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CostHelper > Cars  > Car Shock Absorbers

Car Shock Absorbers Cost


How Much Do Car Shock Absorbers Cost?

 
average costDIY: $150-$250 Average, Four Shocks/Strutshigh costMechanic: $200-$1,200, Four Shocks/Struts

Modern vehicles either have stand-alone individual shocks attached to the suspension and frame, or shock-absorber units/cartridges that are part of a strut[1] . Some cars have struts in the front and individual shocks in the rear. Shock absorbers and struts dampen vibrations, keeping the tires on the road by stopping the suspension springs from bouncing up and down continuously.

Typical costs:

  • Shock absorbers or struts can cost $25-$350 or more each, depending on the make and model of vehicle and the quality of the part. Although it could cost as much as $1,400 for a set of four, most do-it-yourselfers spend an average of $150-$250 to replace four shocks/struts. For example, AutoZone[2] charges $99-$114 for a front shock absorber for a 4-cylinder 2008 Honda Accord EX; and AutoPartsWarehouse.com[3] charges $30 for a front shock absorber and strut assembly for a 1998-2004 Nissan Frontier and $352 for a twin-tube front shock absorber and strut assembly for a 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade. CostHelper readers report spending $150-$300 for do-it-yourself installation of four shock absorbers or struts, at an average cost of $210.
  • Replacement of four shock absorbers or struts by a professional mechanic takes an average of two to five hours at $50-$120 an hour. The total cost for professional replacement of four shocks/struts is typically $200-$1,500, depending on the make and model of vehicle, but it can be $2,000-$5,000 or more for luxury vehicles, those with difficult access or those with heavy rust (which makes removal of the old parts more time-consuming). CostHelper readers report paying $250-$850 to have a repair shop replace four shocks, at an average cost of $561; or $700-$1,100 for four struts, at an average cost of $849. CostHelper readers who purchased the required parts and hired a local mechanic to replace four shocks or struts report total costs of $403-$1,000, for an average of $735.
Related articles: Ball Joint Replacement, Car Suspension, Wheel Alignment, Tires, Replacing a CV Boot

What should be included:
  • Shock absorbers or struts may need replacing if a vehicle has been driven more than 75,000 miles or if its ride and handling have deteriorated -- some shocks can wear out after 25,000-35,000 miles. It's considered best to replace shocks or struts in pairs (left and right), and sometimes both the front and back sets will be worn out or nearly worn out, and need replacing simultaneously.
  • The main factors that will determine how difficult it will be to replace shock absorbers are access and rust--the longer the shocks have been on the vehicle, the more difficult it can be to remove the old nuts and bolts holding them in place. Mobil Oil provides a quick overview of shocks and struts[4] , and estimates that it will take about 60 minutes and rates the difficulty as moderate. Expert Village provides a video demonstration of how to replace shock absorbers[5] .
  • Replacing struts is usually a more involved process than replacing individual shock absorbers and generally requires a special tool known as a spring compressor (for rent at some auto parts stores for a refundable $40-$50 deposit). AutoMD.com provides general instructions for replacing a strut assembly[6] .
Additional costs:
  • Some vehicles require a wheel alignment after the shock absorbers or struts are replaced, at a typical cost of $20-$400. The vehicle's manual will include a recommended service schedule indicating whether a wheel alignment is needed.
Discounts:
  • Some repair shops offer discounts for AAA members[7] .
Shopping for car shock absorbers:
  • Shock or strut replacement is available from local repair shops, dealerships or nationwide automotive shops like Big O Tires[8] , Meineke[9] , Midas[10] or Sears[11] . Search for local repair shops through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence[12] or the International Automotive Technicians Network[13] .
  • Consumer Reports lists tips for finding a good mechanic[14] .
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Page 2 of 2   -   << Previous   1   2   

