In that sense of the term - an Automotive "MacPherson Strut" or "strut" is actually comprised of a shock absorber with a coil spring mounted above it. The "strut" is attached to the auto structure at the top of the coil spring and the wheel hub is attached at the bottom. The bottom of the assembly is located by a lateral link and anti-roll bar (TR-7) - or by a lower Transverse Link and Tension Compression Rod (Z Car).
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