How Much Does It Cost To Replace The Struts On A Car

Proper maintenance always goes a long way with cars. Resolving repairs on time can make a big difference and potentially help you avoid any road accidents. In addition, it helps preserve your automobile’s condition so you can sell it for a better price.

As your car has many systems and components that need proper care, it becomes essential to cover them separately. This article focuses on struts — a vital part of the suspension system. We examine the difference between shocks and struts, signs of issues, and replacement. 

What Does the Suspension Do?

Struts are integral parts of the suspension, which is a protective layer of shock-absorbing components such as springs and dampers. It helps ensure your drive is safe and smooth by absorbing the energy from various road bumps and other kinetic impacts. The suspension also ensures your tires stay on the road by increasing friction. 

The suspension consists of two main parts: springs and shocks. The former helps control the height and load of the suspension and cabin, while the latter absorbs kinetic energy impulses that your tires transmit on road contact. 

If you were to drive without one, all kinetic impact would transfer directly to your vehicle’s frame. It would make driving difficult and uncomfortable at best and could result in road accidents as the car would lose its grip due to tires jumping up and down.

The Difference Between Shocks and Struts

So, where do struts fit in all of this? The answer is simple if you’re well-informed about the shocks. Shocks keep the springing momentum of the car to a minimum, stopping oscillation and bounce. They are essential parts of your suspension and protect the underside of your vehicle from any possible damage.

Compared to shocks, struts are basically the same, except for one significant difference: they are structural elements of the suspension. For instance, they provide structural support for the vehicle suspension, support the spring, and hold the tire in an aligned position. As a result, struts affect ride comfort and handling as well as vehicle control, braking, steering, wheel alignment, and wear on other suspension parts.

However, your car will only have one of the components installed. It’s either shocks or struts, and if the mechanic tries to convince you otherwise, look to service your vehicle elsewhere. 

Signs of Faulty Struts 

If your vehicle is difficult to handle at some point, your struts are likely at fault. It spells trouble in more ways than one. For example, you could completely lose control over a bump on the road, putting your passengers at risk. 

Some of the tell-tale signs it’s time to replace your struts include:

• Bumpy ride. This is the most obvious sign. If you can feel each bump on the road and the ride has become uncomfortable, it’s time to spring into action. 

• Steering problems. If struts are faulty or worn out, the steering wheel feels stiff, hard to turn, or unresponsive. You may even feel like your car is swaying or leaning when you take a turn or switch lanes. 

• Braking issues. Here, the problem is that your car feels unstable or takes nose dives, lurching forward when you step on the brake pedal. 

• Fluid leaks. Leaked fluid on the exterior of shocks is a sign that something is off. If they don’t have enough fluid, they’ll provide no impact absorption. 

• Uneven tread wear. When your suspension and wheel alignment are off, your tires experience uneven tread wear, which looks different than when they are aging. Suspension damage could cause scalloped dips (“cups”) to develop around the edge of the tread, potentially putting you in harm’s way.

• Vibrations. If you feel a vibration after driving over a bump that is more noticeable than usual, the struts might need to be checked.

Strut Replacement Costs

Struts are expensive because they are tasked with supporting the entire weight of the vehicle. Properly functioning struts are essential for operating the vehicle safely. 

Since struts come in pairs, you need to replace both at the same time. For instance, if your front right strut needs to be replaced, both front struts need to be replaced. Similarly, if the left rear strut is being changed, the right rear strut needs to be addressed as well.

Here are strut replacement cost estimates:

• Front Strut Replacement: $300 to $700 per strut.
• Rear Strut Replacement: $220 to $580 per strut. 

Drivers should expect strut replacement to take about two to three hours. Labor costs alone could be over $200 per strut. As such, drivers with significant automotive repair experience may choose to replace the struts on their own. However, if you are not confident in your DIY capabilities, it is probably best to hire a professional. 

How Long Do Struts Last?

Many factors determine the life expectancy of struts. For instance, if your driving behavior mostly consists of traveling carefully on smooth roads and rarely carrying heavy equipment, then you should get more mileage out of your struts. However, if you’re frequently hauling heavier loads and/or traversing unpaved roads, you will probably wear down the struts more rapidly. Strut replacement typically occurs between 50,000-100,000 miles. 

How to Prolong the Life of Struts?

Fortunately, there are steps to take to extend the life of your struts. To preserve your struts, slow down when approaching speed bumps, potholes, and other road imperfections. During your vehicle’s regular oil change, ask the mechanic to lubricate suspension components near the struts to prolong their use. Wheel alignments are another maintenance item to stay on top of. In addition to ensuring the tires make contact with the road at the correct angles, wheel alignments keep steering running smoothly which in turn preserves the suspension components and improves handling.

Summary

Struts are integral components of your suspension and wear out every 50,000-100,000 miles. Although expensive, struts do not require frequent replacement. If you sense there may be an issue, pay close attention to the signs of faulty struts and contact a professional. By having regular wheel alignments and vigilantly avoiding road imperfections, you should extend the life of your vehicle’s struts.

Matt Yantakosol is a lifelong automotive enthusiast and former consultant focused on the consumer aspect of the industry. He has traveled to New York, Detroit, Chicago, L.A., Paris, Geneva, Frankfurt, and Tokyo Auto Shows to track and observe the newest industry innovations. In addition to JDPower.com, Matt's writing has appeared on Pcarmarket.com.

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