Car suspension repair cost

How much does car suspension repair cost?

Car suspension repairs typically cost between $150 and $800 for basic vehicles, but luxury models or complex repairs can exceed $2,000.

The cost to repair or replace suspension components depends on what you need done — and in how many corners of the vehicle.

The most common suspension repair is arguably a shock or strut replacement, but suspension issues can also be related to a variety of other components that are generally less expensive to replace.

“For basic cars, suspension issues can cost between $150 [and] $800, depending on the issue,” said Sean Kim, an experienced mechanic in the Atlanta area. “For more expensive cars, the sky’s the limit depending on the complexity of the suspension component.”

Here’s a list of common suspension components and what they might cost per wheel, according to RepairPal, a website that compiles automotive repair data.

The costs listed below reflect the high end of RepairPal’s estimated range to provide a conservative estimate. Actual costs may vary based on location and vehicle type.

Bear in mind that you may need to replace multiple components at once. If all four shocks need replacing, you could be looking at over $4,000 in total repairs.

How much does it cost to replace suspension shocks and struts?

Every wheel on a vehicle has either a shock or a strut mounted to it to absorb road bumps.

• Shocks are gas- or liquid-filled tubes that smooth out bounciness but don’t bear weight.
• Struts help absorb bumps while also supporting the vehicle’s weight.

These components are widely considered to be wear-and-tear parts that only last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, which is why strut and shock failure is so common. If your vehicle is swaying noticeably, feeling floaty or dipping its front end when you brake, it may be time for new shocks or struts.

RepairPal estimates that the average cost to replace a single shock or strut hovers around $1,000 for both parts and labor. According to Kim, the price can actually start at just $500 per corner on more modest vehicles like a Honda Civic. “However, once you go into sports car/luxury car territory, that price skyrockets. Even aftermarket air suspension for Mercedes or Lexus can run $1,000 plus per corner just for the part, not including labor,” he added.

One last thing to consider is that the cost to replace front shocks and rear shocks may not be exactly the same. “Front shocks generally warrant higher labor due to the amount of suspension components involved. Rears are typically lower labor due to the rears being on fixed axles,” Kim said.

How much does it cost to replace suspension control arms?

Replacing a control arm costs around $750 per arm, according to RepairPal. However, in some cases, you may only need to replace the bushing inside the control arm, which can be a more affordable fix.

Control arms are large, wishbone-shaped metal parts that connect your suspension assembly to the car’s frame, playing a key role in steering, alignment and stability. Like shocks and struts, they are considered wear-and-tear parts and typically last 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Signs of failure include clunking or loud creaking over bumps.

How much does it cost to repair suspension control arm bushings?

Replacing a suspension control arm bushing costs $300 or less, according to RepairPal.

These small metal and rubber bushings sit where the control arm meets the frame, allowing for smooth movement. They often wear out before the control arm itself, and a trustworthy mechanic will let you know if replacing the bushing alone is enough to fix the issue.

How much does it cost to repair suspension ball joints?

Repairing a suspension ball joint costs around $350 per joint, according to RepairPal.

Ball joints connect your control arms to your wheels, allowing for smooth movement, similar to a hip or shoulder socket. Some ball joints also connect sway bars to the frame. They are typically covered in grease and protected by rubber, but over time, this protective layer can wear down, letting debris in and causing damage.

Failing ball joints can produce clunking, rattling or vibrations that may be mistaken for control arm issues.

How much does it cost to repair stabilizer bars?

Replacing a stabilizer bar costs as little as $150, according to RepairPal.

Also known as sway bars or anti-roll bars, these components help keep your car stable while cornering. Many vehicles come with basic sway bars, but performance upgrades with stiffer designs are available for better handling.

A failing sway bar often causes excessive body roll, clunking or scraping sounds when turning. Since stabilizer bars are typically secured with just a few bolts, replacing one is relatively inexpensive.

How much does it cost to repair suspension coil springs?

Repairing a suspension coil spring typically costs over $650 each, according to RepairPal.

Coil springs are the large, visible springs inside your wheel well that help your vehicle absorb big bumps, like potholes and train tracks.

You can usually tell a coil spring has failed if your car leans to one side when parked, feels excessively bouncy or bottoms out over large bumps. (Bottoming out means the undercarriage hits the ground, the wheel hits the top of the wheel well, or both.)

Since coil springs require nearly as much labor to replace as struts and shocks, repairs tend to be expensive.

How much does it cost to repair suspension tie rods?

Tie rods are one of the more affordable suspension components to replace, costing around $200 each in parts and labor, according to RepairPal.

Tie rods are the final link between your steering system and your wheels. Most vehicles have both inner and outer tie rods, with the outer tie rods connecting to the wheels via a ball joint.

Like other suspension components, tie rods wear out over time due to exposure to debris, vibration and road hazards. If your steering feels sloppy, imprecise or has excessive play, failing tie rods could be the cause.

What affects suspension repair costs?

Broadly speaking, there are three major factors that affect the cost of a suspension repair:

1. Whether you go to a dealer or an independent mechanic: Dealerships almost always charge significantly more for parts and labor than independent shops, and suspension repairs are no exception.
2. Whether you have a failed bushing or a failed component: When your suspension fails, sometimes all you need to replace is a bushing or a ball joint for $300 versus paying $1,300 plus for a new strut or shock. An honest mechanic will tell you if all you need is a new bushing, which is why it’s best to get multiple quotes before committing to a service.
3. The make and model of your vehicle: Luxury and performance vehicles tend to have sophisticated, high-quality suspension components. As a result, parts and labor to repair these suspensions tend to be much higher as well.

To illustrate that last point, here are some estimates we collected from RepairPal showing how much a shock or strut replacement might cost on various types of vehicles.

Example shock or strut replacement costs for various vehicles

(Note: We used the upper limits of RepairPal’s average range in the table below to provide more conservative estimates.)

 » COMPARE: Average car maintenance costs

How to tell if you have suspension problems

Many suspension problems share similar symptoms, making diagnosis tricky. If you notice any of these issues, have a certified mechanic inspect your vehicle as soon as possible:

• Shaky or vibrating steering wheel
• Knocking noises over bumps
• An unusually soft or harsh ride
• Bottoming out
• Clunking or scraping sounds
• Loose steering
• Leaking fluid
• Uneven tire wear

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