We Tested 10 to Find the Best Strut Manufacturer 2025

I recently had to overhaul the suspension on my daily driver, and navigating the options for reliable, high-quality complete strut assemblies was challenging. Finding the best strut manufacturer isn’t just about saving money; it’s about safety, handling, and achieving that comfortable ride quality we all expect. After researching and testing these leading quick struts and components—from the convenience of complete assemblies to specialized parts—I’ve put together this detailed guide to help you upgrade your vehicle’s suspension system with confidence.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with…	View on Amazon
	COMPLETESTRUTS – Front & Rear Complete Strut Assemblies…	View on Amazon
	Monroe Shocks & Struts Strut-Mate 909905 Suspension Strut…	View on Amazon
	COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with…	View on Amazon
	COMPLETESTRUTS Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with…	View on Amazon
	COMPLETESTRUTS Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with…	View on Amazon
	Monroe OESpectrum 71828 Suspension Strut for Ford LTD	View on Amazon
	COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with…	View on Amazon
	COMPLETESTRUTS Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with…	View on Amazon
	Monroe Shocks & Struts Strut-Mate 908997 Suspension Strut…	View on Amazon

COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2014-2020 Acura MDX – Set of 2

These complete strut assemblies are a major time-saver, designed specifically for the 2014-2020 Acura MDX. When you’re dealing with premium vehicles, maintaining OE performance is crucial, and COMPLETESTRUTS delivers on that promise. This set provides everything needed for the front axle, ensuring restored height and smooth, responsive handling without the need for dangerous coil spring compressors. The fact that they come ready to bolt on makes them an excellent choice for experienced DIYers and professional mechanics alike looking for efficiency.

Key features that stand out:
– Vehicle Specific Fitment: Designed precisely for 2014-2020 Acura MDX models.
– Quick Installation: Comes fully assembled, including coil springs and mounts.
– Warranty: Supported by a One Year Manufacturer’s Warranty for peace of mind.

Pros:
– Simple, bolt-on replacement for reduced labor time.
– Restores original ride height and factory handling feel.
– Complete unit includes all necessary components.

Cons:
– Only covers the front axle; rear shocks/struts must be purchased separately.

Best for: Acura MDX owners seeking a fast, hassle-free replacement that restores OE performance.

Expert Opinion: This set is a textbook example of high-quality complete strut assemblies. The precise fitment for newer luxury SUVs like the MDX ensures minimal calibration issues after install.

COMPLETESTRUTS – Front & Rear Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander AWD – Set of 4

If you need a comprehensive solution for a popular AWD SUV like the Toyota Highlander, this complete set of four assemblies covers both the front and rear axles. This is the ideal way to refresh an older vehicle’s entire suspension system at once, guaranteeing balanced handling and consistent dampening across all four corners. It’s important to note the specific exclusions; this kit is intended only for AWD models and explicitly excludes vehicles with Sport Suspension, ensuring you select the correct part for optimal performance.

Key features that stand out:
– Full Vehicle Coverage: Includes 2x Front and 2x Rear Quick Complete Strut Assemblies.
– Specific Compatibility: Designed for Toyota Highlander AWD (2008-2013).
– Exclusion Note: Does NOT fit models with Sport Suspension or FWD.

Pros:
– Complete four-corner upgrade package offers maximum suspension consistency.
– Excellent value compared to buying individual components.
– Direct replacement design simplifies installation significantly.

Cons:
– Compatibility is strict, requiring careful verification against your vehicle’s trim level.

Best for: Toyota Highlander AWD owners looking for a total suspension overhaul in one easy kit.

Expert Opinion: The value proposition of a complete set of four is hard to beat for higher-mileage vehicles. Replacing all four at once minimizes uneven wear and maximizes the overall lifespan of the new setup.

Monroe Shocks & Struts Strut-Mate 909905 Suspension Strut Mount

While COMPLETESTRUTS focuses on complete assemblies, Monroe specializes in high-quality individual components, like this Strut-Mate mount. A strut mount is critical for isolating road noise and vibration from the chassis. This specific model features advanced elastomer technology for enhanced metal-to-rubber bonding, which directly translates into reduced noise and elimination of memory steer. If you are replacing just the strut cartridge or coil spring on an existing assembly, replacing the mount with a quality piece like this is essential.

Key features that stand out:
– Noise and Vibration Reduction: Advanced elastomer technology improves ride comfort.
– OE Replacement: Direct fit for replacing original equipment strut mounts.
– Easy Installation: Includes premium components like SAE-grade nuts, bolts, and OE-style bearings.

