

However, you are likely to enjoy much better value for money and superior results by replacing the whole strut assembly when changing struts. You can choose to only change the struts (instead of the strut assembly) to reduce the cost by about $40 to $80. To replace a pair of struts, the total cost, on average, is between $400 and $1000, including wheel alignment.Īn individual strut assembly costs approximately $150 to $350, while the labor cost is $100 to $300 for a pair. When it comes to struts, they are a fair bit more expensive. To replace the shocks on the same axle, on average, it will cost you between $250 and $600 for parts, while labor costs will be somewhere between $150 and $350. When replacing shocks or struts, it is recommended to replace both of them on the same axle.Īs shock absorbers do not affect the steering, camber, and caster angle, they are easier and cheaper to replace than struts and generally don’t require a wheel alignment. 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. Make sure you test the car in a safe environment while obeying all traffic laws in your area. The only way to test the struts is by performing a road test and paying attention to any signs of wear, such as shakes, rattles, or nosedives.
#Best place to get shocks and struts replaced near me how to#
How To Test Strutsīecause the struts are different in terms of their location and function, the test for shock absorbers will not work for them. Keep in mind that this test does not apply to struts, only shock absorbers. wikiHow has a concise guide on how to test your shock absorbers using several methods. There are also other ways to test your shock absorbers. If the car continues to move up and down, your shocks are probably worn out and will need replacing. If the shocks are in good condition, the car will stop the motion. To test your shocks, simply push the front of your car in an up-and-down motion and stop abruptly. If you suspect that your shocks are damaged or just want to check them, there is a simple way to test them. It generally also takes longer to stop the car, but this can be hard to notice as the change is gradual. This problem is especially dangerous in the wet. If this occurs, it is essential to fix the problem as quickly as possible, as it could have disastrous consequences if you suddenly need to apply the brake. Usually, when this happens, the front of the car dips excessively. Swerving During BrakingĪ very serious sign is swerving during braking. Vibrations in the steering wheel are also a potential sign of worn shocks and struts, particularly if it vibrates on a smooth surface. If you notice that your car is shaking even when the surface is relatively flat, it is probably a sign that something is wrong with your suspension, struts, or shocks. The tires may also be prone to scalloping/cupping, which are patches of high and low spots due to accelerated wear. As a consequence, the tire will wear out unevenly. If your shocks and struts aren’t working properly, the wheels of the car might bounce, resulting in less consistent tire-to-road contact.

You might also notice the car moving back and forth when it is windy outside. If you notice that your car is tilted to one side or the other, it could be a sign of bad shocks and struts. There are a few symptoms that may appear if your shocks and struts need to 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. When Should Shocks And Struts Be Replaced? This also means that, in most cases, you must do a wheel alignment when changing struts, which is not the case with shocks. When performing a wheel alignment, the camber and caster angles are altered by adjusting the struts directly. In addition to reducing the bounce and roll and stabilizing the car as shock absorbers do, struts also provide structural support for the suspension and hold the tire in a correctly aligned position. This means struts have a few more functions than shocks. The main difference is that a strut is integrated with the suspension system, while shock absorbers are not. On some cars, shocks are used on one axle, while struts are used on another. If your shocks are bad, you cannot replace them with struts or vice versa. This is because they serve the same purpose, but they are not identical parts. Shocks and struts are often used interchangeably, but this is incorrect.
