Car Talk / Cost To Replace Shocks or Struts

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Your Shocks or Struts

Written ByJohn Goreham
7/11/2024
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If your car is bouncing around a lot more than usual, if potholes seem to cause the car to crash into the bump stops, or if your mechanic just told you that you need them, it may be time to replace the shocks or struts on your vehicle. In this story, we will examine the cost of replacing shocks or struts. We don't want to torture you with our wisdom if you are in a hurry, so let’s say that the average cost to replace a pair of shocks and struts is between $500 and $2,500. The spread here is due to the many different designs used and because luxury cars sting you on any repair. If you have a mainstream affordable vehicle sold in large numbers, you should budget around $1,000 for this replacement.

What is a Shock and How is it Different From a Strut?

Your vehicle’s suspension relies on a few key components. The springs, sometimes called coils, act like, well springs. They hold the car’s main body up from the wheels so that the wheels don't transmit the road imperfections directly to your seat. A car suspended with just springs acting alone would bounce around like crazy as it rolled along over bumps.

The shock absorbers and struts act as what are called dampers. They slow the up-and-down motion of the car and stop the undulations caused by the body bouncing on the springs. They dampen out the oscillations, is how an engineer might say it.

Shocks and struts are not complicated machines. They are basically a pair of tubes with a valve or simply holes inside that allow oil to flow up and down. The flow of the oil through the holes is what slows down the bouncing. Air, gas, and other fluids can be used in place of the liquid in some shocks and struts. Hence the term “gas struts.”

A shock is not a structural member of your suspension, nor is it part of the front steering assembly. It has one job to do, and shocks work great at what they are designed for. A strut is a bit different. A strut is structural, and in some cars, they do act in a role related to steering. They also do their job as a damper. On some struts, the spring is also incorporated.

You may have heard of the term “MacPherson” strut. Earle S. MacPherson was a design engineer employed by General Motors and most often associated with Chevrolet in the 1970s. His career began in the early part of the 1900s, and he was also involved in wartime efforts as an engineer and designer. Mr. MacPherson was a pioneer in strut design. Hence, we now often call struts of a certain design by his name. His goal in designing the MacPherson strut was to make cars more affordable.

Original image of 2016 Subaru Forester Shock by John Goreham

How Do I Know If I Need Shocks or Struts?

Many vehicle owners are surprised to hear that during a normal inspection, the mechanic discovered that they need new shocks or struts. In many cases, the problem is easy to illustrate. Push on one corner of the car, and it bounces up and down. Or a mechanic might simply show you the leaking strut or shock.

Here are some common symptoms of a car that has worn or damaged shocks or struts:

Noticeable bouncing over bumps
Loud banging over bumps from one corner
Sloppy handling
Nose-diving when you brake
Swaying in turns (car feels tippy)
Vibration in the steering wheel
Uneven tire wear

What Causes Shocks and Struts To Fail?

Defective parts are one cause of a broken shock or strut. Long-term use in salty areas can cause shocks and struts to fail. However, hard impacts usually end the lives of shocks and struts. Hit a monster pothole, and the internal parts of a shock or strut can be damaged and allow the dampening fluid to escape.

Can a Shock or Strut be Repaired Instead of Replaced?

Shocks are never repaired. Full strut assemblies are often replaced, but in some cases, an insert kit is available to replace just the damper part assuming the other parts of the strut assembly are still sound. If the strut is old and worn out, the whole assembly may be the smart choice. If an impact damages just the damper in the strut, a kit may be the right choice. An experienced mechanic is the person to make this call.

Can I Replace Just One Shock or Strut?

There are few situations in which a mechanic will replace just one shock or just one strut. They are nearly always replaced in pairs, front and back. The one exception to this is if a new car has a single bad strut or shock. In this case, the dealership or body shop may replace just the one that is defective or damaged in an accident, and again, only if the vehicle is relatively new.

Can I Drive With a Bad Shock or Strut?

Drivers all over America are driving today with one or more worn or damaged shocks. A trained eye can even see them as they drive along. Driving on bad shocks is not recommended, but you can (slowly and carefully) drive the vehicle to the shop for repairs. If in doubt, call AAA for a tow.

If your car is already at the shop and you are informed you need shocks or struts, you should replace them if you trust the shop. If you are at a tire chain or an oil and fluid replacement chain you don't know, say for other work, and are informed you need shocks or struts, ask to be shown the problem and then schedule the work to be performed at a dealer or shop you trust to do important work.

Struts are an assembly related to the suspension structure and steering in some cases, so driving on one you know is damaged is never a good idea.

Who Can Replace My Shocks or Struts?

Replacing shocks is a very simple task for any mechanic with a lift and proper tools. Assuming your vehicle’s structure is sound and corrosion has not damaged the connection points for the shocks, it is a straightforward job.

Struts are also not that hard for a mechanic to deal with. It would make sense to look closely at all of the suspension components to ensure they are not at the end of their life when doing a strut replacement.

Will I Need To Have My Car Aligned After a Shock or Strut Replacement?

On older vehicle designs, it is not always necessary to have a car aligned if you replace old worn shocks. However, if the shocks were damaged by a road impact, curb strike, or a crash, then, yes, align the car for sure.

Any time you replace front struts, you should align the car. A front strut plays a role in how the tires handle on the road.

Can I Replace My Own Shocks and Struts?

Many shade tree mechanics can and do replace shocks. Some special tools are needed to safely compress the springs during the job. If you don't know what you are doing it is wise to leave this job to a local shop. Struts can be trickier. And you will still need an alignment. So we suggest letting a fully-equipped shop handle this job.

Original image of shock from a 2022 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon by John Goreham

How Much Do Shocks and Struts Cost to Replace?

Shocks can be replaced relatively affordably on reasonably priced mainstream cars as long as the mounting points are not damaged or corroded. $500 to $1,000 is a budget for such a job. Struts are more costly as parts, and they are part of the structure of the vehicle and steering if they are front struts. Since they do more than one job and are more elaborate in their construction, expect to pay more. Front struts replaced and including the alignment can be a job costing over $1,000, and on expensive luxury models, the cost can be more than double that.

These prices assume you are using a local shop and using aftermarket parts. If you opt to let the dealer do the work and install OEM parts, expect to pay about 25% to 50% more for the same results.

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