an electrical coupling assembly for a damper , the coupling assembly including a base and a rod received through the base . the rod has a threaded connector end and a conductor extending through the rod from the connector end . the coupling assembly further includes a conductive nut threaded onto the connector end of the rod and a plug housing including a ground lead and a power lead , the power lead being electrically coupled to the conductor . the coupling assembly has a conductive member engaging the plug housing and the nut , the conductive member being electrically coupled to the ground lead . the coupling assembly is particularly suited for use in a strut having an outer tube coaxial with the inner tube and connected to the rod and the wheel suspension assembly of the vehicle so as to absorb the side loads applied to the strut . in such a strut , the piston rod is “ upside down ”, with the piston at the top and the coupling assembly at the bottom , where it is fully exposed to environmental dirt , moisture , contaminants , temperatures and road induced shocks .