The average strut replacement cost is around $400-$1,100. But you should remember that those are average estimates. Your actual total cost depends on your vehicle, location, and the type of struts you purchase.

How long does it take to replace struts? Exact replacement times can vary from car to car. But on average, a trained mechanic will take between one and two hours per strut—note that you should always replace struts in pairs, meaning the entire job could take two to four hours.

Also, keep in mind that you will need a wheel alignment following a strut replacement. That can cause the entire process to take upwards of five hours.

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for my strut assembly replacement, and how much do those parts cost?

You should consult your

owner’s manual

and a vehicle repair guide for model-specific repair information, but here is a general overview of what you may need:

Strut assemblies: The only parts you should have to buy for your replacement are the new strut assemblies. A strut assembly typically includes the coil spring, strut mount, bearing plate, shock absorber, a bellow or dust boot, a bump stop, and a jounce stop. A pair of strut assemblies should cost between $400 and $700.

You can purchase strut assembly parts for your car from auto parts stores like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and RockAuto. Three of our top recommended brands for strut assembly parts are Monroe, KYB, and Gabriel, but the best brands for your replacement will vary depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

For most automotive repairs, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are the best choice.

Your car’s manufacturer designs and creates OEM parts to be a perfect fit for your make and model. They come with a strong warranty and are usually made from high-quality materials. That said, OEM parts can be pricey and may be difficult to find for some vehicles.

Aftermarket parts are produced by third-party companies and fit a wider range of cars. They’re usually cheaper than OEM parts but may be available in budget, premium, and performance versions. Aftermarket parts are an excellent choice for older vehicles, drivers looking for savings, and those interested in upgrading their cars.

Where can I buy the parts for my strut assembly replacement?

You can find aftermarket parts at most auto parts stores—like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts—and online retailers like Amazon or RockAuto. OEM parts are available at your local dealership or an authorized parts supplier.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my strut assembly replaced?

It’s not always easy to find a trustworthy auto repair shop. Luckily Jerry's

GarageGuard™

allows you to compare repair estimates and hourly rates from thousands of shops around the U.S.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ uses real hourly rates from shops in your neighborhood to generate fair price estimates. Use Jerry's GarageGuard™ to budget for future maintenance work, learn about diagnostic fees, and find shops in your area with the best reviews.

Check out some of our excellent vetted shops below and download the app to search for quality repair services near you.

147 Reviews

Uptown Automotive

1089 San Mateo Ave, San Francisco, CA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$200

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (650) 871-8602

153 Reviews

NuAuto

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

158 Reviews

Kerry's Car Care - Mariposa

545 W Mariposa St, Phoenix, AZ

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$177

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (602) 714-3360

189 Reviews

Viking Auto Electric & Air

4521 Sunbeam Rd, Jacksonville, FL

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$110

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (904)-731-5065

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my strut assemblies?

The exact replacement process can vary from car to car. But here are the general steps your mechanic will follow to replace your struts:

Open the hood and lift the car off the ground—if you’re replacing the front struts, you’ll access the upper mounting bolts from under the hood; if replacing the rear struts, you may have to remove the back seats or access the mounting bolts from inside the trunk, depending on the car

Remove the wheels

Disconnect any brake lines and ABS wires from the strut and steering knuckle

Remove the lower mounting bolts connected to the steering knuckle

Disconnect the sway bar link from the strut

Use a hammer or pry bar to separate the steering knuckle and the strut

Remove the upper strut mount bolts

Remove the old strut

Compare the new strut assembly to the old one to confirm that you don’t have to transfer any parts over to the new part

Clean the steering knuckle where the strut attaches to it

Position the new strut assembly and install the upper mounting bolts

Use a jack to lift the steering knuckle into place—confirm that the bolt holes on the strut and knuckle line up

Install the lower bolts

Torque the lower bolts to the appropriate specification

Replace the sway bar end links and torque them appropriately

Reconnect the ABS and brake lines

Tighten the upper mounting bolts and torque them to the manufacturer’s specification

Remember that after replacing the struts, your car will need an alignment. Following an alignment, your mechanic will test drive the vehicle.

What happens if I don’t replace my strut assemblies?

If you have bad struts and choose not to replace them, you’ll likely develop the following issues:

Reduced ride comfort, handling, and stability: Worn-out struts will absorb fewer shocks and vibrations. This can cause the vehicle’s handling to drop and can lead to body roll, less responsive steering, and overall poor ride quality.

Increased braking distance: Bad struts can affect the car’s stability during braking. This can lead to longer stopping distances, increasing your risk of an accident.

Uneven tire wear: When your struts lose their damping ability, your tires may bounce more. This can lead to uneven tire wear and more frequent tire replacements.

Damage to other suspension components: Faulty shocks can damage your car’s suspension system. Over time, this can lead to premature wear of components like the control arms, ball joints, bushings, and tie rods.

Safety risks: Worn-out struts can reduce your car’s handling, stability, and braking performance. This can lead to dangerous driving conditions.

What is a strut assembly?

A strut assembly is an important part of many suspension systems. It’s a combined shock absorber-coil spring unit designed to help support your vehicle’s weight, absorb shocks and vibrations, and help maintain stability.

When should I replace the strut assemblies on my car?

There is no set replacement interval for strut assemblies but they tend to wear out after 50,000 to 100,000 miles. You’ll only need to replace your struts if they fail or you want an upgrade. The most common signs of worn-out struts include the following:

Noises when driving over bumps: If you hear clunking or knocking noises while driving over bumps or potholes, it could be a sign that you need new struts.

Poor ride quality: A common symptom of bad struts is a bumpy, uncomfortable ride. Some bounces are normal when driving over rough terrain but if you can feel every crack and bump in the road or your ride feels lurchy and rough, you may need new struts.

The car pulls to one side: If your car pulls to one side, it can be a sign that it’s out of alignment—but it can also indicate worn-out struts. The struts play a key role in front-end alignment so if you notice the car pulling to one side, the struts may be to blame.

Uneven tire wear: When the struts wear out, they can’t absorb shocks properly. This can cause your tires to lose contact with the road momentarily, leading to uneven tire wear.

Keep in mind: These problems can indicate other steering and suspension system issues. The best way to properly diagnose your car’s problem is to visit a certified mechanic.

How often should I replace my strut assemblies?

There generally isn’t a fixed replacement interval for strut assemblies, though you should check your owner’s manual to be sure. Struts tend to wear out after around 50,000 to 100,000 miles. You’ll need to replace yours if you experience signs of strut failure, which can include clunking noises, a bumpy ride, and uneven tire wear.

Can I replace my strut assemblies myself?

A strut assembly replacement is a mid-to-advanced-level repair job. While it can be a great DIY project for experienced hobbyists and home mechanics, it’s likely too complex for novices.

If you’re not comfortable working with your vehicle’s suspension system, you should contact a professional mechanic.

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FAQs

Is it OK to drive with bad struts?

You should avoid driving with bad struts as doing so can lead to the following:

Reduced handling and vehicle control

Longer braking distances

Uneven tire wear

Poor ride quality

Suspension damage

Increased accident risks

Alignment problems

What is the average life of struts?

The average lifespan of struts can vary based on your driving habits, the type of struts, and your car’s make and model. That said, struts generally last for between 50,000 and 100,000 miles before needing a replacement.

What causes struts to go bad?

Many factors can contribute to struts going bad. Some of the top causes include the following:

Normal wear and tear

High mileage

Poor road conditions

Leaks or seal damage

Lack of maintenance

Environmental factors

Accidents or collisions

Overloading the car

Oil contamination

Poor driving habits

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.