Car suspensions feature shocks and struts. They are the components behind the comfortable ride drivers enjoy on different road surfaces. A faulty suspension system causes handling and braking challenges. Few people worry about strut replacement costs. It is because most shocks and struts can survive between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. The type of suspension system varies from one car model to the other. Most vehicles have shock absorbers in the rear and struts in the front.
Damage to shocks and struts negatively affects the performance of cars. A faulty suspension system is a safety concern. That means every driver requires a clue on the average cost of shock absorbers and the effort needed for their replacement.
What Is The Purpose Of Your Car Shocks And Struts?
One of the most important parts of your car's suspension system is the shocks and struts. They work together to provide a smooth ride, by absorbing the impact of bumps and potholes in the road. Shocks and struts also help keep your tires in contact with the ground, for better traction and handling. Over time, they can wear out and need to be replaced. That's why it's important to have them inspected regularly. And this is also important to know struts replacement cost so that in the event of a breakdown you can immediately go to the store and buy a replacement
Ways To Tell If It’s Time To Replace Shocks And Struts
Of all the malfunctions of the car, it is the suspension problems that you will feel the most. Its main function is to make your ride comfortable, to absorb the bumps in the road, and to absorb the main impact so that even when driving on the bumpiest terrain you feel as if you are resting on a feather bed. However, being under constant strain, sooner or later your Shocks and Struts will fail. You'll notice this very quickly because your riding comfort will be very different, but below we've listed the main faults that indicate that your Shocks and Struts are broken.
We advise you to troubleshoot the problem as soon as possible before it leads to more serious problems. Keep in mind that the replacement cost will be many times higher than the average price for struts replacement. Avoid serious malfunctions!
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1. Uneven tire wear
One of the first signs that your shocks or struts may need to be replaced is uneven tire wear. If you notice that your tires are wearing down more on one side than the other, it could be a sign that your shocks or struts are damaged and not working properly.
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2. Your car bouncy or unstable
Another sign that your shocks or struts may need to be replaced is if you notice that your car feels bouncy or unstable when you’re driving. This can be especially noticeable when you hit a bump in the road. If your car feels like it’s bouncing around instead of absorbing the impact of the bump, it’s a sign that your shocks or struts aren’t working properly.
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3. Leaking shock absorber
Another sign that it may be time to replace your shocks or struts is if you notice that your shock absorber is leaking. If you see a pool of oil or fluid around your shock absorber, it’s a sign that it’s not functioning properly and needs to be replaced.
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4. Your car wobbles when you hit a bump
If you notice that your car starts to wobble when you hit a bump in the road, it’s another sign that your shocks or struts may need to be replaced. This can be a dangerous problem because it can make it harder to control your car.
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5. Your car sways when you turn
Another sign that your shocks or struts may need to be replaced is if you notice that your car starts to sway when you make a turn. This can be caused by a variety of different problems, but if your shocks or struts are damaged, it can make it harder to control your car and can lead to accidents.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s important to have your shocks or struts checked out by a professional as soon as possible. Driving with damaged shocks or struts can be dangerous and can lead to accidents. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so if you think there’s a problem, don’t wait to get it checked out.
Cost of replacing shocks and struts
The average cost of replacing struts
It is advisable to replace struts in pairs. Perhaps one strut is damaged. However, replacing one and leaving the other could complicate handling or cause safety issues. The cost of struts varies depending on the brand and the type of vehicle in question. Individual strut assemblies cost between $150 to $300. The labor cost for replacing a pair of struts ranges between $150 and $300. The average cost for replacing a pair of struts is between $450 and $900. Notably, car dealerships may charge a higher fee. Drivers have to foot extra bills for wheel alignment after strut installation. That is an additional $40-$80 for a two-wheel alignment service.
Cost of shock absorbers for cars
The replacement process for shocks is less complicated than for struts. Like struts, it is vital to replace shock absorbers in pairs. The average cost for replacing shocks is around $250-$580 per pair. A single piece of shock absorber costs approximately $50-$140, depending on the brand and product quality.
The average cost of shock absorbers and struts is higher for luxurious car brands. Standard shocks and struts are unsuitable for high-performance vehicles. Sports cars require specially designed suspension systems which are more advanced and expensive.
Can I perform shock and strut replacement myself?
Saving repair costs is a priority for most drivers. They prefer doing basic repairs and replacements in their backyards. A visit to a specialist garage means parting away with a few hundred dollars.
Replacing shocks shouldn’t be a challenge. It involves unbolting an old piece and installing a new one. The only difficulty is dealing with rusty nuts.
Struts are a little difficult to replace. Some struts are sold as assembled units, while others are available as individual pieces. The latter requires a great deal of labor to install.
Additionally, there are several safety risks when handling them. It is preferable to engage an expert when replacing strut assemblies.
Conclusion
Replacing shocks and struts is a quick and affordable process. Drivers can purchase these components from approved retailers and install them, provided they have the correct tools.
FAQs
Do I need wheel alignment after replacing struts?
Yes. Changing your car struts alters wheel camber. Wheel alignment readjusts this to ensure you enjoy driving experiences.
How long does it take to replace struts and shocks?
An experienced mechanic requires 1 to 2 hours to change struts. Doing it yourself could require more time.