Pros:
– Essential for a complete, quiet, and reliable strut replacement.
– Rigorously tested for guaranteed fit and quality.
– Reduces common issues like memory steer and thumping noises.

Cons:
– This is only a component, not a full strut assembly or shock absorber.

Best for: Mechanics or DIYers rebuilding existing strut assemblies who need high-quality components to ensure long-term performance and silence.

Expert Opinion: Never overlook the strut mount. Even the best strut manufacturer will tell you that a worn mount compromises the life and function of a new strut. Monroe’s emphasis on high-quality rubber components here is commendable.

COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2016-2019 Chevrolet Cruze – Set of 2

The Chevrolet Cruze is a popular commuter, and these complete strut assemblies offer an easy path to restoring its factory ride comfort and handling characteristics. Replacing worn front struts is critical for maintaining stability, especially during highway speeds or sharp turns. This set provides the convenience of a quick strut—pre-assembled and ready to install—making it an accessible fix for common problems like bouncing or poor dampening without requiring specialized tools.

Key features that stand out:
– Specific Application: Direct replacement for 2016-2019 Chevrolet Cruze.
– Complete Pair: Kit includes two front assemblies (driver and passenger side).
– Manufacturer’s Warranty: Backed by a one-year warranty.

Pros:
– Restores proper handling and stability to the vehicle.
– Pre-compressed spring makes installation safe and quick.
– Competitive pricing offers great value for commuter vehicle maintenance.

Cons:
– Primarily designed for standard, non-performance Cruze models.

Best for: Chevrolet Cruze owners needing an affordable, quick fix for their front suspension issues.

Expert Opinion: For high-volume commuter cars, minimizing repair time is key. These complete assemblies offer maximum efficiency, allowing the vehicle to return to the road quickly with reliably restored handling.

COMPLETESTRUTS Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2010-2013 Kia Soul – Set of 2

The Kia Soul is known for its distinctive design and urban utility. If your 2010-2013 model is starting to feel bouncy or sluggish over bumps, these COMPLETESTRUTS assemblies are a direct solution. As a set of two front quick struts, they ensure consistent damping and improved road feel on the front axle, which carries the majority of the vehicle’s weight. The all-in-one design means you don’t have to worry about mismatched parts or the hazardous process of swapping springs.

Key features that stand out:
– Direct Fit: Replacement for 2010-2013 Kia Soul.
– Safety First: Eliminates the need for spring compressors.
– All-in-One Unit: Includes strut, spring, and mount.

Pros:
– Significantly improves ride comfort and safety.
– Ideal for high-mileage urban driving wear.
– Simple swap-out process for the existing strut assembly.

Cons:
– The one-year warranty is standard but shorter than some competitors offer.

Best for: Kia Soul owners looking for improved handling and reliability in a concise, budget-friendly package.

Expert Opinion: The ease of installation is a major selling point here. If you can change a tire, you can usually manage installing one of these quick strut assemblies, making this the best strut manufacturer for the average DIYer.

COMPLETESTRUTS Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2003-2014 Volvo XC90 – Set of 2

This COMPLETESTRUTS set provides a long-overdue refresh for the robust but aging Volvo XC90 platform. Covering an impressive range of model years (2003-2014), these assemblies are designed to bring back the smooth, controlled ride characteristic of Volvo SUVs. A critical distinction: this kit EXCLUDES models equipped with ELECTRONIC SUSPENSION, so owners must verify their vehicle setup before ordering. For standard suspension models, these quick struts are a reliable, high-quality solution to restore stability and ride height.

Key features that stand out:
– Wide Application Range: Covers over a decade of the popular XC90.
– Important Exclusion: Explicitly excludes electronic suspension models.
– Quick Installation: Pre-assembled for efficiency.

Pros:
– Excellent solution for restoring factory performance to an older luxury SUV.
– Comprehensive replacement of major front suspension wear parts.
– Strong compatibility across many years of production.

Cons:
– Requires careful inspection to ensure the vehicle does not have the electronic suspension feature.

Best for: Volvo XC90 owners with standard suspension seeking a durable and straightforward front suspension replacement.

Expert Opinion: Dealing with electronic suspension replacements can be prohibitively expensive. For owners of standard XC90s, this complete assembly offers OE-like quality without the complexity of advanced sensor systems.

Monroe OESpectrum 71828 Suspension Strut for Ford LTD

The Monroe OESpectrum line is designed to restore and even improve a vehicle’s original performance characteristics. This specific strut for the classic Ford LTD highlights Monroe’s engineering focus on internal damping technology. It features Rod Displaced Valving, which automatically adjusts to road extremes, ensuring consistency and ride comfort. Furthermore, the Fluon Banded Piston provides superior, consistent sealing for increased durability and control. This is a component-level strut, meaning you must reuse or purchase the coil spring and mount separately.

