
Which Strut Replacement Option is Best?
A loaded strut is a complete, bolt-on replacement that can be easily installed at home to restore handling to factory settings. A bare strut reuses the original coil spring so it’s cheaper but will require tool rentals or shop time and usually additional replacement parts.
Strut replacement is generally recommended between 50-100k miles and can vary based on the conditions of miles being traveled. Coil springs usually last longer but can succumb to corrosion and rust if the protective coating is compromised. Deciding how to replace your strut is based on several factors such as cost, condition of other parts, and whether or not you want to tackle the project yourself.

Bare Strut
In a MacPherson strut assembly the strut is basically an oversized shock absorber that runs down the middle of the coil spring and connects to the frame-to-strut mount and steering knuckle and aids the spring in damping vibrations.

Loaded Strut
A loaded strut, or complete strut assembly, is the entire MacPherson strut replacement unit that includes the coil spring, isolator pads, jounce bumper, top strut mount and bearing, and the strut itself.
Symptoms of a Worn Strut
If your vehicle has racked up a lot of miles, or the miles you’ve gone have been rough, you might notice:
- Increased Bumpiness
- Cupped Tire Wear
- Increased Body Roll
- Dives When Braking
- Acceleration Squat
- or Clunking Noise
These can all be signs that your struts or springs are beginning to wear out and needing replacement. When deciding between a bare strut replacement or a complete strut assembly (loaded strut, quick strut) there are a few issues you should consider.

George Mariano
October 6, 2019 at 8:50 pmWhy don’t you make complete strut assemblies for a 2016 Chevy Trax AWD. I have always used Moog suspension components on my vehicles, I am 63 yrs. old and have used your parts because they perform well, are well made and have never failed on me. Please make complete strut assemblies so I can take the AC Delco struts off and put quality struts on my vehicle. The AC Delco struts have bad welds on them and are flexing at the welds. This has caused the paint to peel off at the welds, and the welds only, and the welds are rusting badly. I have wire brushed them, primed and repainted the areas. I showed it to the service tech and all he could say was bad quality control. We went and looked at a 2019 Trax and the same thing was happening. He said he could replace them for a fee, but said same thing would happen in a couple of years. I told him, if I was going to replace the struts I would rather put quality struts on then the crap that he wanted to put back on. Please make strut plus assemblies for this vehicle, at least two so I can buy them from you. Thank you for your time. I think it is only a matter of time before all Trax vehicles will need them also. I have been a mechanic for over 40 yrs so I feel I have good knowledge in this field.
Josh Daniels • Post Author •
October 9, 2019 at 2:12 pmHey George,
We’re actually a dealer of the Moog brand and not the manufacturer, but we’ve sent your suggestion on to Moog directly.
Moog has a great history of making problem solver parts that fix design flaws in the original equipment. That said, they have to take the business side into account when deciding which parts to pursue. I would imagine the bean counters have a lot of say when it comes to which parts are designed and manufactured. If it’s a consistent problem with the model and they get enough requests they’ll likely R&D a fix.
Hope you’re able to get what you need George, and good luck.