How much does shocks and struts replacement cost? How can one tell when they need to change the shocks and struts?
This article gives a comprehensive overview of information on shocks and struts replacement.
A vehicle’s struts and shocks are responsible for absorbing any inconsistency one encounters. Examples are portholes or uneven roads. It is also responsible for stabilizing the vehicle during acceleration, turning, and braking.
Some vehicles use struts or shocks, whereas others use a combination of both.
To explain further, this article discusses the average shocks and struts replacement cost, the clear difference between them, the need for struts or shocks, when to replace struts or shocks, and lots more.
Let us begin.
Average Shocks and Struts Replacement Cost
A typical shock and strut replacement can cost you between $450 and $1,100. The combined price of parts and labor for a shock and strut replacement is around $150 to $900 per assembly, while estimated labor costs range from $150 to $300 per assembly.
Strut Replacement Cost
When one wants to replace the strut, it should be done in pairs, not minding if you believe the others to be good. Else, you will have an issue with your suspension and handling, which may lead to costly damage and hazardous driving conditions.
Brands, models, make of struts, as well as location affects the price for struts replacement. Examples of brands are Bilstein, Gabriel, Monroe, and KYB.
For a pair of strut replacements, one will spend the range of $450 to $900 and $150 to $300 for an individual/particular strut assembly. So, parts will cost between $300 – $600, and labor will cost the range of $150 – $300.
You will be assured that a car dealership will pay about $1,000 to replace your front strut. Hence, seek a trusted mechanic’s advice so you will not spend extravagantly.
After installing new struts, it will cost nothing for the wheel alignment to be performed. Two(2) wheel alignments will cost an extra $40 – $80, and for all four-wheel alignments, you will spend between $80-$160.
Also Read: Power Steering Pump Replacement Cost
Shock Replacement Cost
Shocks should also be replaced in pairs. It is less expensive than struts and is not as complicated as struts.
The estimated cost to change a pair of Shocks is between $250 – $580. A particular shock absorber is sold between $50 to $140, and parts will be set back by $100 to $280. At the same time, labor will cost an extra $150 to $300.
If you need to replace the entire four Shocks, multiply the total price by two, and you will get a good estimate.
Related: Symptoms of Bad Shock Absorbers
Be aware that the price for most luxurious cars(Lexus, BMW, Audi, or Mercedes Benz) is usually more than average. The same is attainable when discussing sports cars with more advanced struts and/or shock assemblies.
The Importance of Shocks and Struts
You must know the need for struts and shocks and the reasons for replacing them. Most modern-day cars have shocks in their rear and struts up front.
Some cars possess the same type all around. For example, struts will be the whole suspension assembly, whereas shocks act as part of the whole suspension.
Your vehicle’s suspension system has two key duties:
- Vehicle performance: it reduces body roll during cornering, regulates road handling, and aids braking. These things ensure safety when a person is driving.
- Comfort: it increases a driver’s comfort and that of passengers and reduces bumps, noise, and vibrations.
Struts and shocks have a vital role in your car’s suspension system, and their tear and wear affect safety and harm.
Failed struts and shocks impact how a vehicle’s tire meets the road, leading to low performance, unsteady holding and handling of the road, poor braking, harmful swaying, etc.
Bad Shocks and Strut Symptoms
Vehicle owners need to check out for these components whenever they carry out checkups. That way, it is possible to make sure that one’s strut and shocks are in good condition and that they can be replaced in the event of damage.
These are signs you will notice if you are driving with faulty struts and shocks:
1. Car Turning to a Direction
During acceleration or braking, does your vehicle trip towards a direction? Examine your shocks and struts to make sure they are not faulty. Other times while driving, a little turn may look like an exceptional turn.
Hence, the journey becomes unsafe, and there is an effect on your steering. Faulty functionality is a sign that you should get your vehicle repaired. Learn ways of testing shocks by way of hand, so you can examine the level of damage.
2. Car Will Be Bouncy
This is usually annoying and is a result of worn-out shock and strut. When your car starts bouncing while driving past portholes and bumpy roads, check the shocks and struts, worn shocks and struts can excessively make wheels go up and down.
In the components, coil springs ensure that energy transfer that results through portholes is dried and dampened. This can cause you discomfort, and a good replacement will help.
3. Fluid Leakage on the Front Area of the Struts/Shocks
What do you think will happen when shocks become bad? On the base/surface of your shocks and struts, you will likely see a huge amount of hydraulic fluid that has leaked.
This entails that the seal that keeps the hydraulic fluid locked is bad. A vehicle’s components need to function properly with the fluid.
3. Noisy Sound
A faulty shock absorber makes noises, like the knocking sound coming from your rear wheels. You should not overlook this vital sign. Shocks and bushings begin to lose their function of aiding the strut due to wear; the struts then come out.
While feeling the metal, one would continue hearing that knocking sound as the person drives. The sound may be accompanied by other sounds, such as cupping and tire scalloping.
Also, worn-out uneven tires happen, and there is a bouncy failed strut noise.