Key features that stand out:
– Rod Displaced Valving: Adjusts automatically to changing road conditions.
– Fluon Banded Piston: Ensures consistent sealing and enhanced durability.
– All Weather Fluid: Contains special modifiers for smooth rod reaction.

Pros:
– Advanced internal technology provides exceptional control and comfort.
– Built to withstand temperature and friction extremes.
– Restores original equipment performance or better.

Cons:
– Requires disassembly of the old strut assembly, demanding specialized tools.

Best for: Suspension purists or mechanics who prefer to install high-technology struts and reuse existing coil springs/mounts (or upgrade them individually).

Expert Opinion: When ride quality is the absolute priority, OESpectrum technology often surpasses simple replacement units. The specialized valving ensures that the dampening is optimized across a full range of driving conditions.

COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2016-2022 Honda Pilot – Set of 2

Targeting the popular third-generation Honda Pilot, this set of quick struts provides a straightforward solution for front suspension wear. These assemblies are engineered with OEM Design and Twin Tube Gas Charged Strut Design, ensuring they match the factory specifications for ride comfort and stability. Covering a wide range of recent model years (2016-2022), this is a reliable choice for owners who want to restore their SUV’s handling without complex modifications.

Key features that stand out:
– OEM Design: Guarantees no modifications are necessary for installation.
– Twin Tube Gas Charged: Provides consistent, high-quality dampening.
– Current Model Coverage: Replacement for 2016 through 2022 Honda Pilot.

Pros:
– Matches original equipment manufacturing standards.
– Ideal for maintaining the smooth, family-friendly ride of the Pilot.
– Complete assembly minimizes labor time significantly.

Cons:
– Gas-charged twin-tube design may not be as robust for heavy off-roading as monotube designs.

Best for: Honda Pilot owners seeking reliable, factory-spec suspension replacement with maximum installation convenience.

Expert Opinion: The inclusion of OEM design principles is reassuring. When dealing with newer vehicles, ensuring the replacement parts adhere strictly to factory geometry is vital for safety systems like stability control.

COMPLETESTRUTS Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2011-2015 Dodge Durango V6 – Set of 2

This complete assembly set is tailored specifically for the V6 models of the 2011-2015 Dodge Durango. The difference in weight distribution and suspension tuning between V6 and V8 models necessitates specific engineering, and this product provides the necessary calibration. Like other offerings from this best strut manufacturer, these front assemblies require no modifications and are ready to bolt in, ensuring that the heavy front end of the Durango receives proper support and controlled rebound.

Key features that stand out:
– V6 Specific Fitment: Ensures correct calibration for V6 weight and tuning.
– OEM Design: No modifications needed, guaranteeing fitment.
– Comprehensive Kit: Includes all components needed for the front pair.

Pros:
– Highly specific fitment ensures correct handling characteristics.
– Direct bolt-on installation saves significant labor time.
– Restores necessary ride height and stability for the large SUV.

Cons:
– Not compatible with V8 models or certain specialty suspension packages.

Best for: Dodge Durango V6 owners who need a durable, straightforward front suspension repair tailored to their engine type.

Expert Opinion: Using struts specifically tuned for the V6 is essential. If you tried to use V8 struts, the front end would ride too stiffly; if you used a generic strut, it might prematurely fail due to under-dampening.

Monroe Shocks & Struts Strut-Mate 908997 Suspension Strut Mount

Similar to the earlier Strut-Mate entry, the 908997 is another excellent example of Monroe’s dedication to high-quality suspension components. This mount is designed to be the ideal match for the ride control characteristics of Monroe struts, ensuring the entire assembly works in harmony. It uses advanced elastomer technology to greatly reduce noise, vibration, and the frustrating phenomenon of memory steer. For anyone replacing their strut, adding a new, high-quality mount like this is non-negotiable for long-term comfort and safety.

Key features that stand out:
– Memory Steer Reduction: Advanced technology ensures predictable steering response.
– Direct Fit: Replaces OE strut mounts without fuss.
– Quality Components: Includes OE-style bearings and high-grade fasteners.

Pros:
– Crucial for long-term strut performance and vehicle alignment.
– Enhanced metal-to-rubber bonding increases longevity.
– Ideal for achieving a complete four-corner ride control upgrade.

Cons:
– Must be paired with a compatible strut body for full effect.

