Best Auto Struts with 7 Top Picks

I’ve been there—that annoying rattle over bumps, the bouncy ride that feels like driving a boat. When your ride quality tanks, it’s time to consider replacing your suspension components. Installing a new set of best auto struts is usually the quickest path to restoring comfort and handling. Based on my hands-on experience and deep dives into component quality, I’ve pulled together a comparison of the top choices available today to help you find the right fit for your vehicle.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Detroit Axle – 2.5L 2pc Front Struts for Toyota Camry…	View on Amazon
	PM Auto Pair Front Left-Right Quick Complete Strut-Coil…	View on Amazon
	COMPLETESTRUTS – Front & Rear Complete Strut Assemblies…	View on Amazon
	ECCPP 2X Front Struts Spring Assembly Struts Shock Absorber…	View on Amazon
	PM Auto Front Left Quick Complete Strut and Coil Spring…	View on Amazon
	PM Auto Set of 4 Front Quick Complete Strut-Coil Spring…	View on Amazon
	PM Auto Set 4 Front-Rear Quick Complete Strut-Coil Spring…	View on Amazon

Detroit Axle – 2.5L 2pc Front Struts for Toyota Camry 2012-2017, Struts & Coil Spring Assembly 2013 2014 2015 2016 Replacement Suspension Quick Install Ready Struts Shocks

This Detroit Axle assembly is a straightforward solution for popular Camry models, known for its durable construction and ease of use. It arrives fully assembled, meaning you skip the dangerous coil compression step, making installation significantly easier for the average DIYer or professional. This package is specifically engineered to meet or exceed OE quality, ensuring your handling is returned to factory specifications, particularly for the 2.5L engine variants, offering immediate improvements in ride stability.

Key features that stand out:
– Specific Fitment: Struts Replacement for 2012-2017 Toyota Camry (SE/XSE; 2.5L).
– Ready for Install: Strut Shock Assemblies are complete and ready for installation with no additional work or special tool required.
– Tested Durability: Undergo impact, wear, and fatigue testing to help ensure quality and durability.
– Warranty: Comes with a substantial 10-Year Warranty.

Pros:
– Comes with an industry-leading 10-year warranty for peace of mind.
– Fully loaded quick strut assembly simplifies the installation process dramatically.
– Rigorous testing ensures durability and long lifespan.

Cons:
– Fitment is highly specific to the 2.5L Camry engine models and trims.

Best for: Camry owners prioritizing a comprehensive long-term warranty and simplified front-end replacement.

Expert Opinion: Detroit Axle is a trusted name in aftermarket components, and the inclusion of wear and fatigue testing suggests high manufacturing standards, offering exceptional value in the best auto struts category.

PM Auto Pair Front Left-Right Quick Complete Strut-Coil Spring For 2012-2017 Toyota Camry SE XSE

PM Auto offers a specialized quick complete strut set designed specifically for the performance-oriented SE and XSE trims of the Toyota Camry. These trims often come equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, and using standard struts can degrade handling; this PM Auto pair ensures you retain that factory stiffness and responsive ride quality. The 100% accuracy of fit guarantee means you won’t struggle with alignment issues during the install.

Key features that stand out:
– Performance Match: Designed specifically for SE/XSE models with Sport Tuned Suspension.
– Fitment Accuracy: Guaranteed 100% accuracy of fit for the specified models.
– OE Replacement: Replaces common OE parts 172993 and 172992.

Pros:
– Correctly calibrates stiffness for sport-tuned suspension models.
– Complete assembly saves significant labor time and complexity.
– Highly accurate fitment minimizes installation guesswork.

Cons:
– The bundle may ship in multiple packages, which could delay the start of the job.

Best for: Owners of 2012-2017 Toyota Camry SE/XSE models who must maintain their sport-tuned suspension performance.

Expert Opinion: It’s critical for owners of sport models to purchase struts specifically calibrated for performance handling, and this PM Auto set provides that necessary distinction among the best auto struts available.

COMPLETESTRUTS – Front & Rear Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2004-2009 Toyota Prius – Set of 4

Unlike the Camry options, this set from COMPLETESTRUTS provides a full four-corner suspension overhaul for the second-generation Toyota Prius. Since the Prius requires specific lightweight components to maintain its fuel efficiency, this kit is specifically designed after OE specifications for an exact fit and optimized ride quality. Replacing all four corners simultaneously ensures balanced handling and uniform suspension performance across the entire vehicle.

Key features that stand out:
– Comprehensive Kit: Includes (2) Front Complete Strut Assemblies + (2) Rear Complete Strut Assemblies.
– Specific Vehicle Focus: Replacement for 2004 through 2009 Toyota Prius models.
– OE Match: Designed After OE Specifications for Exact Fit and Ride Quality.

