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Suspension Springs Replacement Cost Estimate
Suspension Springs Replacement Cost Estimate
Worried you might overpay for your suspension springs replacement? Use Jerry’s GarageGuard to get a fair cost estimate for your suspension springs replacement.
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John Davis
Expert Automotive Writer
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content
Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor
What's on this page?
- How much does a suspension spring replacement cost?
- Where can I get my suspension springs replaced?
- How will a mechanic perform a suspension spring replacement?
- Can I drive my car with a broken spring?
- What is a suspension springs replacement?
- Can I change the suspension springs myself?
- FAQs
- Meet Our Experts
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How much does a suspension spring replacement cost?
The average total cost for a suspension springs replacement is $155 to $250, including $55 to $150 for parts and $100 to $150 for labor. The exact price will depend on your vehicle’s year and model.
The total parts cost includes new suspension springs but may extend to replacement control arms, ball joints, and shocks as well. As for the labor costs, it takes around one to two hours for a certified mechanic to inspect your vehicle, diagnose the problem, and complete a suspension coil spring replacement.
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.
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.
See fair price estimates for popular cars
What parts do you need for a suspension springs replacement? How much do they cost?
Your car’s suspension system is a complicated assembly of parts designed to minimize driving disturbances. It keeps metal parts from smashing into one another, optimizes performance, and provides a smooth and comfortable drive.
There are several types of suspension, all of which make use of suspension springs in some form or other. The cost, difficulty of replacement, and connecting parts vary from one suspension system to another, but we’ll stick to short and simple.
Here are the types of suspension springs, their costs, and the systems that use them:
- Leaf springs ($50-$1,700)—also known as carriage springs, semi-elliptical springs, elliptical springs, or cart springs—are used in single or multi-leaf suspension systems. While the exact design varies, they generally look like half-arcs or squashed ovals. They’re found in many older cars, but still appeared in pickup trucks until the early 2000s.
- Coil springs ($40-$675) look like the stereotypical spring in cartoons and clocks—a spiral rod of steel that bounces back up when pressed. They support the weight of your vehicle and keep it from crashing onto the axles when you fly over a bumpy road.
- Shock absorbers(or dampers) ($90-$2,900) dissipate the energy absorbed by the suspension springs so the cabin doesn’t bounce up and down uncontrollably. Shocks may contain air, hydraulic fluid, oil, or a mixture of oil and gas.
- Struts($15-$6,000) incorporate a coil spring, damper, and metal support arm into a single piece. Struts often can’t be rebuilt and must be replaced; trying to replace only the suspension spring could be unsafe.
Some popular suspension spring brands include Bilstein, Eibach, and H&R Springs. You can purchase them from online retailers such as Amazon and Summit Racing, or from local auto shops such as AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts.
Keep in mind: Depending on your suspension system, replacing your suspension springs may involve buying a new set of leaf springs, coil springs, or struts.
Should I buy an OEM or aftermarket suspension springs?
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts usually cost more than aftermarket parts, but are the perfect fit for your vehicle model and sometimes include a warranty. That said, some aftermarket parts are performance quality and will hold up just as well as OEM ones.
Where can I buy parts for a suspension springs replacement?
Somepopular suspension spring brands include Bilstein, Eibach, and H&R Springs. You can buy replacement suspension parts at automotive body shops, parts shops, dealerships, or online stores like Autozone or Amazon. If you prefer OEM parts, you can also try your vehicle manufacturer’s official website. Check your owner’s manual to make sure the part will fit your vehicle.
Where can I get my suspension springs replaced?
If there’s something wrong with your vehicle suspension system, you and your passengers will notice immediately. Help put your car on an even keel with Jerry's
GarageGuard™
, Jerry’s trusty partner for car repairs!Jerry's GarageGuard™ generates fair price estimates from over 2,500 vetted auto repair shops across the country. Use Jerry's GarageGuard™ to get quotes based on real hourly rates of nearby shops, check out diagnostic fees, and read customer reviews so you can save money without compromising on repair quality.
Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair costs in your area.
140 Reviews
Wrench Inc. - GSO
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$150170 Reviews
North American Motors
20531 Mission Blvd, Oakland, CA
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$150154 Reviews
61 Auto Center
1226 Centre Ave, Reading, PA
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$70177 Reviews
54th Street Auto Center
415 W 54th St, New York, NY
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$191How 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 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 perform a suspension spring replacement?
The process a mechanic uses to replace the suspension springs on your car will depend on the model and what kind of suspension system it uses. All springs are subject to a lot of tension, so the garage will approach them carefully. Here’s what your mechanic will do:
- Raise the car on jack stands or a lift and remove any parts standing in the way of the suspension springs. This could include the base plate, brake lines, tie rods, sway bar, control arms, and/or ball joints.
- Inspect the suspension springs and shocks for damage.
- Remove any bolts, fasteners, nuts, or pins holding the old suspension springs in place and remove them.
- Install the new coil springs or leaf springs. In the case of coil springs, the mechanic will need to use a spring compressor to squash the old spring (so it can be removed) and the new spring (so it can be installed in the pocket).
- Replace and reassemble all the suspension components before mounting your wheels and tightening them with the correct torque and in the correct pattern.
Can I drive my car with a broken spring?
No, you shouldn’t drive your car with a broken spring. Whether you’ve got a broken coil spring, leaf spring, or strut, it can unbalance your car and compromise your ability to steer in an emergency.
Neglecting the springs could also put more weight on your shocks and cause them to break. And it’ll be an incredibly bumpy ride for you and your passengers.
What is a suspension springs replacement?
A suspension springs replacement is a major suspension service that improves your vehicle’s ability to support the weight of the cabin above the axles. Because a working suspension system is critical for steering, it’s an urgent repair.
How do I know if my suspension springs are broken?
Working suspension springs help keep your car cabin supported by, but not grinding against the axles. Any problem will produce a noticeable difference in ride quality. Visit the garage ASAP if you notice:
- Clunking or knocking sounds when crossing bumps in the road
- Excessive bouncing in the cabin
- Misalignment and uneven tire wear
- Sagging
- Swaying
Key Takeaway: A bad coil spring or leaf spring will cause the vehicle to feel unbalanced, rough, or misaligned during driving.
How often should you replace the suspension springs on a car?
Suspension springs are intended to last the lifespan of the vehicle. As time wears on, though, they can wear, sag, or rust. If you live in a state with lots of ice, consider coating the undercarriage every winter to prevent salt spray and corrosion.
Can I change the suspension springs myself?
Replacing the suspension springs on a car is a highly-technical and labor-intensive DIY job. You’ll need to remove the tires and wheels, dismantle the suspension, and support the car properly as you go to avoid warping any parts.
If a compressed spring breaks suddenly or slips out of place, it can seriously injure you. And because it’s best to replace leaf springs, coil springs, or struts in pairs, you’ll need to do it twice.
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FAQs
What does a broken spring sound like?
A broken spring sounds like a clunk or a knock when you turn your tires. The broken spring will catch on the wheel as it rotates, producing a single, distinct “thud”, like someone sharply rapping at your door. Pull over, put the car in neutral or park, and have a friend turn the wheel while you listen to be sure.
What causes car springs to break?
Rust, misalignment, and fluid leaks can all cause your car springs to break. The first is a big problem for drivers in the northern states, where the salt used to melt icy roads can leave a corrosive coating every winter. The second causes undue stress to one corner of the vehicle or the other, resulting in premature wear.
Finally, a hydraulic fluid leak (such as a faulty brake line or shock) can paint your spring with corrosive liquid and wear it out.
Should you replace both front coil springs at once?
Mechanics recommend replacing suspension coils, leaf coils, and struts in pairs. If one fails, its partner probably isn’t far behind. Plus, while the old part might not be broken, it’s probably not quite as springy or tall as a brand-new component, which could result in an uneven ride and uneven wear.
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.