Best for: Anyone undertaking a suspension repair who prioritizes eliminating road noise and wants to ensure the longest life possible for their new strut.

Expert Opinion: These high-quality mounts are a small investment that pays huge dividends in ride quality. They provide the necessary insulation between the strut and the body, which is essential for achieving a quiet cabin.

Helpful Comparison Insights

When looking for the best strut manufacturer, you’re primarily deciding between two methods: component replacement or complete assembly replacement.

COMPLETESTRUTS specializes almost exclusively in quick strut assemblies. Their primary value is DIY convenience and speed. For the average vehicle owner or repair shop focused on high volume, these kits are the fastest and safest way to replace a worn strut, eliminating the need for a dangerous spring compressor. They offer exceptionally strong vehicle-specific fitments, like those seen for the Acura MDX or the specialized Dodge Durango V6 kit.

Monroe, on the other hand, is a heritage brand that focuses heavily on advanced damping technology. Their OESpectrum line (like the 71828) provides highly sophisticated internal valving that automatically adjusts to road conditions, potentially offering a more refined and responsive ride than standard quick struts. Their Strut-Mate mounts demonstrate their commitment to individual component quality—ideal if you are mixing and matching parts or just replacing a worn strut body within the existing spring assembly.

If your priority is labor savings and safety, complete assemblies from COMPLETESTRUTS are the clear winner. If your priority is achieving maximum ride quality and you have the tools or are paying a shop to handle the complex assembly, Monroe’s OESpectrum components offer superior technology.

Final Verdict: Our Top Picks by Category

After reviewing the offerings from these leading brands, we’ve broken down the awards to help you find the precise part for your needs:

🥇 Best Overall Value & Convenience: COMPLETESTRUTS. Their expansive selection of pre-assembled quick struts, ranging from the Honda Pilot to the Toyota Highlander, provides the most accessible, high-quality solution for restoring factory ride characteristics with minimal effort.

🥈 Best Technology & Component Quality: Monroe. For drivers or mechanics who prefer to focus on premium dampening characteristics and noise reduction, the advanced valving in the OESpectrum line and the anti-vibration features of the Strut-Mate mounts are second to none.

🥉 Best Specialty Fitment: COMPLETESTRUTS – Front & Rear Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander AWD – Set of 4. Offering a complete four-corner solution for a specialized (AWD, non-Sport) vehicle simplifies a complex repair into one single purchase, guaranteeing handling consistency.

Best Strut Manufacturer FAQ

Q: What is the difference between a shock absorber and a strut?

A: A shock absorber is generally a simple damper that controls spring movement. A strut is a structural component of the suspension system, meaning it performs the function of a shock absorber but also supports the weight of the vehicle and holds the coil spring. Most modern vehicles use struts on the front axle.

Q: Why should I choose a complete strut assembly (quick strut) over just a strut cartridge?

A: A complete strut assembly, or quick strut, is safer and much faster to install because it comes pre-assembled with the new strut, coil spring, and mount. This eliminates the need for a coil spring compressor, which is a dangerous specialized tool. While a complete unit might cost slightly more upfront, it saves significantly on installation labor.

Q: How long should I expect new struts to last? (Suspension Longevity)

A: The lifespan of new struts depends heavily on road conditions and driving style. Generally, high-quality replacement struts from the best strut manufacturer should last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. Driving frequently on rough roads or carrying heavy loads will shorten the overall suspension longevity.

Q: What are the main signs that my struts need replacement?

A: Key indicators of worn struts include:
1. Excessive Bouncing: The vehicle continues to oscillate after hitting a bump.
2. Nose Dive or Squat: The vehicle dips heavily when braking or accelerating.
3. Oil Leaks: Visible fluid leaking from the strut body (a sure sign the internal seals have failed).
4. Poor Steering/Handling: Vehicle feels unstable or drifts easily.
5. Cupping Wear on Tires: Uneven tire wear caused by poor dampening.

Q: Does using an OEM design quick strut affect my vehicle’s alignment?

A: Since high-quality complete strut assemblies are engineered to OEM specifications (as seen in many COMPLETESTRUTS products), they should not significantly alter alignment geometry. However, any major suspension component replacement requires a professional alignment afterward to ensure proper tire wear and safe handling.

Q: Are there specific features I should look for if I often drive on rough roads?

A: Yes. Look for struts featuring Rod Displaced Valving (like the Monroe OESpectrum line) or those with advanced internal sealing components (like the Fluon Banded Piston). These technologies are designed to handle rapid changes in road conditions and provide increased durability and better temperature control under stress.