Table of Contents
To replace a pair of struts, the total cost on average is between $400 and $1000, including wheel alignment. An individual strut assembly costs approximately $150 to $350, while the labor cost is $100 to $300 for a pair.
Are struts worth replacing?
Struts don’t need to be replaced unless your vehicle is bouncing like it’s on a pogo stick or bottoms out in potholes and over railroad tracks — or unless a mechanic finds that they’re leaking fluid or have been damaged. The struts limit the resulting bouncing caused by the springs compressing and releasing.
What happens if you don’t replace struts?
Safety: Worn struts result in longer stopping times and/or distances as the vehicle weight can shift (sometimes unexpectedly) during braking. Wear on other parts: Driving with bad struts accelerates the wear on tires, as well as other components of the suspension system, such as the springs.
How do I know if my rear strut is bad?
The Warning Signs Of Worn Shocks And Struts Instability at highway speeds. Vehicle “tips” to one side in turns. The front end dives more than expected during hard braking. Rear-end squat during acceleration. Tires bouncing excessively. Unusual tire wear. Leaking fluid on the exterior of shocks or struts.
Can I replace just rear struts?
As long as you replace both fronts or both rears at the same time, you’ll be fine. If you replace just one or three shocks, then you’ll notice a huge performance drop. Your handling and control will be significantly worse, and your vehicle will be more dangerous to drive.
Can I replace struts myself?
Strut Replacement Replacing struts used to be a dangerous job for a DIYer. But these days you can buy a complete strut assembly that eliminates the strut/spring/mount disassembly process. These assemblies allow you to replace both of your front struts yourself in less than two hours.
What happens if struts are leaking?
Shock and struts help keep the car stead. When your struts are leaking this will cause the car’s stability to be off kilter due to the lack of hydraulic fluid that absorbs bumps and turns which can cause the vehicle to roll or be thrown off the road.
Is it OK to replace only one strut?
It’s not necessary, but it’s usually recommended to replace them in pairs, for example, both front struts or both rear shocks. However, if your car is not very old, replacing only one strut or shock absorber may be enough, since the opposite side is not worn out yet.
Is it OK to drive on worn struts?
Is It Dangerous to Drive with Bad Struts? Yes, it’s dangerous to drive with bad shocks or struts. Fortunately, many signs indicate your car’s shocks and struts are malfunctioning, such as: Your car feels unstable, even if you are driving on a flat surface.
How long does it take to replace struts?
In most cases, it shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours to get back on the road again. If you’re interested in replacing shocks and struts on your vehicle, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re discussing the difference between the two and how to replace them so you can save some money.
What happens when a rear strut goes bad?
Uneven tire wear – When your vehicle’s shocks and struts are worn out, the car can bounce, causing a reduction in road holding force. This bouncing can also cause accelerated tire wear including cupping or scalloping of the tires (when pieces of rubber are gouged out of the tire).
What noise does a bad strut make?
Bad strut sounds are usually described as a hollow clunking or banging type of sound. You’ll typically hear the noise when the vehicle is traveling over irregularities in the road. Most front strut assemblies also have a bearing at the top.
How long do rear struts last?
On average shocks and struts can last 5-10 years or 50,000-100,000 miles under ideal driving conditions. Many factors can affect the lifespan of these components to include: manufacturer, bad roads, heavy loads, towing, hard braking and aggressive driving.
How many struts are on a car?
The majority of cars and SUVs on the road today have struts on the front wheels and shocks in the back. It’s possible that your vehicle has 4-wheel struts or, if it’s a very old vehicle, it could have four shocks, but this isn’t as common.
When should rear struts be replaced?
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.
Whats the difference between shocks and struts?
The major difference between shocks and struts is that a strut is a structural part of the vehicles suspension system where a shock is not. A strut is also a pivot point for the vehicles steering system and contains a coil spring. Because of this an alignment is always needed when replacing a strut.
Does my car have shocks or struts?
Rather than looking for coil springs on these parts to tell them apart, look at the bottom portion of the absorber. If it is held in place by only one bolt, you’ll know you have shocks and not struts. You’ll also know you have a shock if your vehicle has an upper control arm.
Should I replace all 4 shocks at the same time?
Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs or, better yet, all four, for even, predictable handling and control. Remember, too, that whenever the struts are replaced, it becomes important to check the alignment, as it may have changed, to protect your vehicle tires and assure maximum safety.
How much does Midas charge to replace struts?
Midas Work Warranty Price Parts & labor 12 months $135 – $945.