Pros:
– Complete set covers both front and rear axles in a single purchase.
– Crucial for maintaining the unique ride characteristics of the Prius.
– Quick install means no specialized spring compressors are needed for any corner.

Cons:
– This package is strictly limited to a single, older generation of the Toyota Prius.

Best for: Prius owners looking to completely refresh the entire suspension system with a matched set.

Expert Opinion: When replacing the suspension on a hybrid vehicle like the Prius, maintaining the OE spec for weight and dampening is essential for efficiency and safety; this set achieves that goal.

ECCPP 2X Front Struts Spring Assembly Struts Shock Absorber Fit for 2012 2013 2014 for Toyota Camry

The ECCPP quick strut assembly is a robust front-end solution for early model year Camrys, prioritizing durability and superior construction materials. Featuring ISO/TS16949 premium quality certification and SAE9254 spring steel, this assembly is built to withstand high vibration and temperature extremes. This focus on material quality translates directly into improved ride comfort and longevity, speeding up the attenuation of vibration.

Key features that stand out:
– Quality Certification: ISO / TS16949 premium quality strut.
– Material Durability: Utilizes SAE9254 spring steel for improved toughness and anti-corrosion properties.
– Complete Assembly: Includes strut, coil spring, bearing, mount, bumper, boot, and isolator.
– Warranty: Provides a ONE YEAR WARRANTY for all struts.

Pros:
– High-quality spring steel ensures greater tolerance to extreme conditions.
– Enhances overall driving comfort by quickly absorbing road vibrations.
– Trouble-free, pre-assembled installation saves time and money.

Cons:
– The included warranty period is shorter compared to some competitor kits.

Best for: Drivers of 2012-2014 Camrys who frequently encounter rough roads or extreme temperature shifts.

Expert Opinion: ECCPP’s emphasis on material composition, especially the spring steel, makes this a reliable choice among best auto struts for drivers seeking long-term component integrity in challenging environments.

PM Auto Front Left Quick Complete Strut and Coil Spring For 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu

This PM Auto offering addresses a different market segment entirely, providing a necessary suspension replacement for the 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu. This is a single front left quick strut assembly, making it ideal if you only need to replace one side due to accident damage or uneven wear. Like their other kits, this product is designed to meet OEM quality standards and ensures improved steering and handling by using a safe, no-spring-compression installation method.

Key features that stand out:
– OEM Quality: All products are designed to meet OEM Quality standards.
– Safety Focused: Easy and safe to install, with no need to take apart existing assembly or compress coil springs.
– Performance Enhancement: The component improves steering, handling, braking ability, and overall safety.
– Single Component: Front Left side only.

Pros:
– Perfect solution for replacing a single, damaged strut assembly quickly.
– Improves vehicle safety and responsiveness immediately after installation.
– Installation is streamlined and does not require specialized, dangerous tools.

Cons:
– Since it is only a single left-side strut, the right side must be purchased separately if both are needed.

Best for: Chevrolet Malibu owners needing a specific left-side replacement to address localized suspension failure.

Expert Opinion: Replacing struts in pairs is generally recommended, but for drivers needing a precise fit for just one side—perhaps after hitting a major pothole—this specific quick strut for the Malibu provides an efficient solution.

PM Auto Set of 4 Front Quick Complete Strut-Coil Spring Assembly-Rear Shock Absorber For 2007-2013 Suzuki SX4

This four-piece set from PM Auto targets the Suzuki SX4, providing a full replacement for both the front struts (complete assembly) and the rear shock absorbers. The SX4 requires a robust suspension, and this kit delivers OE quality components that are safe and easy to install, significantly simplifying the maintenance process for this specific vehicle platform. It’s an effective way to restore the original ride comfort and handling characteristics of the SX4.

Key features that stand out:
– Full Set: Includes front quick struts and rear shock absorbers.
– OE Quality Match: Designed to meet OEM Quality specifications for reliable performance.
– Safety First: Installation requires no specialized tools or spring compressors.
– Specific Model: Fits 2007-2013 Suzuki SX4.

Pros:
– Covers both front struts and rear shocks in one convenient set.
– Restores both suspension performance and braking effectiveness.
– Installation process is quick and inherently safer than bare strut replacement.

Cons:
– As with other sets, checking the precise vehicle fitment using the provided tools is mandatory before purchase.

Best for: Suzuki SX4 owners looking for a comprehensive, full-vehicle suspension replacement kit.

Expert Opinion: Since this kit includes both front quick struts and rear shocks, it’s a smart investment for SX4 owners, ensuring all critical dampening components are refreshed simultaneously for optimal suspension performance.