Car repair
Amount: $1,600.00
Posted by: Jeannette Belzer in Gurnee, IL.Posted: August 31st, 2020 09:08AM
Make: GMCModel: Yukon xl
How much to put on suspension on a 2004 GMC yukon xl
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New Struts
Amount: $320.00
Posted by: Michael Anderson in Tonopah, AZ.Posted: October 21st, 2019 12:10PM
Make: 2003 NissanModel: Murano
Shop: Tire Shop
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Brakes, Rotors, Suspension, Struts, Sway, Shocks
Amount: $3,100.00
Posted by: Happy_Canadian in Ottawa, Other.Posted: April 25th, 2019 10:04AM
Make: HyundaiModel: Santa Fe 2011
Shop: Dealership
All 4 brakes pad,rotors,shocks, sway bar, struts, there was complete separation, plus oil change, wheel alignment and change out of winter tires = $3,200 CDN = $32.00 USD :) 1 Year Warrantee on labour and parts - want to make safe for son. Engine perfect so hope to keep it going for another 2 - 3 years for son off to university - I know I paid too much but I think have peace of mind
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Replaced shocks at struts
Amount: $920.00
Posted by: Lo Red in Silver Spring, DC.Posted: May 15th, 2018 02:05PM
Make: JeepModel: Wrangler Sport 4x4
Shop: Murray's in Silver Spring MD
$920 for front and rear "performance" shocks and struts on my 2010 Jeep Wrangler Sport ( 2 door, 4x4). I was quoted $850 for parts and labor if I had gone with the more basic, city-commuter type shocks.
Pink tax may or may not have been included. lol
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front strut and back shocks
Amount: $1,922.00
Posted by: a user in San bernadino, CA.Posted: February 9th, 2018 11:02AM
Shop: integrity tire
I definitely got rip off. he played me by giving free new tires
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replace front struts and mounts and boots
Amount: $850.00
Posted by: KINGDAN in Philadelphia, PA.Posted: January 25th, 2018 12:01AM
Make: MercuryModel: Cougar
Shop: Kellers
Have not had them replaced at this time checking to see if that is a good price for my car it is 1999
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Replaced struts front & shocks rear
Amount: $160.00
Posted by: DIY Greg G. in Santa Maria, CA.Posted: July 28th, 2016 04:07PM
Shop: DIY
Ordered struts, bushings & shocks from RockAuto.com for 04 Mustang. Did it myself, not difficult about 4 hours. Used Gabriel Ultra.
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Front struts and rear shocks replaced
Amount: $850.00
Posted by: daisy e. in Los Angeles, CA.Posted: March 9th, 2016 07:03PM
Shop: Big Q Lawndale, CA
Thought it was a pretty fair price after looking up what others paid.
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Front struts with springs and shocks
Amount: $220.00
Posted by: shade tree in Paradise, TX.Posted: January 16th, 2016 01:01PM
Shop: DYI
09 Ford Escape front struts and rear shocks replaced in 3 hours at home. 8 nuts removed per strut and 2 nuts removed per shock.
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new koni struts and eibach sportline lowering springs
Amount: $680.00
Posted by: tyler189 in saugus, MA.Posted: August 14th, 2015 05:08PM
Make: hondaModel: civic
Shop: home
bought the parts online struts have lifetime warranty koni str.t 480 inc shipping and tax,eibach sportline lowering springs 200. the struts are made to go with lowering springs. installing myself with free autozone spring compessor rental. should get a 1.4 inch drop. sittin pretty
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Replace Shocks front and rear `95 Geo Prizm
Amount: $115.55
Posted by: dfulfer in Mineral Wells, TX.Posted: June 28th, 2015 07:06PM
Bought the parts offline for a fair price. got them coming by mid week. What would be a fair price to have a mechanic replace the current shocks and struts with the new ones?
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First time replacing struts - not a very difficult a job for a weekend warrior
Amount: $260.00
Posted by: [email protected] in Woodbridge, VA.Posted: October 24th, 2014 08:10PM
Make: toyotaModel: camry
Shop: my garage
99 Camry needed new struts all around. Went with all in one units by Monroe because I didn't want to mess with compressing the coil springs. The entire job was about 3 - 4 hours.
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4 shocks replaced
Amount: $500.00
Posted by: tubby in scottsdale, AZ.Posted: October 22nd, 2014 12:10PM
Make: 1993 FordModel: F-150
I replaced all 4 shocks with monroe gas magnums(tenneco gas grande)The garage that did the job has a good reputation,but i probably spent too much per shock.I likely could have spent closer to 50.00 per shock instead of 80.00 per shock.Maybe i could`ve gone to a chain center or bought the shocks from a discount supplier and had this shop put them on,i dont know.The truck rides well now though,very firm.Before it was like a covered wagon.And i feel confident the job was done properly.
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Front struts for 06 Acura MDX
Amount: $325.00
Posted by: Foolmeonce in South Bend, IN.Posted: September 12th, 2014 11:09AM
Make: AcuraModel: MDX
Shop: Tims
Dealer quoted $1500 for all 4 struts/shocks ($750 Front; $650 Rear). Shopped it around and found they were way over priced! Used Monroe OESpectrum on fronts (excellent) and rear didn't need to replaced... but may switch to Monroe OES in rear because they are noticeably better performing.
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Front struts, rear shocks
Amount: $775.00
Posted by: C.B. in Huntsville, AL.Posted: September 8th, 2014 07:09AM
Make: HundaiModel: Elantra
Shop: Top Line Tires
Cost is before $77 mail-in rebate
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Front Shocks replaced
Amount: $85.00
Posted by: Peter Munro in Tampa, FL.Posted: August 25th, 2014 02:08PM
