MacPherson Strut Suspension
A MacPherson strut suspension uses the spring-damper strut as both a suspension unit and a structural wheel-locating member.
How it is arranged
The wheel carrier is located by the strut, its upper body mount, a lower control arm or links, and a steering tie rod on a steered axle. Because the strut carries side loads as well as damping loads, its bearings, seals, top mount, and body attachment influence friction and steering feel.
The layout uses relatively few components and leaves useful lateral space for a powertrain, crash structure, or front cargo compartment. Its constraints include a tall structural load path and less independent freedom over camber and steering-axis geometry than layouts with separate upper links. Split lower links can create a virtual steering pivot while remaining part of the broader strut family.
The name alone does not predict ride or handling; geometry, bushings, springs, dampers, tyres, and calibration determine the result. For comparisons with other wheel-control layouts, see Suspension layouts and geometry.