How Much Does It Cost to Repair Car Suspension?

Last Updated on December 3, 2022

Your car’s suspension plays a critical role in its handling. Depending on many factors, it could cost anywhere from $1,200 to $6,100 to repair your car’s suspension.

The price of car suspension replacement varies based on your vehicle type, the cost of labor in your area, and the complexity of the repairs, among other factors.

Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the cost of repairing a car’s suspension system.

Table of Contents:

It Costs $1,200 to $6,100 to Repair Car Suspension, On Average

Depending on your car’s make and model and other factors, it could cost anywhere from $1,200 to $6,100 to repair the suspension, according to our research.

Your suspension system consists of three separate components: the springs, the shock absorbers and struts, and linkages like ball joints.

You may need to replace one or all of these components.

Depending on the number of components that need to be repaired or replaced, it could cost as little as $300 to $600 per axle, depending on the vehicle, or around $800 to $1,000 for full strut and shock replacement.

Generally, mechanics replace shocks, struts, and other suspension components – they don’t repair these components.

Signs You Have a Suspension Problem

If your vehicle has a suspension problem, then you may notice issues like the following:

  • A rougher, stiffer ride
  • Jerky or awkward braking, acceleration, and turning
  • A sensation of drifting while turning
  • Lurching forward and downward when applying the brakes

If you notice these symptoms, check your vehicle’s suspension system. If you see greasy or oily shocks, combined with the symptoms above, it could be time for a replacement.

You may also notice uneven tire treads. Check your tires to see if wear is even across all four tires. When the suspension is not holding up the vehicle correctly, it can distribute wear unevenly across the four tires.

Average Cost of Suspension Repairs & Replacements

Depending on which suspension components need to be repaired or replaced, you may need one or more of the following:

Shock Absorber Replacement: $300 to $2,000

Coil Spring Replacement: $625 to $900

Strut Replacement: $100 to $1,000

Wheel Alignment: $20 to $500

If you need full suspension replacement, then you need all of the repairs above, including a wheel alignment. However, depending on your vehicle, you may only need one or more of the repairs above.

Factors that Impact the Cost of Suspension Repairs

People pay various prices to repair car suspension based on many factors. Here are some of the factors that impact the cost of suspension repairs:

Location: Your location impacts the cost of suspension repairs. Some areas have a high cost of living and costly parts. It costs more to ship parts to Hawaii and Alaska than to other states, for example.

Cost of Labor: Some areas have a higher cost of labor than others. It may cost more to repair suspension in a major metro area, for example, than in a smaller or more rural area.

Extent of Repairs Required: Your vehicle’s suspension systems consist of multiple components. You may need to repair one or more of these components. Depending on the extent of repairs, you could pay anywhere from under $1,000 to over $4,000 to repair your suspension. Sometimes, you need a total suspension system replacement, for example. In other cases, you only need to replace shock absorbers, struts, ball joints, or springs.

OEM or Replacement Parts: Some drivers repair their suspension with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts from the manufacturer, while others use cheaper replacement parts. Depending on which parts you use, you could pay double the cost for parts when repairing your suspension.

Vehicle Make & Model: Some vehicles have more expensive repair and replacement costs than others. Some vehicles have specialized components, for example, while others have widely available components. Generally, domestic vehicles have much cheaper suspension replacement costs than exotic or foreign cars.

Does Insurance Cover Car Suspension Repairs?

Typically, car insurance will not cover car suspension repairs.

Insurance does not cover car maintenance, wear and tear, and expected repair costs. As you drive your car, your suspension naturally degrades, eventually forcing you to get repairs. This is a normal and expected part of car maintenance.

However, insurance might cover suspension repairs if the damage occurred in an accident. If another driver collided with your vehicle and damaged your suspension, for example, then insurance should cover the cost of repairing your vehicle to pre-loss condition.

If you’re unsure whether or not insurance covers the cost of repairing your car suspension, then contact your insurer and explain the situation. Your insurer can determine whether or not your car suspension repairs are covered.

Do I Need to Repair My Suspension?

Your suspension plays an important role in safety, driving efficiency, accident avoidance, and comfort.

Technically, you don’t need to replace your suspension. You can continue to drive as your suspension gets worse.

However, your suspension problem will never disappear on its own, nor will it get better. If you plan to continue driving your car for the foreseeable future, you should repair your suspension.

Remember: suspension problems affect other areas of your vehicle. Suspension issues alter the wear on your tires, for example, and distribute wear unevenly across your vehicle. If you neglect one part of your vehicle, then it can lead to damage to other components.

Overall, most experts recommend fixing car issues as they arise. It’s rarely a good idea to wait until car issues are serious before you fix them.

How Often Should I Repair My Suspension?

You should check your vehicle’s suspension system for wear and tear every 50,000 to 60,000 miles.

Generally, shocks and struts should last 50,000 to 60,000 miles without needing repairs or replacements.

Depending on your driving habits, you may need to replace shocks and struts more quickly. For example, if you drive on bumpy roads or hills, you may need to replace your suspension more frequently than someone who drives flat miles on smooth roads.

Can I Repair Suspension Myself?

If you’re comfortable around vehicles, you can repair your suspension yourself. You can find DIY suspension replacement kits online and in stores.

These kits come with everything you need to repair the suspension yourself. However, you may need additional specialized equipment or the ability to raise and lower your vehicle to repair your suspension.

Alternatively, you can buy replacement struts and shocks individually.

Generally, however, most drivers leave suspension replacement to the mechanic.

Final Word on Suspension Replacement Cost

The average cost of car suspension replacement in the United States is around $1,200 to $6,100, depending on the type of repairs, location, and vehicle type, among other factors.

Full suspension replacement costs more than repairing individual parts. For example, you may only need to replace shocks and struts, which could cost as little as $300 to $600 per axle.

If you’re unsure about the cost of suspension replacement, contact multiple mechanics in your area to get an estimate. Most can provide a hassle-free estimate based on your vehicle’s make and model.

James Shaffer
James Shaffer James Shaffer is a writer for InsurancePanda.com and a well-seasoned auto insurance industry veteran. He has a deep knowledge of insurance rules and regulations and is passionate about helping drivers save money on auto insurance. He is responsible for researching and writing about anything auto insurance-related. He holds a bachelor's degree from Bentley University and his work has been quoted by NBC News, CNN, and The Washington Post.
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