Make: 1996 FordModel: Escort 1.9 L4 2 dr hatchback
Really like RockAuto.com. They have wholesaler closeouts average 40% cheaper. 2 Gabriel front shocks $20 apiece + $20 shipping. Bought the spring compressor for $10 at Harbor Freight, worked great. Tips learned: Use vise grips to keep the coil lined up perfectly with the mount when re-assembling. Use a jack stand for safety, but don't lower the car or you won't have enough room to get the assembled strut back in.
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4 NEW SHOCKS
Amount: $275.00
Posted by: scottyji in Seattle, WA.Posted: August 17th, 2014 12:08PM
Make: FORDModel: 2001 EXPLORER XLT
Shop: PepBoys
New Monroe shocks (front and rear) purchased via internet & installed @ PepBoys.
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Shock absorbers
Amount: $1,000.00
Posted by: Robpotts in Coral Springs, FL.Posted: August 2nd, 2014 06:08AM
Shop: Tires Plus
Lexus wanted double. Oil change was given too. Monroe struts were used. 2007 Lexus ES 350 with 140k miles
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rear shocks
Amount: $263.00
Posted by: beckie in Chicago, IL.Posted: June 21st, 2014 06:06AM
Shop: pep boys
2003 Mazda Tribute
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Toyota Land Cruiser 1996 Shocks All Around
Amount: $600.00
Posted by: Duxbury in plymouth, MA.Posted: May 16th, 2014 11:05AM
Make: ToyotaModel: Land Cruiser
Shop: Lou's Exhaust
Bought rear shocks OEM from Toyota cost $112 but the bushings nuts bolts rubber spacers cost another $100 in parts almost more than the shocks. The install was done by my friend at his house for $180 so the total job cost almost $400. The front shocks were done by a mechanic for $160 to front and back total was $600
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Toyota Land Cruiser 1996 Shocks All Around
Amount: $600.00
Posted by: Duxbury in plymouth, MA.Posted: May 16th, 2014 11:05AM
Make: ToyotaModel: Land Cruiser
Shop: Lou's Exhaust
Bought rear shocks OEM from Toyota cost $112 but the bushings nuts bolts rubber spacers cost another $100 in parts almost more than the shocks. The install was done by my friend at his house for $180 so the total job cost almost $400. The front shocks were done by a mechanic for $160 to front and back total was $600
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Shocks and struck, front end.
Amount: $1,016.00
Posted by: Steady in Dallas, TX.Posted: December 23rd, 2013 07:12PM
Shop: Rick Johnson auto
Front end of my Chevy Silverado Texas edition, crew cab, 5.3, 2009
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Shocks replaced
Amount: $1,209.00
Posted by: Barth in Westmont, IL.Posted: November 20th, 2013 02:11PM
Shop: Firestone
Had four echo is replaced on 82 yugo that cost me 1200 bucks. Ouch but didn't put a dime IMO car for last 4 yrs. still runs like a champ.
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Front struts and sway bars
Amount: $300.00
Posted by: girlatv in Stanwood, WA.Posted: August 6th, 2013 11:08PM
Shop: Troy Goodall
Replaced my front struts and sway bars making loud noises over speed bumps he did an excellent job. This included labor.
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Struts changed
Amount: $1,300.00
Posted by: Dumbsinglegirl in San Antonio, TX.Posted: July 14th, 2013 10:07AM
Make: Mazda 2006Model: 6
Shop: Midas
Car had 122000 miles and needed shocks and struts. Front wheel drive. I paid too much based on the other notes in this stream. :(. But the car is great now.
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Front and Rear Struts
Amount: $950.00
Posted by: Faithful in Rockville, MD.Posted: May 30th, 2013 01:05PM
Make: HondaModel: Accord
Shop: Just Tires
Cheaper than some others for 2008 Honda Accord with 107,500 miles
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replacing struts and shocks
Amount: $500.00
Posted by: a user in Santa Monica, CA.Posted: April 3rd, 2013 03:04PM
Make: VWModel: cabrio convertible
Shop: brake master
brake master was recommended by costco tire mgr. The service was high energy friendly, efficient and gave me an appt time (unlike cosco). The manager turns out to be a mechanical engineer who explained everything in detail. I also got an alignment. The company has been around since 1983 but ai was reluctant to go to a chain shop because of horrific experiences at Pep Boys, chain oil change shops (VW dealer once didn't put the plug in after an oil change and all the oil leaked out, e.g., so I am saying these were also dangerous). I highly recommend Brake Master
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REPLACEMENT SHOCKS AND STRUTS
Amount: $1,188.00
Posted by: a user in MEMPHIS, TN.Posted: July 31st, 2012 01:07PM
Make: JEEPModel: COMMANDER
Shop: GATEWAY
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External Resources:
  1.  auto.howstuffworks.com/car-suspension4.htm
  2.  www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/2008-Honda-Accord-EX/Shock-Strut-Front/_/N-jsle9Z8...
  3.  www.autopartswarehouse.com/shop_brands/monroe/shock_absorber.html
  4.  www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Car_Care/DIY/Replacing_Shock_Absorbers.aspx
  5.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw_jewEL86w
  6.  www.automd.com/190/how-to-replace-a-strut-assembly/
  7.  www.aaa.com/scripts/WebObjects.dll/ZipCode.woa/wa/route?stop=yes&
  8.  www.bigotires.com/services-category/suspension-and-front-end
  9.  www.meineke.com/services/steering.aspx
  10.  www.midas.com/Services/SteeringSuspension/tabid/141/Default.aspx
  11.  www.sears.com/automotive-chassis-shocks-suspension-shocks/s-1206807530
  12.  www.ase.com/Landing-Pages/Car-Owners/Find-a-Repair-Shop/Shop-Locator.aspx
  13.  autorepair.iatn.net/
  14.  www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/how-to-find-a-great-car-mechanic/index.htm
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