
How much does it cost to repair a strut?
The average cost for a strut replacement generally runs between $450 and $900 to replace a pair. If you are just replacing a single strut, the repair price will come to between $130 and $300, while labor will cost you between $150 and $300 for the pair. If you are replacing shocks, you can expect to pay between $250 and $580 to replace two shocks.
What should the cost of replacing all 4 struts be?
This means that getting the components alone ranges from $100 to $280, while labor cost for shock replacement is about $150 to $300. If it warrants replacing all 4 shocks or struts, then you will get the ideal range of cost by multiplying the total cost by two.
When must I repair or replace a strut?
The best answer for this question is to follow 3 general rules of thumb:
- Have your struts and suspension inspected every 25,000 miles or when you notice premature tire wear. ...
- Always replace worn struts in pairs. Like brakes, front struts should always be replaced in pairs. ...
- Make sure to have the front-end suspension aligned after replacing struts. ...
How much does strut cost?
The average price for one strut is $150 to $300 and the labor cost is $50 to $200 It is recommended to replace both struts on the axle if one is bad. Replacing just one may cause the level of your vehicle to be different, and there may be stability problems.

Strut Replacement Cost Guide
We’ve collected some sample costs for having the struts replaced at some of the leading auto repair chains in the country. This will vary from loca...
When Should You Have Strut Replacement done?
If your struts just recently blew, you can still drive your car around, but you do need to be careful about very bumpy or unpaved roads. Those are...
What Is Done During A Strut Replacement?
1. You can actually replace the struts n your own if you know what to look for and how to do it. There are many guides online that can walk you thr...
How to Save Money on Strut Replacement
As mentioned, you can do the job yourself. It may take some time, and it can be dangerous to prop the vehicle up on a jack, but if you are careful...
Example Strut Replacement Costs
Below are the costs to have a single or a double strut replacement done for some of the most popular cars in the country. This price may vary from...
How much does it cost to replace struts?
To replace an individual strut, you are looking to pay anywhere from $133 and $439. To replace both the cost will usually be between $239 and $818. Your mechanic will likely recommend that your wheels be realigned as well when the struts are replaced.
How long does it take to replace a blown strut?
Those are going to take a heavier toll on your vehicle and you. You should try to replace blown struts within a week or two. The faster you replace them, the less damage your vehicle will experience. You should also have your mechanic look over the struts at each checkup.
What happens if your struts are blown?
If your struts are blown, then you will likely notice a major difference once they are replaced. Your ride is going to be far less bumpy. Each small imperfection in the road won’t feel like a jolt anymore. You probably notice the difference in how your vehicle rides when you fill your tires with air comply.
What is struts in a car?
Struts are part of the suspension assembly in your car. If you notice that your vehicle doesn’t bounce all over the road every time you hit a small bump, then you have your suspension assembly, and particularly your struts, to thank for that. But once those struts are blown, then you need to have them replaced.
Can you replace struts on your own?
You can actually replace the struts n your own if you know what to look for and how to do it. There are many guides online that can walk you through step by step. Here, you’ll get a little overview of what is involved with a strut replacement. The mechanic (or you) is going to start by taking off the wheels.
Should I replace my struts in pairs?
Also, it is best if you replace your struts in pairs. If one is blown, then the one it is paired with is likely stressed. It is better to get them both replaced at once to avoid further problems down the road. It may cost quite a bit upfront, but you will save money in the long term.
Should I let my struts blow before replacing them?
It’s not a big deal if you let your struts blow before you replace them, but you do need to be careful about how hard you are driving your vehicle before you have those struts replaced. Of course, if you wait too long to replace them, then you will see serious damage in your vehicle. YouTube. TrustMyMechanic.com.
Shocks Or Struts?
Shocks and struts are often used interchangeably, but this is incorrect. This is because they serve the same purpose, but they are not identical parts.
When Should Shocks And Struts Be Replaced?
Now that you know what shocks are and how they differ from struts, it is important to know when they should each be replaced.
How To Test Shock Absorbers
If you suspect that your shocks are damaged or just want to check them, there is a simple way to test them.
