumer level is the comparatively high cost of servicing the shock absorber.
A small camber change during jounce and rebound is characteristic of the strut design. The vehicle roll center is controlled by raising or lowering the inboard anchor point of the transverse link, and by varying the steering axis inclination.
bold portion was added by me .. not the words, but the bolding .... came from me .....
now I know what you're really concerned with is
a) safety of the auto
b) authenticity of the diagnosis
c) price/value relationship
as I'm an expert on nearly everything ..... LOL
it is most likely safe to drive IF a rattle is the only symptom...
the strut DID get bent by something other than just kinda sideswiping a curb while parking ...
as in CHUGHOLE at some speed ... hitting a median curb at some speed ... running over a speedbump at some speed ...
now, I'm not trying to get him in trouble .. hey ... those things happen ..... and I've bent some myself .. but I did know when I did it that there could have been some damage cause it bounced me around pretty good inside the car ...
back to ...
the strut is around 200 bucks *(off the top of my head)
the labor should be about the same ..
so
there is more than likely MORE than just a bent strut ..
mounting, other parts in the suspension, or what ever..
and
the vehicle will require a wheel alignment upon the installation of the new strut .. that is most likely in the cost quoted ...
however, a second opinion would NOT be a bad idea ...
let me know if I can help any more .....
sorry for the trouble he's having/had |