Also Read: Rattling Noise When Accelerating (Causes & Solutions)
4. Squats From the Rear End/ Front End Dives
As mentioned above, a vehicle stays stable while accelerating due to shocks by struts. Hence, when your front end dives or your rear end squats, the shocks and struts are no longer strong and are in faulty shape.
You will see better comfort, control, and additional stopping distance as soon as you replace them. This further ensures road safety and driving confidently in emergencies.
5. Steering Wheel Vibration
When there is vibration emitting from your steering wheel, it is a sign of faulty shock absorbers. However, vibrations might be normal while driving through bumpy or rough terrain.
That notwithstanding, it is an issue if the same applies while driving on a smooth road. These problems result from worn-out steering wheels, shocks, and struts.
Also Read: Ball Joint Replacement Cost
How to Test Shocks
If you feel your shocks have been damaged or you feel like checking them, here is a way of doing so.
Push/press the front of the vehicle “up and down” and abruptly stop. When the shock is in good shape, the vehicle stops its motion.
Whereas a faulty shock will cause the car to continue moving in the “up and down” motion.
Other ways of testing the shock absorbers can be found in wikiHow, which provides a clear guide.
The above test only applies to shock absorbers.
How To Test Struts
The struts have different functions and locations from the shock absorbers. Thus, a different test applies.
The only options are carrying out road tests or looking for wear signs like nosedives, shakes, or rattles.
Carry out this test in an environment that is safe and complies with traffic laws.
Can I Replace Shocks or Struts Myself?
Replacing shocks is straight to the point. The difficulty is when there are seized bolts or rust resulting from exposure to the elements. However, one can save up to about a hundred dollars from a clear shock replacement price.
Struts come either as complete assemblies or individual parts. When the spring is distinct from the strut, a spring compressor will be needed for installation and removal. If you are not experienced, the spring compressor can pop out and injure you.
How to Replace Shocks and Struts
The steps are straight to the point. First, remove the old struts and shocks from the vehicle. Then, install new struts and shocks in place of the old ones.
Lastly, examine your suspension system to ensure everything is running efficiently. The steps mentioned above take a few hours.
Get an experienced mechanic to process the replacement process when the struts and shocks are due to be replaced. You need the job to be done properly; the average price of replacement is $600.
A professional mechanic can carry out the installation efficiently and fast.
If you wait for your struts and shocks to be damaged before going for a replacement, it may cause harm to the suspension system, and more expenses will be made.
If there is uncertainty as regards the soundness of the struts and shocks, call a good mechanic for examination. The mechanic can easily tell.
Check out this video for more tips on how to replace shocks and struts
Frequently Asked Questions – Shocks and Struts Replacement Cost
How Often Should Shocks and Struts Be Replaced?
Typically, struts and shocks need replacement after every 50,000 miles. This depends on the model and makes of your vehicle. Check the owner’s manual for more information.
How to Increase the Longevity of Shocks and Struts?
To increase the longevity of struts and shocks, one can do tons of things whenever it is possible, back off from driving over potholes and big holes. Then, regularly check the suspension system by a professional mechanic. Thus, any potential issue will be discovered, and the struts and shocks will be safe.
How much are shocks and struts to replace?
For labor and parts, you will spend the range of $400 to $1,100. For individual strut and shock assembly, you will spend between $150 – $900. In contrast, each assembly will cost between $150 to $300.
Is it worth replacing shocks and struts?
Changing the struts and shocks when bad will help prevent harm to other car parts, such as suspension and tires. It also ensures safe driving.
Should I replace all 4 shocks at the same time?
You should do so in pairs or, even better, all four of them to have predictable and even control and handling. Keep in mind that four of them have reached the same miles of usage and exposure to the same conditions.
Are struts or shocks more expensive?
Struts are a little more expensive. Labor and replacement of shocks are between $400 to $950.
How much does it cost to replace all 4 shocks?
The cost depends on the model and the make of the vehicle. Generally, for labor and parts, you will spend within the range of $400 to $800. Remember that an SUV or luxurious vehicle will cost about $1,500.
How much does it cost to replace all 4 struts?
Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, you will spend within the range of $150 – $450 for each strut. Then you will spend about $300 to $900 to replace a pair of struts.
Do you need an alignment after replacing struts?
Yes, Of course. Especially if the manufacturer of the car recommends so.
Can struts last 200 000 miles?
Like tires and brakes, the longevity of suspension components depends on the type and quality of roads you drive on. Hence, struts and shocks can live for 80,000 miles or more. Rough and aggressive roads make it impossible.
Is It Possible to Replace Just the Shocks or the Strut Assembly?
The struts and shock absorbers are different parts. Both of them(dampers) are components of a car’s suspension. The front strut is a component of a steering system. One can remove either struts or shocks if the car has shocks in its rear and struts in its front. Using new and old dampers in a car can give rise to undesirable effects.
Conclusion – Shocks and Struts Replacement Cost
Shocks and Struts Replacement Cost depends on the model and make of the vehicle. However, one can consider spending between $500 to $1000 and an average of $600. If wheel alignment comes in, it will be an additional $50 – $100.
Make use of quality components in replacing struts and shocks. This helps ensure your vehicle’s longevity, proper performance, and smooth running.
Thank you for reading. Hope you learned what would be of help.