How To Test Struts
Because the struts are different in terms of their location and function, the test for shock absorbers will not work for them.
Cost Of Replacing Shocks And Struts
Shocks and struts are usually reliable for 50,000 to 100,000 miles, but these numbers are only estimates and the reality could be less or more.
Conclusion
Shock absorbers and struts play a key role in making your car drive smoothly and absorbing all the shocks from uneven asphalt and potholes.
How much does it cost to replace a strut?
As a general rule of thumb, typical strut replacement cost runs about $600 to $700 per pair.
How much do struts increase stopping distance?
Well, tests show that worn struts can cause your tires to spend so much time in the air bouncing that those worn struts can actually increase your stopping distance from a 60-MPH stop by as much as 12-feet. That can mean the difference between life and death.
What are the different struts?
They make just about all the replacement struts used by shops. However, they make different grades of struts—economy and premium. Chain operated repair shops usually buy private labeled economy struts, but they charge premium prices. They’ll offer you a lifetime warranty, but the warranty doesn’t cover labor. If you take your car to a chain operated repair shop, you’ll usually get lower quality parts for higher prices. Get it?
Do chain operated shops buy struts?
Chain operated repair shops usually buy private labeled economy struts, but they charge premium prices. They’ll offer you a lifetime warranty, but the warranty doesn’t cover labor. If you take your car to a chain operated repair shop, you’ll usually get lower quality parts for higher prices.
How much does it cost to replace a strut?
The average cost for a strut replacement generally runs between $450 and $900 to replace a pair. If you are just replacing a single strut, the repair price will come to between $130 and $300, while labor will cost you between $150 and $300 for the pair.
What is a strut in a car?
In a car with a strut suspension, the struts are the shock absorbers of the car. In a vehicle that uses a shock suspension, shocks are used to dampen the vibrations and keep a smooth ride. In this type of suspension, struts replace the shock absorbers, controlling the bouncing amount in your car and preventing sudden stops from jerking your vehicle.
How do shocks and struts work?
The shocks and struts keep the car smoothly on the road, prevent any swaying back and forth, and enhance the vehicle’s stability to work effectively on varying terrain. Determining the average cost to replace shocks and struts is usually characterized by replacing both struts or both shocks in pairs since everything has to be done simultaneously.
What is a shock absorber?
The shock absorber in your vehicle keeps the tires on the ground while driving on rough terrain and uneven roads, ensuring the ride is smooth and comfortable. This mechanism allows you to maintain proper control of the vehicle and keep it from veering off of the road in tough conditions. Although struts and shocks are designed the same, ...
What happens when shocks leak fluid?
If this is the case, the shock will begin to leak fluid down the mechanism’s side and drip onto the ground.
When determining what kind of shock absorbers your car currently uses, you need to figure out if you should get
When determining what kind of shock absorbers your car currently uses, you need to figure out if you should get the struts or shocks repaired or replaced. When you are buying struts or shocks, you buy brand-name products so you can use reliable, consistent, and confidence-inspiring products that are long-lasting and durable.
What is the reserve tube in a shock?
This connection between the two parts in the suspension contains a cylinder. This cylinder is called the reserve tube and contains hydraulic fluid. As we know, hydraulic fluid is key to lubricating the internal engine system and ...
How to tell if struts are worn out?
Shocks and struts can wear out faster if the vehicle is frequently driven on rough roads. Old and failing shocks and struts may exhibit any of the following symptoms: Knocking, thumping, or rattling sounds. Bumpy ride. The vehicle’s front or rear end dips when accelerating or braking hard.
Why do front struts wear out?
Because they operate constantly and often endure rough use, both shocks and struts can wear out earlier than their expected average lifespan ...
What are the symptoms of a failing shock?
Symptoms of Failing Shocks and Struts. No automotive part is immune to wear. A shock absorber and strut assembly typically endures more wear than most, especially if the vehicle is frequently driven on rough roads. No automotive part is immune to wear.
How much does it cost to have a wheel alignment?
