If you need to replace your car’s shock absorbers but don’t want to pay an expensive mechanic’s fee, you can do so on your own with a little effort. Shocks are essential to a car’s performance, giving it a smooth and even ride.
Can I replace shocks and struts myself?
Strut Replacement
Replacing struts used to be a dangerous job for a DIYer. … But these days you can buy a
complete strut assembly
that eliminates the strut/spring/mount disassembly process. These assemblies allow you to replace both of your front struts yourself in less than two hours.
Can I just replace shocks?
It’s not necessary
, but it’s usually recommended to replace them in pairs, for example, both front struts or both rear shocks. … However, if your car is not very old, replacing only one strut or shock absorber may be enough, since the opposite side is not worn out yet.
How much should it cost to replace shocks?
The cost to replace shocks is going to be slightly less than struts since they are generally not as complicated as struts. The average total cost to replace a pair of shocks will run
about $250 to $580
. An individual shock absorber will cost around $50 to $140 so parts alone will set you back between $100 and $280.
Can you fit shock absorbers yourself?
If you’re considering fitting new shock absorbers yourself, then you need to be
an experienced and competent home mechanic
. … You should do this one side at a time if you’re changing the shocks on both sides. Remove the shock mounting bolts with the correct size socket or wrench.
Will new shocks make ride smoother?
The customer may think that new shocks and struts will simply make their ride smoother, but the truth is that
new shocks and struts can do a whole lot more
. New shocks and struts can make a vehicle corner and brake like when it was new.
Do I have to get an alignment after replacing struts?
However, your vehicle does have adjustable camber settings and so, yes,
the vehicle would have to be aligned if the struts were replaced
. Once new struts are installed, if the alignment is roughly within spec., you can wait until you get your new tires to perform the alignment.
What are the signs of bad front shocks?
- Instability at highway speeds. …
- Vehicle “tips” to one side in turns. …
- The front end dives more than expected during hard braking. …
- Rear-end squat during acceleration. …
- Tires bouncing excessively. …
- Unusual tire wear. …
- Leaking fluid on the exterior of shocks or struts.
How can you tell if your shocks are bad?
Other signs of car shocks and struts in bad condition are
unusual noises over bumps
, excessive body lean or sway in turns, or that the front end of the vehicle dives sharply in hard braking. Bad shocks also can affect steering control and cause uneven tire wear.
Do I need to replace all 4 shocks at once?
Shocks and struts
should always be replaced in pairs (front axle or rear axle)
, and it’s even better to replace the shocks/struts on all four wheels at one time. This helps maintain reliable handling and a consistent response on both sides of the vehicle.
Can I drive with bad shocks?
If your shocks and struts go bad, you
shouldn’t drive your car for long
. Driving with bad shocks and struts is a safety risk because the stability of your vehicle is compromised. You will experience poor handling, excessive body roll, a wobbly steering wheel, and poor traction.
How much does it cost to replace all 4 shocks?
The good news is that in many cases, if you are just looking to replace original manufacturer equipment and maintain the ride your car came with, you will be spending on the lower end of that spectrum, probably
around $250 or less
for equipment to replace all four shocks/struts.
Is suspension expensive to fix?
Typical costs: Replacing a suspension system
can cost $1,000-$5,000 or more
, depending on the type of system and the make, model and year of the vehicle (luxury vehicles typically cost more than standard automobiles).
How much does it cost to replace rear shocks?
On average, replacing rear shocks is going to run you somewhere
between $1,000 and $1,130
. And there is very little wiggle room for those looking for a deal. The parts associated with rear shock replacement come in at right around $900 and make up the bulk of the rear shock replacement cost.
What is the difference between shocks and struts?
Even though they do the same thing, shocks and struts are completely different parts. A shock cannot be used to replace a strut and a strut cannot be used to replace a shock. … The major difference between shocks and struts is that
a strut is a structural part of the vehicles suspension system where a shock is not
.
