Do Coil Springs Need To Be Changed When Replacing The Struts?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Do coil need to be changed when replacing the struts? Do coil springs need to be changed when replacing the struts? The answer is no:

if the spring is in a good shape, it can be re-used with the new strut

.

How long do strut coil springs last?

Those variables make it virtually impossible to assign a number of years or miles as a broad stroke, though we would expect shock absorbers (or struts on vehicles with strut-type suspensions that incorporate the shocks into an assembly with springs and other suspension parts) to last

at least four or five years

unless …

When should coil springs be replaced?

How Long Do Coil Springs Last?

There really is no set timeframe at which coil springs expire

. A lot of coils last for the life of a vehicle, while others break down sooner. 2.

When replacing struts What else should be replaced?

Can you reuse strut springs?

Inspect the spring for irregularities or cracks and

if ride height is up to spec then the original spring is probably safe to reuse on a new strut

.

How do I know if my coil springs are worn out?

  1. Worn, smashed or missing jounce bumpers.
  2. Marks on the suspension stop where jounce bumper impacts.
  3. Excessive tire wear.
  4. Compromised handling or ride quality.
  5. Rust or corrosion on the springs.
  6. Inconsistent spring ramp angles or kinks.
  7. Excessive sagging, leaning or swaying (especially when loaded)

Do strut springs wear out?


When the suspension spring starts to wear out, they compresses quite easily meaning the vehicle's suspension will move up and down and feel like it is ‘bouncing' more frequently

. If you notice that your vehicle is bouncing more in normal driving conditions it's a good indication that you may need replacement springs.

Why would you need to replace coil springs?

Coil springs don't need any maintenance, but they might need to be replaced. One reason is

when a coil spring breaks

. A broken coil spring is a safety concern. Not only is your suspension not working as it's supposed to, but a sharp fractured piece of a coil spring can puncture a tire or jam some other part.

How much does it cost to install coil springs?

The average cost for coil spring replacement is

between $565 and $634

. Labor costs are estimated between $237 and $300 while parts are priced between $327 and $334. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

How much does it cost to fix coil springs on a car?

The actual price will vary depending on your vehicle, location, type of spring replaced and whether you need additional services. Labor costs typically range between $133 and $168, while you may spend

$217 to $254

for the parts.

What parts do I need to replace struts?

Strut assemblies include the

strut, spring, spring seat insulator, strut boot, jounce bumper, strut mount, and bearing plate

. If you need to completely replace your strut, a strut assembly can save you a lot of time and money.

Does changing struts affect alignment?

Strut removal & installation potentially changes the position of the tire alignment. Some struts have adjustment slots to perform the alignment with.

All struts affect alignment in some way

so it's best to check the specific vehicle service manual and specifications.

What is the cost of replacing struts?

It usually costs between

$150 to $450 per strut

, depending on your make and model. Usually, both struts need to be replaced at the same time. Your cost for replacing a pair of struts will be between $300 and $900. Strut replacement can take several hours.

Should you replace shocks and springs at the same time?


There's nothing forcing you to replace your front and rear shocks or struts at the same time

. Typically, people do because they all wear down at the same rate. You will need to replace your shocks or struts in pairs, though: the front axle and rear axle need to be replaced at the same time.

How do you remove coil springs from struts?

How do I change a strut spring?

How long do struts last?

On average, if your car has been “babied,” you can expect your shocks/struts to last about

10 years

. If you have really used your car like a workhorse, 5 years is probably all you can expect. This means that for the average driver, 7 or 8 years is the maximum life expectancy of most shocks and struts.

What noise does a broken coil spring make?

If your car has a broken coil spring you'll probably hear

clunking, knocking noises

when you drive over rough or uneven ground. A broken coil causes mis-alignment, meaning your car's suspension angles of travel are altered, causing components to scrape or knock against each other.

Do springs get weaker over time?

How do I know if my shocks are bad or springs?

  1. Instability at highway speeds. …
  2. Vehicle “tips” to one side in turns. …
  3. The front end dives more than expected during hard braking. …
  4. Rear-end squat during acceleration. …
  5. Tires bouncing excessively. …
  6. Unusual tire wear. …
  7. Leaking fluid on the exterior of shocks or struts.

How much does it cost to replace front coil springs?

On average a coil spring repair costs around £220.51 based on WhoCanFixMyCar data. A rear coil replacement can cost on average around £178.76 versus

£234.78

for a front coil spring replacement.

Can I drive with a broken coil spring?


No. It is not recommended

. A damaged or collapsed spring can cause sagging and noise and affect alignment angles. While you can still drive, the ride will be rough and the car will be difficult to control in an emergency.

Is a strut and a shock the same thing?

However,

shocks and struts are two distinct parts with different functions

. While both can help with your vehicle's ride and handling, these parts work in different ways. Shocks are individual components of the suspension system while struts are a major structural component of the chassis and suspension system.

How long does it take to replace struts on a car?

Typically, it takes around

one to two hours

to change struts, according to most professional mechanics. Even if you decide to replace them on your own, the estimated time is the same as long as you have previous mechanical skills and follow the process correctly.

What is the difference between a strut and strut assembly?

What's the difference between these two options? The answer is pretty straightforward: A loaded strut (also known as a quick strut) comes as an assembly with everything pre-installed, including the coil spring, mount, etc. An unloaded strut does not come as an assembly—all you get is the strut itself.

How often do struts need to be replaced?

Cars need regular replacement of shocks or struts

every 50,000 miles

or so, depending on your car's make and model. Have your mechanic make a routine check of the shocks or struts every 50,000 miles, or however often your operating manual recommends it.

Do struts affect steering?

While shocks and struts wear out gradually, your vehicle may give you some signs that there is something wrong with its ride control components.

Worn shocks and struts can have a detrimental effect on steering

, stopping and the stability of your vehicle.

Can you change one strut at a time?

Always replace struts in pairs,

never one at a time

. Replace your struts if you notice any of these issues: They're leaking. A very light film of oil near the top of the strut is OK, but fluid leaking down the side of the strut means it's shot.

What happens if you don't replace your struts?

Are struts worth replacing?


Struts don't need to be replaced unless your vehicle is bouncing like it's on a pogo stick or bottoms out in potholes and over railroad tracks

— or unless a mechanic finds that they're leaking fluid or have been damaged. In some climates, they can also rust.

Are struts in the front or back?

Struts are

typically installed in conjunction with the front wheels, but depending on a vehicle's setup and driveline, they can also be mounted at the rear wheels

. Just as there are different types of cars, there are different types of struts.

Do springs have a lifespan?

How long can spring last?

According to this definition, each season begins on the first of a particular month and lasts for

three months

: Spring begins on March 1, summer on June 1, autumn on September 1, and winter on December 1.

How long do struts last?

On average, if your car has been “babied,” you can expect your shocks/struts to last about

10 years

. If you have really used your car like a workhorse, 5 years is probably all you can expect. This means that for the average driver, 7 or 8 years is the maximum life expectancy of most shocks and struts.

What causes coil springs to break?


Most springs fail due to fatigue

, meaning they have sustained many compression-extension cycles, and the metal becomes brittle and breaks. If the amplitude of these cycles is large, the fatiguing process is accelerated. Cars with continually overloaded trunks are candidates for early spring failure.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.