The cost of a wheel alignment can vary between $150 and $200. Meanwhile, the supplies for the job will set you back by about $20. Installing new shocks and struts can alter vehicle alignment. This results in uneven tire wear, which may contribute to early tire failure.
Can you drive with old shocks?
While it’s possible to drive with old or damaged shocks and strut assemblies, it won’t feel pleasant. Furthermore, extreme wear on these parts can reduce a vehicle’s handling and braking performance, ultimately compromising safety. Despite knowing the disadvantages, some drivers may feel reluctant to replace worn or damaged shocks and struts.
Do auto repair shops use OEM parts?
However, if you lack the knowledge and tools for the job, it’s better to leave it to a professional. Auto repair shops often have markups on the replacement parts they offer, while official dealerships use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts that cost even more.
Can you remove shocks from a vehicle?
It’s possible to remove either the shocks or the struts if your vehicle has struts in the front and shocks in the rear. However, operating the vehicle with a mix ...
How much does it cost to replace struts on a 2003 Volkswagen Golf?
2003 Volkswagen Golf with a 2.0-liter engine. The labor time for replacing the front struts is 4.5 hours. A pair of factory front struts costs about $284, and a pair of Sachs struts costs about $158. The total cost to complete the job would be about $734 using factory parts, and about $608 using aftermarket parts.
How much does it cost to replace struts on a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 5.7-liter engine. The labor time to replace the front struts is 2 hours. A pair of factory struts costs about $206, and a pair of KYB struts costs about $142. The total cost to complete the job would be about $406 using factory parts, or about $342 using aftermarket parts.
How to tell if struts are worn?
As the shocks and struts are designed to dampen vibration and provide a smooth ride, one of the main signs of wear is a rough ride or vibration problems. If normal unsprung weight vibrations aren’t dampened, they can allow harmonic vibrations to develop in the tires.
What is sprung weight?
Sprung weight is the whole of a vehicle that is supported by the springs. Driving down the road in whatever conditions, the springs absorb the road forces and the shocks and struts dampen and control those forces and prevent them from excessively affecting the sprung weight.
What is a shock absorber?
A shock absorber bolts to the suspension on one end and the chassis or frame on the other – connecting sprung weight and unsprung weight. It is a vital part, but also an independent part. If a vehicle’s suspension uses shocks, they can be removed and the vehicle can still be driven (though it will be bouncy and unsafe at speed).
Why do you replace shocks in pairs?
Shocks and struts are almost always replaced in pairs in order to maintain balanced handling conditions on each axle.
How much does it cost to replace shocks on a 1995 F150?
A pair of factory front shocks costs about $122 and a pair of Gabriel shocks costs about $48. The total cost to replace shocks would be about $202 using OE parts, or about $128 using aftermarket parts.
What happens if a strut rattles?
If the strut rattles or knocks over bumps, it may be broken. Lastly, the tires may being to suffer cupping.
What is a strut bearing?
The strut bearing is integrated into the front strut, and becomes part of the front mount when the strut is bolted to the vehicle. The bearing allows the strut to rotate easily, and reduces noise from rubber grommets squeaking against metal when the wheels are turned.
Why does my car strut feel soft?
Worn rear struts result in diminished ride quality that might feel “soft” as the vehicle leans excessively during turns, and bounces over bumps. The shock absorber in the strut may leak when it is worn. The strut may also cause a knocking or rattling sound if it is worn, damaged, or broken.
How much does labor cost?
Labor costs are estimated between $147 and $185 while parts are priced at $35. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed. This range is an average across all vehicles on the road.
Do you need to change struts?
Many manufacturers recommend inspecting the struts for failure during some periodic inspections, and others may specify when changing the struts is necessary. Nearly all vehicles will need to have them changed at some point, but rough driving habits may shorten the serviceable life of a strut.
Can a vehicle be driven with worn struts?
A vehicle with worn strut bearings can be driven, but the ride quality will be diminished, and , more importantly , the vehicle's handling will be compromised. A car's ability to remain level while turning, with traction spread between all four wheels, is dependent on the struts.