How much should it cost to replace shocks and struts?
A typical shock and strut replacement can set you back anywhere between $450 and $1,100 on parts and labor combined. An individual shock and strut assembly costs around $150 to $900, while estimated labor costs for replacing a shock and strut assembly can range anywhere from $150 to $300 per assembly.
Do you need to replace struts when you replace shocks?
Like all automotive parts, your vehicle’s shocks and struts follow a specific maintenance schedule. Experts say that shocks and struts should be replaced every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. This will help you get a better understanding of the exact mileage and time your shocks and struts need to be replaced.
Can you drive with bad shocks and struts?
If your shocks and struts go bad, you shouldn’t drive your car for long. Driving with bad shocks and struts is a safety risk because the stability of your vehicle is compromised. You will experience poor handling, excessive body roll, a wobbly steering wheel, and poor traction.
What happens if you don’t replace shocks and struts?
There are two negatives to riding on worn-out struts or automotive shocks: Safety: Worn struts result in longer stopping times and/or distances as the vehicle weight can shift (sometimes unexpectedly) during braking. This also negatively affects your ability to stay in control of your vehicle.
How long can you drive on bad shocks?
How long can you expect your shocks or struts to last? That depends. “Driving on rough or unpaved roads, towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads, can shorten their functional life,” says Reina. “With heavy use, you could be looking to replace them at 40,000 or 50,000 miles or sooner.
Does your car need new shocks or struts?
Cars need regular replacement of shocks or struts every 50,000 miles or so, depending on your car’s make and model. Have your mechanic make a routine check of the shocks or struts every 50,000 miles, or however often your operating manual recommends it.
How do you replace shocks and struts?
How to replace shocks and struts 1. Check whether you need a spring compressor 2. Securely raise one side of the car 3. Remove the wheel and extract the old shock/strut 4. Install the new shock/strut 5. Don’t forget the test drive!
Does my car have struts, shocks or both?
A car will either have shocks or struts on each wheel, never both. This means that the vehicle’s design initially called for struts only, shocks only, or a combination of shocks and struts. And on any wheel, it’s only a shock or strut, never both. And to make things even more complicated, some cars have struts on the front and shocks on the rear.
Do my struts or shocks need replacement?
A strut or a shock absorber doesn’t need to be replaced unless there is a problem with it or if you just want to upgrade your ride with new shock absorbers. The most common problem with shocks and struts is when they start leaking. See this photo: leaking rear shock absorber.