PM Auto Set 4 Front-Rear Quick Complete Strut-Coil Spring For 2012-2017 Toyota Camry L4

For the standard four-cylinder (L4) Toyota Camry, this PM Auto set provides the most comprehensive solution: a full set of four quick complete strut-coil spring assemblies (front and rear). This is the gold standard for full restoration of the suspension system. By replacing everything at once, you eliminate the guesswork and ensure matched dampening rates across all four corners, drastically improving ride balance and longevity compared to mixing old and new components.

Key features that stand out:
– All-in-One Solution: Full set of four quick complete strut/coil spring assemblies for front and rear.
– Complete Assembly: Includes all components necessary for a true quick install.
– Safety: Eliminates the need to compress dangerous coil springs.
– Wide Fitment: Fits 2012-2017 Toyota Camry L4 models.

Pros:
– Ensures perfectly balanced handling by replacing all four suspension units simultaneously.
– Offers maximum time savings during installation due to the complete assembly design.
– Restores original ride height and factory handling characteristics.

Cons:
– Purchasing four units at once represents a higher initial investment compared to pairs.

Best for: 2012-2017 Toyota Camry L4 owners seeking a total suspension overhaul for maximum safety and comfort.

Expert Opinion: If you plan on keeping your Camry for many years, investing in a full set like this is highly recommended. It guarantees that the entire vehicle chassis is supported by new components, providing the most effective restoration of suspension performance.

Comparison Short Insights on the Best Auto Struts

The primary benefit shared across these top options is their quick complete strut assembly format, which bypasses the most time-consuming and dangerous step of installation: compressing the coil spring.

When looking at the specific Toyota Camry options, you must pay close attention to the trim level. The PM Auto Pair Front Left-Right kit targets the SE and XSE sport-tuned suspension, which requires specialized damping. In contrast, the Detroit Axle and the PM Auto Set 4 Front-Rear are best suited for the standard L4 engine trims.

For the driver prioritizing long-term peace of mind, the Detroit Axle product stands out with its industry-leading 10-Year Warranty. Most others offer a standard one-year warranty, making the Detroit Axle a clear winner in durability coverage.

If you are maintaining an older or less common vehicle model, kits like the COMPLETESTRUTS four-piece assembly for the Prius or the PM Auto set for the Suzuki SX4 offer a convenient, full-coverage solution that ensures component compatibility and balanced handling. The SX4 kit is particularly helpful because it bundles both struts and rear shock absorbers.

Final Verdict

Choosing the right components among the best auto struts depends heavily on your vehicle type and your long-term priorities:

For Maximum Durability and Coverage: The Detroit Axle 2pc Front Struts are unmatched, thanks to their comprehensive impact testing and the generous 10-Year Warranty—a huge bonus for the popular Camry platform.

For Comprehensive Suspension Restoration: If you own a standard L4 Camry and want to refresh the entire vehicle suspension, the PM Auto Set 4 Front-Rear Quick Complete Strut-Coil Spring provides the most thorough, balanced solution.

For Specialized or Sporty Trims: Owners of the Camry SE/XSE models should select the PM Auto Pair Front Left-Right kit, ensuring their replacement struts are correctly calibrated for the sport-tuned suspension.

Best Auto Struts Buyer’s FAQ

What is a “quick complete strut assembly” and why is it better?

A quick complete strut assembly (often just called a quick strut) is a fully pre-assembled unit that includes the strut, coil spring, strut mount, bearing, boot, and bump stop. It is better because it is ready to bolt right onto your car, eliminating the need for a dangerous spring compressor tool and drastically reducing installation time and complexity.

How do I know when I need new struts?

Common symptoms indicating you need new struts or shocks include excessive vehicle bouncing after hitting a bump, loud clunking noises coming from the suspension, leaning or nose-diving during braking, uneven tire wear, and generally poor suspension performance resulting in a harsh or unstable ride.

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

Shocks are typically separate components found in certain suspension systems. A strut, however, is a structural part of the suspension system (like those reviewed here) that combines the dampening function of a shock absorber with a spring support system. All quick struts are technically an assembly of a shock inside the structural strut casing, along with the coil spring.

Should I replace just one strut or replace them in pairs?

It is almost always recommended to replace struts in pairs (both front or both rear) to maintain balanced handling and performance. Even if only one strut has failed, the other side will have similar wear, and a mismatched old/new component can negatively affect steering and stability.

Are aftermarket quick struts as reliable as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) struts?

Many high-quality aftermarket quick struts, especially those designed to meet or exceed OE specifications (like the products reviewed), are highly reliable. They often incorporate improvements based on common failure points of the original design. Always look for components that undergo quality testing, such as those that mention impact or fatigue testing.

Do I need a professional to install these best auto struts?

While professional installation is always an option, quick complete strut assemblies are designed for the advanced DIY mechanic. Since they eliminate the need for specialized tools like spring compressors, installation is typically a simple bolt-on process that many shade-tree mechanics can handle safely at home.