The car’s suspension system relies on struts, so it’s important to know the replacement cost of a damaged strut. A failing strut can cause various issues and make driving risky, especially on rough surfaces and in cold or rainy conditions.
Delaying strut repair will increase replacement costs. Prompt repairs can prevent accidents and maintain the car’s condition, potentially increasing its resale value. DIY projects also provide a financial advantage by saving money. That is why having an idea of how much it costs to replace the strut in a car is one of the knowledgeable things to do to help save expenses.
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How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Car Strut?
Replacing a car strut can vary in cost depending on the make and model of your vehicle, labor rates in your area, and whether you’re replacing one or both struts. Struts are an essential part of your suspension system, combining a shock absorber and a coil spring to absorb road impacts and maintain vehicle stability. Note: It’s strongly recommended to replace struts in pairs (both front or both rear) to maintain even ride height and handling.
Struts typically come in pairs, so both will need to be replaced for $500 to $1000. This should be done every 50,000–100,000 miles, depending on driving habits. The average cost for replacing a strut, including wheel alignment, is about $600. The total cost, including labor, can range from $400 to $1000, depending on the car’s type and model.
The price may increase if additional repairs are necessary due to the faulty strut causing more damage. Strut assembly costs $150 to $350 per strut, with an additional $100 to $300 for labor. Purchasing just the struts can save between $40 and $80, but it’s best to ensure everything is clean due to the struts’ important role in steering and bearing the car’s weight. The estimate is for 2024.
Average Replacement Costs:
| Type | Cost Per Strut (USD) | Labor (Per Strut) | Total (One Side) | Total (Both Sides) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy/Aftermarket | $100–$200 | $100–$150 | $200–$350 | $400–$700 |
| OEM/High-End Models | $250–$400+ | $150–$200 | $400–$600+ | $800–$1,200+ |
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How Frequently Should Struts be Replaced?
There is no precautionary replacement for struts. Instead, after roughly 25,000 miles, you should begin checking the suspension for wear. Struts typically last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles before needing to be replaced.
The only way to evaluate your car’s struts if you haven’t yet noticed any wear-related signs is to take it for a road test. You might wish to test how the car handles rough areas, but drive carefully and obey all traffic laws. The following are things to watch for in order to detect a bad strut in your car:
- Even when driving on smooth roads, the steering wheel shakes or vibrates
- In windy conditions, the vehicle may sway back and forth.
- You can experience the feeling of the car leaning to one side when driving.
- When braking, the vehicle swerves or dips its front end excessively.
- The time it takes the car to stop moving. This alteration is subtle and hard to detect.
- uneven tire wear or cupping or scalloping
- Bounce increases with uneven tire-to-road contact
Tips for Replacing a Strut
When replacing struts, it’s recommended to replace the entire strut along with the top strut mount, top mount bearing, and coil springs.
Just replacing the shock may be cheaper, but if the coil spring fails soon after, you may have to do the whole process again. If the sway bar link is attached to the strut, it’s also recommended to replace it. These are hard to remove and often get damaged, so it’s better to change them right away.
After replacing struts or doing any other suspension-related work, it’s advisable to get a wheel alignment done. If not, your tires will wear out quickly, and your car may have handling issues.
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Conclusion
Struts play a crucial role in your car’s handling, comfort, and safety. If you notice symptoms like bumpy rides, nose-diving during braking, or uneven tire wear, it may be time for a replacement. While the cost can vary widely based on vehicle type and parts used, replacing both struts can run between $400 and $1,200. Regular inspections and timely replacements will ensure a smooth and controlled driving experience.
The price to replace a car’s struts varies significantly based on the make and model of the car, the quality of the struts used, and the cost of labor in your location. expect to spend, on average, several hundred dollars per strut, parts and labor included. To acquire a precise quotation for your particular vehicle, you must get quotes from reliable mechanics. Driving can be made safer and more comfortable by doing routine maintenance and replacing old struts as soon as possible.
FAQs
1. What are the signs of bad or worn struts?
Common symptoms include:
- Excessive bouncing after bumps
- Nose-diving while braking
- Uneven or rapid tire wear
- Poor steering response
- Fluid leaks from the strut
2. Can I drive with bad struts?
You can, but it’s not safe. Worn struts affect your vehicle’s stability, increase stopping distance, and reduce overall control, especially in emergencies or rough terrain.
3. Should I replace all four struts at once?
You don’t have to replace all four unless they’re all worn. However, it’s highly recommended to replace struts in pairs (front or rear) to maintain balance and ride quality.
4. Do struts need an alignment after replacement?
Yes. Replacing struts can alter your suspension geometry, so a wheel alignment is usually necessary to prevent uneven tire wear and handling issues.
5. How long do struts typically last?
Struts usually last 50,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions, road quality, and vehicle usage.
6. What’s the difference between shocks and struts?
Shocks are standalone components that dampen motion, while struts combine a shock absorber and a structural coil spring into one unit. Struts also support the vehicle’s suspension structure.
7. Is it cheaper to replace struts yourself?
DIY replacement can save labor costs, but struts can be difficult to remove and may require spring compressors and specialty tools. For safety reasons, many people opt for professional installation.
8. Can worn struts damage other parts of my car?
Yes. Worn struts can cause tire damage, wheel misalignment, suspension wear, and steering problems if not addressed in time.