Do I need Struts or Shocks on 02 Pontiac Sunfire?

Question

I have been told that I need struts on my car when I got new tires all around. (One person said that they could see them needing replacement, another mechanic I asked said you can't see something like that until the car is on the rack and apart.) There is a squeaking in the front right area. Fm reading some of these answers, there is no "bouncing" when I go over a bump. It may be springs, but I barely understand the diff btw struts/shocks. Also I am asking how will I know its the spring? I just want to get the right thing repaired. I can say that the squeaking is always present when I'm driving on a straight road, but more so when I turn a tight corner for example entering on the freeway. Car has 53,000 miles.
Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

struts and shocks are about the same in workings they just have a differant layout... but they work the same... is hard to tell most of time just by looking if they are bad unless they are wet and leaking most people go the miles and your car it around the limit on that if they said you need them and your not sure have them check at another shop always better to get a second opinon when not sure and a squeak have you tried a spay oil sometimes the rubber mounts dry and will do it but thats just a temp fix ... and springs outlast the cars most of the time hardy ever they need replacing

Answer 2

I don't have a Sunfire, but can tell you this; Struts are used in the front, shocks in the rear. However, the shocks are basically just like struts. They dampen (absorb) bumps and slow the action of the spring. The shock/strut, spring, bellow,
and mount are all put together as an assembly. Besides control arms, sway bars, and steering components, these assemblies ARE your suspension and 4 wheel alignment is set with them. The only true way to know
(besides the obvious) if something is bad is to take it apart.
The assemblies are under spring compression. Let a good garage do it. The squeaking could be a mount or bellow.
I don't suspect the springs being bad but you don't know.
The struts are probably worn. Upon tear down there could be more bad parts. Whatever it needs, the same amount of labor needs to be done and the 4 wheels aligned. Dig deep
into your wallet.

Answer 3

I doubt the struts or shocks are bad, unless you are getting a rough ride or chopped up tire tread. Check with another shop to see if the sway bar links and strut plates are bad. Tire shops are staffed by the cheapest paid personel.....check with someone who is ASE certified.
At 53,000 miles.....only the rear shocks may fail in that short of time, but not the front struts.