Photograph
Nut removed, there is the strut bearing itself, which allows the wheels to rotate from side to side

When you turn the steering wheel side to side, the entire strut rotates back and forth relative to the car. The entire shock body, shock rod, and spring rotate left and right. The strut bearing allows this movement to take place, otherwise there would be huge drag by the spring and rubber parts as you tried to turn the wheel.

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